Starting Salary Range: Very competitive, based on experience
Hours/Benefits: Full time with excellent benefits
Reports to: President and CEO
Position: Open until filled; ongoing review of applications
The Organization PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO), based in Petaluma, California, is a growing and internationally renowned nonprofit with over 120 staff and seasonal scientists. PRBO advances conservation through bird and ecosystem research as well as science outreach, from Alaska to Antarctica, on land and at sea.
Working in partnership with wildlife and habitat management agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and private interests, PRBO is helping to ensure that every dollar invested in conservation yields the most for biodiversity - benefiting our environment, our economy and our communities.
PRBO has tripled in size over the past 12 years in response to the ever–increasing demand for sound science to assess and guide conservation investments. PRBO’s fiscal year 2010-2011 budget is $7.3 million.
Our vision is to reduce negative impacts of changes in land-use, climate and the ocean on birds and ecosystems. PRBO is a leader in avian and ecosystem data, analysis and applications, advancing conservation effectiveness globally. To achieve our ambitious goals, we must increase our fundraising capacity and success, especially in unrestricted giving. Half of PRBO’s $7.3 million budget is secured primarily through contracts with public natural resource management agencies. The other half, we secure through individual, foundation, corporate and membership giving. PRBO’s development goals include significantly increasing annual programmatic and unrestricted income, growing and cultivating new major donors, growing PRBO’s reserve and endowment funds, and developing a unified marketing program, including social media, for targeted audiences. To achieve these goals, we are working to expand, grow, and cultivate our pool of potential major donors, meet personally with all PRBO members and expand foundation outreach.
The Opportunity
PRBO seeks a highly accomplished development professional to join its senior management team as Chief Development Officer. Successful candidates will possess a record of significant and consistent fundraising success and demonstrated leadership in growing major gifts, planned giving, membership and marketing programs for a similar-sized or larger organization. S/he will lead the planning, development and implementation of diversified fundraising and related marketing strategies to achieve PRBO’s vision and goals.
The successful candidate will have expertise in designing and implementing major gifts programs, and managing a team to secure foundation, corporate, and/or government grants, as well as membership development, marketing and events management. S/he should be able to demonstrate a history of positive and nurturing working relations with board members, major donors, foundation representatives and staff. The successful candidate should also have the ability to assess and guide the implementation and use of cutting edge information technologies and social media to advance PRBO’s development strategies and goals. The CDO reports to and works in close partnership with the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). S/he oversees the Development staff and works closely with the Board of Directors, staff management team, science leadership staff and others.
There are currently four direct reports to the CDO: Director of Program Development, Director of Individual Giving, Membership and Events Manager, and Development & Events Coordinator. The CDO will have a demonstrated commitment to the highest levels of integrity and excellence, reflective of the core values so essential to PRBO’s science and outreach.
Job Responsibilities
Summary: The CDO is responsible for the implementation and management of a diversified fund development program including individual giving, foundation relations, corporate and government agency proposal development and solicitation, membership development, marketing, and special events.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive, multi-year Fund Development and Marketing Plan as well as annual plans and goals, working with the Development team, the CEO, the Board of Directors as well as other PRBO staff.
Direct and participate in major donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Develop and grow PRBO’s membership and planned giving programs.
Increase unrestricted annual funds.
Develop and implement a major campaign to build reserve and endowment funds.
Ensure maintenance of, and regular contributions to, a computerized data base of donors, including donor histories, reporting, solicitation and acknowledgment of gifts.
Regularly assess the adequacy of the development database and systems, and oversee appropriate upgrades and changes.
Supervise the Development team, including the Director of Program Development, Director of Individual Giving, the Membership & Events Manager, and the Development & Events Coordinator as well as other development staff and volunteers.
Coordinate and manage the Development Committee of the Board of Directors to identify and coordinate development opportunities; work in close partnership with the Development Committee Chair and other board members in partnership with the President and CEO.
Ensure regular, highest-quality communications with Board members, other major donors, members, foundations, government agencies and other supporters to consistently reflect the quality and excellence of PRBO’s science.
Develop and implement annual Development budget as part of annual organization-wide process.
Oversee planning and implementation of donor events including donor recognition and appreciation events.
Attend PRBO events, PRBO field sites, and meet with science and outreach staff on a regular basis.
Attend community networking events on behalf of PRBO Conservation Science when needed and/or as requested by the CEO.
Perform other functions as requested by the CEO.
Qualifications
Passion for conservation and the natural world.
Success in personally securing multiple major gifts ($100,000+) from individuals, foundations and corporations.
B.A. in science-related field or equivalent experience; (advanced degree preferred.)
A minimum of 15 years’ experience in similar roles of increasing responsibility and leadership for non-profit organizations.
Proven success in developing and implementing a comprehensive giving program including major gifts, annual giving, events, grants and membership.
Ability to translate complex scientific concepts to motivate and inspire donors.
Enjoys being with, learning about and learning from people.
Demonstrated track record of cultivating and stewarding donors and proven ability to increase donor investments over time.
Excellent communications skills including verbal, writing and presentation skills; experience in public speaking and promotional writing.
