Sanctuary Director (Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary)

Job Description

Job Description

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today : the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position

Mass Audubon is looking for an experienced and motivated leader to direct Mass Audubon’s programs, properties, and activities at its flagship wildlife sanctuary, Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, Massachusetts. As a 300-acre nature sanctuary with four miles of trails, a nature center, and a working farm with livestock, captive wildlife, and sustainable crops, Drumlin Farm is a regional and state-wide destination and a rich part of the lives of nearby communities. 80,000 people visit the sanctuary annually, and Drumlin Farm offers summer camps, hosts a nature preschool, and runs a robust schedule of children and adult programming reaching an additional 20,000+ participants each year.

The Sanctuary Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and programmatic vision for the sanctuary, leading a multi-disciplinary team focused on visitor services, administration, property and facility maintenance, wildlife care, livestock, and crops management. In addition, the Sanctuary Director works cross-functionally with Marketing, Education, and Conservation departments to develop an approach to delivering and promoting on-site programming and events that expand the experience of all who visit Drumlin Farm and serve as a model for ecological management.

The Sanctuary Director is part of the Mass Audubon leadership team and is responsible for ensuring that the Sanctuary is advancing the organization’s goals and objectives and contributing to the overall vision of the organization. While this position requires strong leadership and management skills, an ideal leader will also be highly creative, collaborative and will explore and engage all parts of the organization to advance the goals of the sanctuary and Mass Audubon as a whole.

The Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Director inspires staff, donors, and volunteers in the community to work together to achieve Mass Audubon’s ambitious goals to engage new audiences, address the effects of climate change, and protect and steward natural habitats. The Sanctuary Director leads, manages, and elevates Drumlin Farm’s potential for inspiring and fostering a love of nature in people of all ages and backgrounds; works closely with the Conservation department to implement innovative habitat restoration projects; mobilizes members of the community to advocate for environmental policies; and ensures that Mass Audubon is inclusive and welcoming so that more people have access and can connect with the joys of nature.

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Provide energetic leadership to advance the sanctuary’s mission and strategic goals, including increasing and diversifying visitation and membership recruitment, managing day-to-day and long-term planning for the farming operation, implementing capital projects, stewarding biodiversity and restoring natural habitat, and expanding community partnerships
• Develop and implement both short and long-term plans for sustainability, growth, and community engagement
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and excellence among staff, volunteers, and visitors
• Promote and engage new and existing partners in the programs and activities offered at Drumlin Farm and in nearby communities
• Champion cross-departmental collaboration to support and advance the goals of Mass Audubon, including the objectives set at Drumlin Farm

Operational Oversight

Program Development and Management

Financial Management

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Staff Development

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications :

Compensation, Benefits and Perks

This position’s pay range is $100,000-$120,000 per year; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts / Cultural / Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule

Full time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities.

Other Requirements

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.