Community Conservation Manager

Community Conservation Manager

Denver Audubon

Denver Metro

Nonprofit, Full-time, Programs/Services, $25 - $28/hr

About Denver Audubon

Founded in 1969, Denver Audubon is an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society and a leading conservation and education organization serving the metro Denver region. Our mission is to inspire actions that protect birds, wildlife, and habitats through education, conservation, and research.

We connect people to nature through community science, advocacy, education programs, field experiences, and conservation initiatives across the Front Range. We believe that when people feel connected to the natural world, they are inspired to protect it.

Position Overview

The Community Conservation Manager is a strategic leader, applied researcher, and public-facing ambassador who advances Denver Audubon's conservation impact across the Front Range.

This role sits at the intersection of science, community engagement, and conservation action. The Manager will lead the development of a community-centered conservation strategy grounded in data, partnerships, and public participation.

This position is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable:

• Building partnerships and representing the organization publicly
• Translating science into community action
• Designing and advancing applied research and monitoring initiatives

Key Areas of Leadership

Community-Centered Conservation Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of Denver Audubon's community conservation strategy, aligned with regional priorities and organizational goals
• Build and steward partnerships with public agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, and community stakeholders

Applied Research & Conservation Science

• Design and advance applied research and monitoring initiatives that inform conservation action
• Establish baseline data and track trends in bird populations and habitat health
• Lead the development of a Denver Audubon Conservation Roadmap, identifying priority species, habitats, and strategies
• Oversee and expand research efforts such as bird banding, migration monitoring, and emerging partnerships

Community Science & Public Engagement

• Support Community Science and Volunteer Manager with community science programs including Christmas Bird Count, Great Backyard Bird Count, Climate Watch, BioBlitzes, and migration monitoring
• Translate scientific findings into compelling public-facing content and experiences
• Support campaigns such as Lights Out and Habitat Heroes through local implementation

Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Storytelling

• Partner with education, communications, and development teams to integrate conservation into programs and messaging
• Contribute to grant development by articulating conservation priorities, outcomes, and impact
• Help tell the story of Denver Audubon's conservation work in ways that inspire participation and investment

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent Denver Audubon in a professional, inclusive, and engaging manner
• Participate in organizational events, programs, and fundraising initiatives
• Maintain compliance with all relevant permits and regulatory requirements (e.g., USFWS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
• Support internal planning and contribute to organizational strategy

Qualifications

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet every qualification. If you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Required / Preferred Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, education, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience leading or contributing to conservation, research, or community-based initiatives
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively across organizations
• Ability to translate scientific concepts into accessible, engaging messaging
• Because meaningful community engagement is central to this role, Spanish-language fluency or bilingual communication skills are strongly preferred and may qualify candidates for additional compensation consideration.

Additional Strengths

• Experience with community science programs or volunteer engagement
• Familiarity with bird conservation, ecology, or wildlife research
• Grant writing or fundraising collaboration experience
• Comfort working in both field and public-facing environments

Work Environment and Schedule

• Flexible schedule aligned with program and seasonal needs
• Some early mornings, evenings, and weekends required
• Local travel throughout the Denver metro region and Front Range

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $25 - $28/hr

Benefits include:

• Employer-sponsored healthcare plan
• Unlimited PTO for full-time staff
• 9 paid holidays + 5 floating holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Flexible scheduling
• Opportunity to shape and grow a high-impact conservation program

How to Apply

Please submit your application by June 15, 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis as they are received, so early submission is encouraged.

Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly request no phone calls or phone inquiries. Please note that we are only able to contact candidates who are selected to advance to the interview stage. Thank you for your understanding and interest in Denver Audubon!

Submit resume and letter of interest to: Nicole Bopp, Executive Director View email address on click.appcast.io