Senior Coordinator, Volunteers And Education

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center is located at Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary, approximately 20 minutes east of Kearney, NE. The mission of the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary is to conserve and restore the Platte River ecosystem, focusing on cranes, other wildlife, their habitats, and the earth's biological diversity. The nearly 3000-acre sanctuary is located along the Platte River south of Gibbon, Nebraska. Rowe Sanctuary is critical to Audubon's education and conservation initiatives in Nebraska and throughout the Platte River Basin and Great Plains. The Sanctuary welcomes thousands of visitors annually through the annual crane migration and existing education and outreach programs. Several hundred volunteers support visitor and crane season programming, some of whom reside seasonally at Rowe each migration season. Volunteers also assist with other education and outreach efforts and conservation program tasks throughout the remainder of the year. The Sanctuary is well positioned to expand and diversify its current volunteer network, visitation, facility event rental program, educational programming, and outreach onsite and in communities throughout south-central Nebraska.

This is an on-site position based at the Audubon Iain Nicholson Center at Rowe Sanctuary.

Reporting to the Education Manager, the Senior Coordinator, Volunteers & Education leads developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust and diverse volunteer program, supporting the annual crane migration, visitor engagement, outreach, and education, operations, and Rowe's conservation program. They will manage volunteer recruitment and retention, ensure that volunteer opportunities reach non-traditional audiences, and reflect Audubon's EDIB values. They will manage, organize, and implement all volunteer training and enrichment programs throughout the year, including pre-crane season annual training.

Compensation:

$43,000 - $50,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Lead the development, implementation, and management of the Center's volunteer program; ensure volunteers are appropriately trained and volunteer opportunities reach non-traditional audiences, aligning with Audubon's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) values.

• Lead volunteer retention and appreciation; develop and implement year-round training and enrichment activities; provide regular and consistent communication to volunteers throughout the year.

• Work closely with program area leads to identify and schedule volunteer workdays and enrichment programs; ensure all workdays and programs are appropriately staffed and incorporate Audubon Field Safety guidelines.

• Oversee the volunteer application process, including applications and background checks, and ensure all sensitive information of volunteers is secure.

• Manage volunteer scheduling using the Volgistics program and train others needing to utilize Volgistics.

• Oversee and manage volunteer housing at Rowe Sanctuary, ensuring volunteers have safe, equitable, and appropriate facilities. Effectively address any disputes or conflicts among volunteers with grace, empathy, and professionalism. Coordinate with the Operations Manager to address and correct maintenance issues.

• In coordination with other education team members, conduct education and outreach programming and cultivate partnerships with local community groups, businesses, institutions of higher learning, conservation partners, cultural organizations, and others to promote facility rentals, the volunteer program, online gift shop, and the Sanctuary in general.

• Manage on-site logistics of significant events such as fundraising events, board meetings, and special events.

• Work closely with other education team members to expand and implement community outreach and community science programs and projects, especially when volunteers are needed.

• Assist with Center and Sanctuary operations ranging from welcoming visitors to general maintenance to development of signage or outreach materials; provide high-quality customer service to visitors; greet guests, answer questions, monitor crowds, and ensure the safety of visitors and program attendees.

• Partner with Audubon Staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are incorporated into the Center programming, volunteer training and engagement, promotion, educational displays, materials, and interpretative signage throughout the Sanctuary.

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the online gift shop, including, but not limited to, monitoring product inventory, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining accurate sales records.

• Assist with public and private funding opportunities, including writing grant proposals and corporate sponsorships; manage relevant awarded grants and projects and ensure necessary reporting.

• Work closely with other team members to coordinate on-site research projects and maintain necessary records and information.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, environmental science, business administration, facility operations, outdoor recreation, or related field

• A minimum of three years' experience in coordinating volunteers, outreach and engagement, and event planning is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Outstanding organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated project management skills, including managing numerous projects simultaneously and prioritizing critical focus areas.

• Excellent attention to detail, time management, organizational skills, and sound judgment under pressure.

• Capacity to work quickly and effectively with a wide range of people and diverse communities.

• Ability to build relationships, be diplomatic, and exhibit sensitivity and empathy in working with volunteers, the public, community organizations, and others in dynamic organizations and events.

• Proven ability to prepare and deliver presentations to audiences and age groups of different backgrounds in informal and formal settings.

• Experience conducting education programming, including youth and adult education programming.

• Proven ability to prepare proposals, reports, program summaries, newsletter articles, and other documents.

• Experience in building, implementing, and retaining a thriving and diverse volunteer program.

• Experience with gift shops, online retail systems, or similar online programs preferred.

• Experience with measurement and evaluation best practices is strongly preferred.

• Self-motivated and willing to work in a dynamic environment, willing to work evenings and weekends as needed in outdoor settings, including in adverse weather conditions.

• Familiarity with the communities, flora and fauna, communities, and conservation partners of south-central Nebraska and the Platte River basin is strongly preferred.

• A passion for conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and the natural resources of Nebraska and the Great Plains are strongly preferred.

• Self-starter with a strong collaborative work ethic and ability to work independently.

• Ability to think strategically and creatively and build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Comfort with presenting and engaging others in public-speaking public speaking events.

• Ability to transport up to 25 lbs. and lead program and visitor tours for a minimum of 1.5 miles per day on uneven terrain, with or without accommodation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and computer and web-based tools.

• Fluency in Spanish preferred.

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

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