Director, Conservation

Audubon

. Translate Audubon’s Flight Plan into measurable conservation outcomes for birds, habitats, and communities in South Carolina .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeCharleston • South Carolina • United StatesLead💰 $94,993 - $118,741 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in conservation program management, including fundraising, project oversight, and community engagement. Proven ability to lead teams, develop strategic initiatives, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Conservation Program ManagementFundraising And Grants ManagementNatural Resources ManagementProject ManagementTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Conservation BiologyWildlife ManagementBudget ManagementData AnalysisProject DevelopmentCoastal ManagementCommunity ScienceMetrics DevelopmentPolicy AdvocacyEnvironmental Research

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCollaborationCoalition-BuildingCommunication SkillsPublic Speaking

Tools & Technologies

Office Productivity SoftwareWorkplace Technology

Industry Keywords

Conservation IssuesClimate AdaptationSustainable ForestryRestorationAfforestationMarsh MigrationCoastal ResilienceCommunity EngagementStakeholder ManagementEnvironmental Policy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Translate Audubon’s Flight Plan into measurable conservation outcomes for birds, habitats, and communities in South Carolina
Oversee coastal resilience, coastal restoration, community science, research, community building, and engagement programs
Collaborate with leadership peers to shape policy priorities and working lands strategies
Collaborate across Audubon’s hemispheric network to advance shared Flight Plan goals
Partner with Grants, Development, and Finance colleagues to secure, sustain, and manage public and private conservation funding
Set an ambitious and measurable conservation vision and lead selected strategies, priorities, and implementation plans
Anticipate emerging conservation threats and opportunities and adapt priorities and strategies
Build and sustain relationships with NGOs, academic institutions, corporations, communities, and natural resource agencies
Develop and manage conservation program budgets, align funding and staffing, monitor spending and funding gaps, and recommend adjustments
Plan, develop, and implement projects protecting indicator species and habitats
Provide strategic oversight of Coastal Resilience and Coastal Stewardship programs
Direct research project selection and design and oversee analysis of data from staff, partners, and community scientists
Oversee community science and research efforts
Partner with Silver Bluff Sanctuary and Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary on conservation programs and statewide alignment
Oversee the Community Building Program Manager and strategies to expand and engage Audubon’s supporter base
Collaborate with the Policy Director on policy priorities, advocacy, conservation science, testimony, and strategic guidance
Ensure Audubon’s Conservation Principles are embedded in South Carolina work and partnerships
Represent South Carolina’s conservation vision with media, lawmakers, regulators, donors, funders, and internal stakeholders
Lead conservation fundraising, donor cultivation, public and private funding opportunities, proposals, and funded projects
Manage, coach, and mentor direct reports; build an inclusive, collaborative team
Evaluate and report conservation outcomes using narrative and quantitative measures tied to Flight Plan goals
Foster a culture of safety and ensure appropriate safety practices in fieldwork and program delivery
Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required in conservation biology, wildlife management, forestry, natural resources, avian ecology, ornithology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
At least 10 years of experience in natural resources management, biology, or related environmental or conservation work
At least 3 years of management experience, specifically leading professional teams
Understanding of significant conservation issues in South Carolina, including climate adaptation and resiliency, sustainable forestry and agriculture, afforestation, restoration, coastal management, and marsh migration
Demonstrated record in fundraising and grants management, project management, and overseeing complex or multiple projects
Experience managing budgets, developing and reporting metrics, meeting project deadlines, and coordinating key staff and partners
Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, collaboration, and coalition-building ability
Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences
Public speaking experience
Ability to manage and implement strategies tailored to varying geographic and political contexts and audiences
Proficiency with standard office productivity software and workplace technology
Ability to review, analyze, and synthesize information from varied formats and sources
Flexible schedule with ability to work nights and weekends as needed
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work arrangement
Equal opportunity and inclusive, accessible hiring process