Houston Audubon is a leading regional nonprofit and accredited land trust focused on protecting the natural environment for birds and people in the Houston Gulf Coast area. Our commitment to excellence in land conservation, environmental education, community
engagement, and science is foundational to advancing the conservation of birds and their habitats and improving our community for people and other wildlife. We own and manage more than 4,100 acres of habitat, including 17 nature sanctuaries that serve as community assets, venues for quality education and recreation experiences, and collaborative research opportunities.
Position Overview
The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is accountable for the achievement of the
organization's mission, strategy and financial objectives and reports to the Board of Directors
(BOD). The CEO builds and leads the management team, overseeing the departments of Land
Conservation, Development, Education, Outreach and Engagement, and Operations, with 6
direct reports, and 24 staff members. The CEO provides strategic vision and ensures the affairs
of the organization are carried out effectively, in a manner consistent with the mission, values,
policies, and programs as adopted by the Board of Directors.
Annual Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Hours per Week 40
Workplace HAS Headquarters:
440 Wilchester Blvd, Houston, TX 77079
Benefits
- Medical Insurance: 75% of premiums for medical and dental plans
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) up to 3.5% match
- Competitive vacation and sick leave Position Reports To: Board of Directors
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
- Build, lead, inspire and develop a strong management team of directors and staff.
- Execute the Strategic Roadmap to Collaborative Conservation that Benefits
Birds, Wildlife and People in the Houston Gulf Coast Region in collaboration with the
staff and BOD. - Foster a community approach to conservation through strong relationships with other
nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government, community and business
leaders. - Advance Houston Audubon's long-term conservation and outreach goals as well as our
values of strategy, stewardship, inclusion, collaboration, and excellence.
FINANCIAL AND FUNDRAISING
- Lead planning of the annual operating budget including budget development and
monitoring, with the Controller, staff leadership, Finance Committee and BOD. - Ensure sound financial practices, reporting, audit support and monthly financial status
reporting to the BOD. - Oversee grant proposal development and high-level fundraising activities, including
cultivation and recognition of major individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
- Manage the organization, including policies and practices to maintain land trust
accreditation, risks management and insurance, personnel compensation and benefits,
records management, and execution of legal documents. - Promote core pillars and programs, including land conservation, sanctuary
management, bird-friendly communities, community outreach and engagement,
environmental education, conservation advocacy, science and monitoring, facility
operations, volunteers, communication, and fundraising. - Foster a culture of trust, mutual respect, collaboration, fairness and inclusion. Facilitate
communication and collaboration across departments and within programs. - Guide development of biennial action/workplans and lead annual organizational review.
STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Inform the Chair of the Board of Directors regarding the state of the organization and
operations, and together develop the agenda and materials for board meetings. - Ensure the programs and point of view of the organization are effectively articulated to
agencies, organizations, and the general public and serve as the organization's foremost
brand ambassador. Give public presentations and represent the organization at events. - Develop and maintain strategic relationships and collaborations with nonprofit leaders,
public and private stakeholders, community groups and public agencies. - Contribute ideas and themes for strategic marketing and big-picture messaging for
communications and write leading articles for organization publications and reports.
Qualifications and Experience:
- B.S. or B.A. degree; advanced degree in a relevant field preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the mission of conservation
- Seasoned leader with strong record of successful experience in fields relevant to
conservation, stakeholder involvement and management, and/or fundraising - Executive leadership skills to attract, develop and retain a top leadership team; prior
experience in a senior leadership role with supervisory responsibilities - Ability to lead strategically while managing diverse teams in a complex organization
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity within the organization and in external
program delivery, partnerships, and communications - Experience building and maintaining productive external collaborations or partnerships
- Experience overseeing programs to advance land protection like conservation
easements is a plus - Ability to implement a multi-year strategic plan
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
How to apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to with "President &
CEO" in the subject line.
Houston Audubon will accept applications for this position until filled.
Houston Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. 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 fostering and nurturing an organizational culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within our workplace and sanctuaries, and in our work in the community. We believe that the rich blend of ideas, perspectives, and viewpoints that come with diversity are essential to our longterm success. Our values and actions reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion of all as reflected in our hiring practices, team interaction, and outreach and engagement at large.