Outstanding listening skills.
Clear aptitude for strategic thinking and planning.
Excellent attention to detail while also able to see and communicate the big picture.
Highly self-motivated and independent yet a consummate team player.
Able to facilitate inclusive and participatory engagement of staff, board, donors and partners in development and organizational strategies.
Proven ability to manage and retain a high performing team of development professionals.
Knowledge of conservation community a plus.
In-depth understanding of and experience with fundraising database programs.
Thrives in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to laugh with others and at oneself.
PRBO Mission Statement PRBO Conservation Science is dedicated to conserving birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through innovative scientific research and outreach.
Application Process Leyna Bernstein Consulting, a Bay Area consulting firm specializing in leadership change, is conducting this search on behalf of PRBO Conservation Science. Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to leyna@leynabernstein.com. Please include "PRBO CDO Search" in the subject line.
Job Announcement:San Joaquin Valley Avian Conservation Scientist
Employment Length: One year position beginning fall 2010, with potential to extend
Hours/Benefits: Full time with competitive benefits
Application deadline: 08/06/2010 or until filled
Background and Position Summary:
In the San Joaquin Valley, over 95% of the historic riparian areas and wetlands have been lost. Yet with implementation of a restoration settlement pressing and the commitment of a multitude of resource agencies, conservation organizations and individuals, there exists great promise to restore some of the region’s ecological integrity, while also sustaining the regions vital agricultural economy. To guide restoration activities for maximum benefit to migratory bird populations and to better understand how to improve management actions and conservation strategies for aquatic and riparian birds in the San Joaquin region, priority research, monitoring, and ecological modeling projects identified through PRBO, the Central Valley Joint Venture, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership need to be advanced.
PRBO’s San Joaquin Valley Avian Conservation Scientist (hereafter Conservation Scientist) will provide scientific leadership in the restoration of the San Joaquin River and associated habitats for migratory and resident birds. The Conservation Scientist will be one of PRBO’s primary representatives for research, monitoring, and collaborative conservation efforts in the region. Responsibilities of this position include: 1) collaborating with PRBO and partner organizations to determine priority conservation needs for resident and migratory birds in the San Joaquin, 2) designing and implementing monitoring and research projects to inform migratory bird conservation, and 3) ensuring that PRBO science is shared with other researchers, conservation stakeholders, and are integrated into conservation planning and implementation efforts.
The successful candidate must be able to take independent initiative to build and maintain a strong research and conservation program while also facilitating highly effective collaborative relationships with key partners. She/he must have a strong background in avian ecology, including quantitative skills and field experience with birds. PhD or MS preferred, but BS with a highly impressive foundation of applicable work experience will also be considered.
Responsibilities
Building a collaborative conservation program - The Conservation Scientist will be responsible for maintaining and building solid, trusted working relationships and collaborations with key partners throughout the region. This position is supported through the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership (MBCP) in which PRBO is working closely with The Nature Conservancy and Audubon California to pursue a shared ten-year vision to protect, restore, and enhance priority conservation areas for migratory birds in California. Close coordination with MBCP staff in those organizations will be essential. Other priority partners and partnerships to actively engage include the San Joaquin River Partnership, US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, River Partners, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Grasslands Water District, Tulare Basin Wildlife Partners, the Central Valley Joint Venture, local universities, and others. The Conservation Scientist will be expected to live in the San Joaquin Valley and travel to represent PRBO at meetings with partners throughout the region (e.g., Sacramento, Davis, Chico, Fresno, and Petaluma).
Project design, management and coordination - The Conservation Scientist will help identify and initiate research and monitoring projects relevant to conservation of migratory birds primarily in the San Joaquin Basin of the Central Valley of California. For those projects, this position will help lead project design (site selection, sampling, determination of appropriate metrics), implementation (set-up and data collection), management (people and data), and coordination (within PRBO and with partners).
Data management, analysis, synthesis, and publication - The Conservation Scientist will help ensure that project and program level data (PRBO has been collecting data in the San Joaquin for over 10 years) are centralized, synthesized, and communicated in the most effective ways of conservation problem-solving. She/he will also help ensure that program related data are integrated into broader scale monitoring and modeling projects by PRBO and partners. The Conservation Scientist will be expected to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals. For examples of recent PRBO publications see: http://www.prbo.org/cms/553.
Training, outreach, and development - The Conservation Scientist will be responsible for training other researchers and citizen scientists in bird identification and data collection techniques, as necessary. She/he will present results of research, monitoring, and conservation efforts at various forums, including scientific conferences, technical committees, and conservation group meetings. The Conservation Scientist may often interact with private landowners (e.g., farmers, ranchers, duck club owners, and hunters) in order to promote private land conservation and obtain access to properties for monitoring and research. Finally, the Conservation Scientist will work with a team of collaborators (internal and external) to help raise funds for high priority research and monitoring activities.
Qualifications
• PhD or M.S. with significant experience in ornithology, ecology, natural resource sciences, conservation biology, wildlife biology and management, or ecological restoration. BS with a highly impressive foundation of applicable work experience will also be considered.
