Chief Scientist/Director, Department of Science and Bird Conservation Programs

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Chief Scientist/Director, Department of Science and Bird Conservation Programs
Location: Lincoln, MA

The Chief Scientist/Director, Director of Science and Bird Conservation Programs for Mass Audubon works to advance the organization’s mission by helping to implement strategic goals and objectives relating to science and bird conservation. The incumbent works closely with the Vice President of Conservation Programs and other senior leadership staff, regional, department and sanctuary directors, and serves as a liaison to members of the Board of Directors and Mass Audubon Council as appropriate. The Chief Scientist is a conservation leader who has an important role in shaping strategy, guiding conservation policies and practices while working effectively across organizational lines to accomplish conservation goals and objectives.

In close consultation with the Vice President of Conservation Programs, the Chief Scientist works with land protection, policy and advocacy staff, and with educators and scientists in sanctuaries and field programs, as needed, to help align and gain support for conservation efforts on the ground. The Chief Scientist forges collaborative relationships with governmental, academic and other organizations and institutions to promote Mass Audubon’s strategic goals and priorities and to create effective partnerships and alliances to accomplish common conservation goals and further integrate Mass Audubon’s activities with those of the broader conservation community.

The Chief Scientist, working with Development staff, will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting financial support for current and expanding programs, and has demonstrated success with grant writing.
Direct reports include: the Director of the Important Bird Area Program, the Director of Bird Monitoring, and the Wildlife Information Line staff. The position is responsible for all aspects of the Department’s program development and management, including supervision of staff, development of budgets, and participation in leadership staff meetings as required.

Responsibilities:

1. Acts as Chief Scientist of Mass Audubon, including serving as public spokesperson, as appropriate, on issues of concern to the organization. Provides Mass Audubon with leadership in natural resource management and bird conservation and collaborates with scientific, academic, government agency, and nonprofit communities on Mass Audubon priorities.
2. Guides the organization in identifying and prioritizing bird conservation issues, develops bird conservation research programs, and develops and articulates a bird conservation vision and strategy to help focus Mass Audubon’s efforts and resources.
3. Develops and implements the Science and Bird Conservation Department’s strategic and annual plans through effective leadership and management of staff and other resources. Provides guidance to implementation of metrics and evaluation throughout the organization.
4. Enhances and facilitates the integration of science into Mass Audubon’s operations through effective communication and responsiveness to science information, ecological management, and conservation planning and policy needs. This includes providing meaningful input to the development of policies and guidelines that promote sound ecological management of Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries; managing the long term access, storage and dissemination of digital and other records of Mass Audubon’s biological resources data; and, encouraging external researchers to pursue field research opportunities that address Mass Audubon conservation science priorities.
5. Organizes and promotes the coordination of information and best practice sharing among Mass Audubon science staff through meetings and site visits, and serves as liaison to the Board Science Advisory Committee.
6. Helps to develop citizen science initiatives to engage stakeholders in conservation activities necessary to achieve Mass Audubon’s bird and habitat protection and stewardship goals.
7. Raises funds from public and private sources to support the work of the Department and other needs of Mass Audubon.
8. Hires, supervises and evaluates staff and administers all Department functions including the development and effective management of budgets, projects and grants.
9. Assumes other responsibilities as requested and needed.

Qualifications:

1. Advanced degree (Ph.D. strongly preferred) in natural sciences or ecology, with studies in birds, bird population dynamics and behavior, migration, and/or interactions between birds and people. At least seven years’ experience in natural resource planning, management, and research or related fields required. The position also requires a strong understanding of climate change science and issues.
2. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex and highly decentralized organization.
3. Demonstrated experience and understanding of the role science plays in policy development and conservation of natural resources.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Ability to communicate scientific knowledge to lay people and productively engage others in science-based conservation initiatives.
5. Excellent organizational and management skills; demonstrated ability to coordinate the work of others often in a decentralized setting.
6. Demonstrated success in raising funds from public and private sources.
7. Proven ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people, including other scientists, government officials, landowners, colleagues; ability to productively resolve conflict.
8. Demonstrated ability to develop ecological management plans, design research projects, conduct and interpret data analysis, and present results to scientific and general audiences. Knowledge/experience with Geographic Information Systems and data management programs.
9. Valid driver’s license and ability and willingness to travel throughout the state and region; ability to work independently and travel on foot over uneven terrain; flexibility in working schedule, including availability on nights and weekends.
10. Ability and enthusiasm for leading natural history program walks and trips in varied conditions, including outside the US.
11. Familiarity with northeastern US flora, fauna, natural communities, and conservation policy and management issues strongly preferred, with a major emphasis on avian ecology and bird conservation.

Benefits: Full benefits package.

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Mass Audubon
Attn: Human Resources
208 S Great Rd
Lincoln, MA 01773
hr@massaudubon.org

No phone calls, please.