CEO/President

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. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP  

• Build, lead, inspire and develop a strong management team of directors and staff.

• Execute the 2024-2034 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