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Conservation Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audubon

Senior Director, Conservation

Sacramento, CA

$153K - $171K/yr

The Senior Director of Conservation will engage with members of conservation milestone and initiative teams across Audubon to align priorities and implement collaborative conservation initiatives ...

Audubon

Senior Director, Conservation

Oakland, CA

$153K - $171K/yr

The Senior Director of Conservation will engage with members of conservation milestone and initiative teams across Audubon to align priorities and implement collaborative conservation initiatives ...

Nature

WY Director of Conservation Programs

Lander, WY · On-site +1

The Director of Conservation Programs disseminates best practices, provides training and analyses to best implement organizational measures of success, and develop key partnerships with public ...

The Nature Conservancy

The Director of Conservation Programs disseminates best practices, provides training and analyses to best implement organizational measures of success, and develop key partnerships with public ...

Pheasants Forever

$46K - $66K/yr

Self-motivated and able to work independently without direct supervision. * Knowledge or the ... Knowledge of conservation program offerings, including USDA Farm Bill Programs, as well as state ...

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Conservation Director information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conservation Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Director, you need expertise in environmental science, natural resource management, and policy, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, project management tools, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital for effectively leading conservation initiatives, securing funding, and building partnerships that drive impactful environmental outcomes.

What is the difference between Conservation Director vs Conservation Coordinator?

AspectConservation DirectorConservation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field; experience in conservation projectsSimilar educational background; entry to mid-level experience in conservation efforts
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing programs, managing teams, liaising with stakeholdersImplementing projects, coordinating activities, supporting fieldwork
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, environmental organizationsNonprofits, community groups, government agencies

The Conservation Director focuses on strategic leadership, program development, and managing teams, while the Conservation Coordinator handles on-the-ground project implementation and coordination. Both roles require relevant environmental credentials and work within similar organizations, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some of the common challenges Conservation Directors face when balancing ecological goals with organizational priorities?

Conservation Directors often need to navigate competing interests between ecological preservation, budget constraints, and organizational objectives. Balancing long-term conservation goals with the immediate needs of stakeholders—such as donors, board members, and community partners—can be challenging. Success in this role relies on strong communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills to align diverse interests while advancing conservation outcomes. Collaboration with scientists, policy-makers, and local communities is also key to developing effective, sustainable strategies.

What does a Conservation Director do?

A Conservation Director is responsible for overseeing and managing conservation programs, projects, and policies to protect natural resources and biodiversity. They develop and implement strategies to conserve land, water, wildlife, or habitats, often working for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or environmental groups. Their duties typically include supervising staff, collaborating with stakeholders, securing funding, and advocating for conservation initiatives. Conservation Directors also monitor the effectiveness of programs and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
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Conservation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution.
Senior Director, Conservation

Senior Director, Conservation

National Audubon Society

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$153K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Audubon
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Position Summary:
Audubon's works across California to implement innovative conservation strategies in partnership and collaboration with government agencies, landowners, tribes, non-profits, and communities across California.
Reporting to the Vice President, California, the Senior Director of Conservation will design and lead the implementation of conservation objectives in the state, manage the conservation and science team, and track conservation outcomes and measures of success. They will develop funding relationships with and proposals to foundations, corporations, agencies, and individuals. The Senior Director of Conservation will engage with members of conservation milestone and initiative teams across Audubon to align priorities and implement collaborative conservation initiatives across the Americas.
This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon's "Where We Work" Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee's choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's offices in either our Oakland or Sacramento offices.
Only applications submitted with a cover letter will be considered.
Compensation:
Salary range based on geo-differentials:
  • $137,000 - $155,000 / year = Albany, NY; Anchorage, AK; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Palm Desert, CA; Roseville, MN; Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC
  • $153,000 - $171,000 / year = New York, NY; SF/Oakland, CA

Additional Job Description
Essential Functions:
  • Oversee and manage California's conservation and science programs (Working Lands, Coasts, Deserts and Salton Sea, Community Building, Geospatial Science), working to sustainably increase their scope and scale.
  • In collaboration with the Vice President, develop and implement conservation strategies for the benefit of birds in California and across the Pacific Flyway, including setting short-and long-term goals in collaboration with the conservation team and ensuring program directors and managers integrate and report annual progress towards goals.
  • In collaboration with staff in California and across Audubon, design, and direct California's conservation programs to fully align with Audubon's strategic plan, maximizing Audubon's impact by integrating work across the full suite of Audubon's science, conservation, policy, community building, and development teams. Represent and advocate for California's work both internally and externally.
  • Further Audubon's reputation by developing and maintaining partnerships and coalitions with federal, state, and municipal agencies, NGOs, and local communities involved in protecting, enhancing, and restoring habitats and birds at critical sites. Identify opportunities to partner with Audubon chapters where appropriate.
  • Supervise conservation staff, including setting annual objectives and priorities, conducting performance evaluations, and providing leadership and mentorship. Hire and supervise seasonal volunteer staff as needed.
  • Work with the communications teams in California and nationally to seek opportunities to raise the profile work in California by disseminating information about birds and our conservation efforts to a broad audience through various media channels.
  • In consultation with the Vice President, support annual and mid-year budget reviews, keep conservation program budgets on target, and proactively identify issues and solutions.
  • Support the Vice President with development activities, including solicitation of gifts and prospect development. Specific activities may include but are not limited to, leading bird walks and giving presentations to public commissions and existing and prospective donors.
  • Research and secure public and private funding opportunities to support conservation programs.
  • Build and support the team's capacity to provide technical expertise related to birds and habitats in California and beyond to internal and external audiences and partners.
  • Serve as a spokesperson in all forms of media related to birds and conservation issues across California.
  • Collaborate closely with the California policy team to identify legislative needs, support advocacy efforts, and address emerging issues.
  • Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
  • Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • 10 plus years of experience in natural resources, focusing on landscape conservation design and implementation, including at least three years of management experience leading high-performing teams.
  • Advanced degree in ornithology, avian ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management, hydrology, wetland ecology, or a related field preferred; An equivalent experience will be considered instead of education.
  • Familiarity with California conservation, policy, agencies, tribes, and NGOs is preferred. Familiarity with the birds and habitats across California is desirable.
  • Fundraising experience, specifically from public agencies and foundations and in conservation and experience working with individual donors.
  • Experience applying the best available science and other information to achieving outcomes and influencing state and federal policies.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to translate science and policy for diverse audiences. Must have public speaking experience, and the ability to effectively represent Audubon to members, elected officials, donors, and chapters, as well as in traditional and social media.
  • Ability to exercise a high level of diplomacy, balance and flexibility when dealing with various personalities and sensitive situations to develop cohesive solutions and negotiate successful outcomes.
  • Passion for Audubon's vision and solidly grounded in conservation issues to effectively manage challenges, identify important issues, and covey conservation priorities to a wide audience.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, and committed to cultivating a culture of philanthropy.
  • Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
  • Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for key meetings with staff, funders, and other important stakeholders to help advance the project.
  • Must be self-motivated and able to work in a flexible, nonstructured environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and social skills with a positive attitude.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, working knowledge of GIS technology preferred.
  • Candidate must be willing to travel frequently within California and nationally and be comfortable working evenings and weekends as the job demands.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions, and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation. Ability to carry field equipment, with or without accommodation.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.
Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments.
Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future.
Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources, incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding.
Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding, managing, and supporting organizational or systemic transformations, including considering diverse needs and perspectives.
Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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