Vice President, Futures Initiative

Role Overview

• Serve as Audubon’s point person for scanning emerging conservation trends, scientific findings, and technologies and to identify high-potential opportunities that expand Audubon's current portfolio and maximize Audubon's long-term conservation impact and sector leadership
• Develop and maintain a situation analysis that evaluates Audubon's current portfolio and capabilities alongside emerging external opportunities and threats
• Provide a rigorous evidence base that informs Audubon's next strategic plan, ensuring it is grounded in both internal capacity and external foresight extending 20+ years
• Leveraging their existing networks and subject matter expertise at the intersection of hemispheric conservation, science, and technology, explore specific opportunities including but not limited to connecting Audubon's existing work in bioacoustics with natural climate solutions (NCS)
• Engage Audubon in ongoing efforts to address transparency, consistency, and scientific rigor in NCS credits through research and science-based solutions
• In partnership with conservation teams across Audubon, deploy pilot projects to rapidly test and evaluate assumptions, so that projects and programs can be adaptively managed and scaled year over year
• Identify and cultivate new (to Audubon) funding sources and mechanisms in partnership with the Development team, connecting conservation innovation to philanthropic and market opportunities
• Develop and manage the initiative's budget, ensuring responsible resource allocation aligned with strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive, professional experience advancing innovative conservation solutions
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a conservation-related field
• Professional reputation as a thought leader at the intersection of science, technology, and conservation delivery
• A record of publication is strongly preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the conservation sector outside the United States, preferably Central or South America, with private, government, or non-governmental organizations
• Fundraising experience, with significant success raising funds from sources outside traditional philanthropy
• Must have an enthusiasm for fundraising and a proactive willingness to be deeply engaged in development efforts
• Exceptional skills as a team player, with a proven ability to develop and maintain highly effective working relationships across large, matrixed organizations
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex projects, coordinating efforts, and fostering collaboration among a wide range of partners
• Strong public presence, with excellent communication and storytelling skills, and the experience and confidence to serve as an effective, outgoing spokesperson for Audubon in its communities of interest
• Experience maintaining and fostering a culture of safety
• Commitment to Audon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunities for professional development