Executive Director

About Erie Bird Observatory

The Erie Bird Observatory (EBO) fosters enthusiasm for birds and conservation through ornithological research and public engagement. Founded in 2018 by three women dedicated to avian conservation, EBO is based in Erie, Pennsylvania, and conducts monitoring and research on birds in northwestern Pennsylvania. Core monitoring programs include running a migration banding station, daily observations of nesting Piping Plovers and Common Terns, and surveying marsh breeding birds. Outreach and education efforts include welcoming visitors to the banding station, a monthly newsletter, frequent social media posts, monitoring for window strikes in downtown Erie during migration, offering free bird walks, and more. Erie Bird Observatory has undergone strong and continuing growth since its inception in 2018; the annual budget has quadrupled over six years.

Position Summary

EBO is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization to continued growth and impact, building upon the strong foundation that has been laid to date. The Executive Director should be passionate about wildlife conservation, birding, and forging relationships between birds and people to foster a sense of stewardship and drive conservation efforts. We are seeking a candidate with vision and ambition to take the organization to the next level.

The Executive Director will be responsible for:

• Ensuring that the organization is managed effectively to achieve its mission.
• Direction of all aspects of day-to-day operations and administrative oversight, including staffing and project management, fundraising, grant writing, budget management, public relations and communications.
• Working with the Board of Directors to oversee strategic growth and developing new programs to reach diverse audiences to advance EBO’s mission.

Day-to-day Responsibilities

• Direct, manage, and recruit staff and volunteers.
• Develop revenue streams from events, including a birding festival.
• Manage all fundraising and membership activities.
• Donor relations: develop benefits for supporters such as invitations to events and small premiums. Cultivate supporters to become more involved as donors and volunteers.
• Manage communications, publicity, and newsletter activities for supporters and the community.
• Develop and oversee education programs and outreach events.
• Work closely with and steward the Board of Directors: Work with the Board to ensure that different skills and abilities are represented among the members, and that they are engaged and contributing to the mission of EBO.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field required, Master’s Degree preferred, in business or public administration, natural resource management, or comparable experiences. 
• Minimum of 3 years work experience in a management or administrative position, preferably including staff supervision, grant management, and fundraising experience.
• Knowledgeable about bird conservation issues in order to prioritize strategic actions and to work effectively with partner organizations such as state agencies, representing EBO as an authority on these issues. Previous educational or work history in wildlife conservation and/or strong birding skills preferred. 
• Experience developing relationships with donors.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with grant writing.
• Technologically savvy; experienced with or able to learn online communications and fundraising platforms and integrations (e.g., MailChimp, Facebook, Instagram, donor management software, Quickbooks Online, and basic website design and management).

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range $60,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience. 
• Benefits package in development and will be provided within a year of hire. Stipend to cover health insurance available for the first year.

Hours/Schedule

This position is an exempt, full-time position with hours varying depending on time of year and program demands. Evening and weekend hours may be required at times.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter detailing your qualifications, your resume, and the names and contact information of three references to: edsearch@eriebirdobservatory.org