Senior Program Manager, Salton Sea

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 ubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

The Senior Salton Sea Program Manager will support the Southern California Program Director in managing and growing the Salton Sea program in alignment with Audubon's strategic plan. The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading science-based inquiry and strategy to engage multiple partners, community members, and other interested parties in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys on advancing habitat protection for birds and communities at the Salton Sea.

The Senior Program Manager will lead the programs' operations, including but not limited to advocacy, science, education, community engagement, and volunteer coordination support. This position will supervise staff, fellows, and interns on fieldwork, community bird walks and events, and habitat restoration efforts.

The Senior Program Manager will work closely with the Southern California Program Director, the Senior Conservation Director, and other conservation and policy staff to align the Salton Sea program objectives with Audubon’s conservation and policy priorities and participate in the overall California Desert program as time allows. Additionally, the Senior Program Manager will coordinate as needed with Audubon’s Western Water and Saline Lakes teams.

The Senior Program Manager will lead science and habitat restoration projects, and guide policy, engagement, and advocacy strategies within the program. They will serve as a spokesperson for the Salton Sea program with members of the press, stakeholders, and local political representatives.

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 office in Palm Desert, CA.

$85,600 - $96,300 / year

• Responsible for managing and evaluating program goals and objectives related to the Salton Sea program and incorporating quarterly goals and metrics into Audubon’s tracking systems. In collaboration with the Director, provide regular updates towards plans and execution of programmatic goals.
• Oversee implementation and protection of habitat restoration and enhancement for birds in Coachella and Imperial Valley communities.
• Coordinate advocacy for the protection of wetland habitats and the implementation of the Salton Sea Management Plan (SSP)
• Execute and track short-term operational plans and activities that align with the Salton Sea program goals.
• Supervise the completion of the $2.0M Bombay Beach Community Access project design that aims to protect and enhance over 800 acres of habitat at the Salton Sea while providing public access infrastructure,
• Identify and lead new habitat restoration and avian science projects around the Salton Sea region.
• Represent Audubon with stakeholder groups, coalition calls, and to local and state officials.
• Supervise the Education Coordinator, interns, and volunteer collaborators.
• Manage quarterly bird surveys and communicate results to funders and partners.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organization, including those working on issues pertaining to Saline…