Job Description
NYC Bird Alliance seeks a Public Programs Manager to coordinate and
oversee educational and outreach events that engage New Yorkers
with birding and conservation. The ideal candidate will have a
background in environmental education or conservation, a passion for
getting others interested in nature and wildlife, and an aptitude for
program strategy and project management. This is an exciting
opportunity to have an impact with one of the City’s leading
conservation organizations, at a time when interest in birds and nature
is on the rise.
About NYC Bird Alliance
Founded in 1979 as NYC Audubon, NYC Bird Alliance works for the
protection of wild birds and habitat in the five boroughs, improving the
quality of life for all New Yorkers. Our conservation and science
activities, education and public programs, and advocacy and outreach
efforts on behalf of birds and wildlife are more critical than ever due to
climate change, a biodiversity crisis, and habitat loss.
A local, independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, NYC Bird
Alliance serves a diverse community of 10,000 members and tens of
thousands of program participants. Our team of 15 core staff is
supported by dozens of seasonal scientists and environmental
educators, hundreds of advocates, and thousands of volunteers. It is an
exciting time for the organization: in June 2024 we changed our name
to better represent what we do, and to be more inclusive and
welcoming to all New Yorkers. (More about our name change at
nycbirdalliance.org/name)
About the Position
The Public Programs Manager plays an essential role in shaping how
New Yorkers engage with birds, birding, and conservation. Reporting to
the Director of Advocacy and Engagement and working closely with
other programs and communications staff, the Public Programs
Manager has primary responsibility for creating and coordinating
programs that engage tens of thousands of New Yorkers in enjoying
birds and nature through include hundreds of bird outings, classes and
workshops, participation in public festivals, and our newest initiative,
NYCHA in Nature with residents of the City’s public housing.
As a member of a small, dynamic team, the Public Programs Manager
manages all components of NYC Bird Alliance public programs from
program strategy and development to event execution and logistics..
The Public Programs Manager will also play a key role in the
organization’s efforts to engage audiences not traditionally welcomed
into birding and conservation.
NYC Bird Alliance - Public Programs Manager (Summer 2024) 1
Primary Responsibilities
● Plan, schedule, and oversee hundreds of programs annually
● Research and develop new public programming and outreach, including
opportunities to engage communities of New Yorkers that have not
traditionally been invited to enjoy birds and nature.
● Manage roster of bird guides and naturalists including identifying and training
new guides, managing contracts, and scheduling programs.
● Develop and maintain relationships and programs with parks conservancies,
education, and nature-focused organizations.
● Coordinate and staff outreach events and festivals, including tabling at
community events and producing wildlife-themed festivals.
● Analyze program metrics; evaluate initiatives and provide recommendations
for future programs.
Additional Responsibilities
● Support the board of director’s Public Programs committee.
● Recruit, train, and manage volunteers as needed for public programs.
● Plan and track program budgets including both revenue and expenses.
● Maintain event listings and registration pages on the organization's website
and calendar.
● Partner with communications staff on promotion of events and programs.
Qualifications
Essential Skills & Experience
● At least 4 years of professional history, with experience planning and
coordinating education programs and events
● Experience working with the public, and strong customer service skills
● Strong written communication skills
● Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to proactively build and maintain
strong internal and external partnerships
● Exceptional project management skills, with ability to coordinate multiple
programs simultaneously and maintain attention to detail.
● Excellent time management, with ability to juggle priorities for short and long
term assignments.
● Comfort managing consultants, freelance contractors, and volunteers.
Additional Requirements
● Ability to travel to and work across all five boroughs
● Demonstrated interest in environmental education and passionate about
making a difference in environmental justice communities
● Comfort working effectively with people of varied backgrounds, and
commitment to proactively engaging diverse audiences with different types
of programs and outreach
● Proficiency with Microsoft 365/Office, Google Suite, and Zoom required;
experience with CRM and event-management tools a plus