• Avian research and ecological monitoring experience with demonstrated skills in field data collection techniques, identification of Western birds by sight and sound, data management, sampling design, and statistical analyses.
• Knowledge of wetland and riparian habitat management and conservation challenges – experience studying or addressing these challenges in the San Joaquin Valley desirable but not necessary.
• Extensive experience working closely with partners including government agencies, NGOs, and private landowner groups.
• Experience organizing and leading meetings including logistics, agenda development, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Solid writing skills (scientific, popular, and grant-writing).
• Outstanding communication (including presentations and training), coordination, and leadership skills.
Applicants must be in good physical condition, as long hours in field, under very hot and sometimes very cold conditions will be required and some hiking will be involved to access sites. Ability to work independently and coordinate with a team is necessary. Applicants should have a good attitude toward working closely with the agricultural and duck hunting communities and other private land owners.
Benefits, Working Conditions, and Funding
PRBO offers 100% health care coverage, full dental care, and partial coverage of dependents including domestic partners, per the conditions stated in PRBO’s Personnel Manual. PRBO headquarters are in Petaluma, California, but the Avian Conservation Scientist will be expected to live in the San Joaquin Basin of the Central Valley. This position requires a good deal of travel to field sites and meetings, and involves working some evenings and weekends. Funding is secured for at least one year - longer term employment is possible through this position and will be based on continuation of funding and employee’s performance.
To Apply
E-mail (1) cover letter describing qualifications for this position and interest in PRBO, (2) complete CV/resume, (3) writing example, and (4) contact information (including phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for 3 references to Catherine Hickey (chickey@prbo.org) and Tom Gardali (tgardali@prbo.org) with “San Joaquin Valley Avian Conservation Scientist” in the subject line. Applicants may be subject to background checks. Application deadline is August 6, 2010, though position will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified. PRBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Starting Salary Range: Competitive, based on experience
Hours/Benefits: Option of full or part-time
Application deadline: July 31st, 2010
Overview
PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO; formerly Point Reyes Bird Observatory) of Petaluma, CA is seeking applications for a staff biologist in our Farallon Islands Program. PRBO is an independent, scientific research non-profit whose mission is to conserve wildlife and ecosystems through innovative scientific research and outreach. Under co-operative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), PRBO has conducted continuous research and stewardship of the unique natural resources of the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge since 1968.
The Farallon Islands are just a few miles from the continental shelf and lie in the rich coastal upwelling region of Central California. The islands host globally significant breeding seabird populations (over 300,000 individuals of 13 species), are a major haul out and breeding site for 5 species of pinnipeds, and a key feeding site for White Sharks. The islands also host a variety of migrant landbirds and an endemic salamander population. Most research on the Farallones involves multi-decadal and continuous time series.
PRBO is seeking a biologist to oversee its winter activities on the Farallones. Research during this period focuses primarily on breeding elephant seals, but there are a variety of other biological studies conducted. Accommodations are in restored lighthouse keeper’s housing, with a fully equipped field station to accommodate year-round occupation by biologists. This unique position involves overseeing field crews of long term volunteers, research, maintenance of facilities, small boat handling, data management and analyses, and scientific reporting and publication. Farallon biologists also work closely with our partners at the USFWS, to help with management activities of the refuge.
Depending on interest, experience, and suitability of applicants, this position may be seasonal (~5 months per year focusing on winter field activities) or potentially full time to encompass both field activities and more data analysis and publication of Farallon datasets. Non field time would be based out of PRBO’s Petaluma office. This position requires a minimum 3 year commitment.
Job Description
Field season is early December to mid March each year on Southeast Farallon Island, a rugged 120-acre island National Wildlife Refuge 28 miles offshore from San Francisco, California. Biologist’s responsibilities include: continuing the long term demographic studies of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris); conducting surveys for arboreal salamanders (Aneides lugubris farallonensis), birds, pinnipeds and other marine mammals; hiring, training and supervising research assistants each year; overseeing standardized data collection, entry, and proofing, and management of long term datasets. Biologist will also analyze data, write reports, publish scientific papers, and present results at appropriate meetings. Biologist would be expected to maintain good communication and coordination with partner agencies, such as USFWS and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
In addition to research activities, the biologist will be responsible for maintaining all island systems including small boats and outboard engines; a photovoltaic power system; diesel generators; booms and winches; housing facilities, and rainwater collection.
Interested applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences or related field and multiple years of experience conducting research and supervising crews in a remote field camp environment. Preference will be given to applicants with advanced degrees (MS or PhD), and a proven track record of effective database management, analysis and publication. In addition, successful applicants must have significant small boat handling experience (preferably in an offshore environment), and strong mechanical aptitude, including basic familiarity with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, outboard engine maintenance, computer, and construction skills. Applicants must able to live and work effectively in a remote setting with a small crew under potentially difficult weather conditions for an extended field season. On island work is conducted 7 days a week throughout the entire field season, often for extended hours with no time off.
Compensation
Compensation will be competitive and dependent on experience. A full time position would receive a generous benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k match, and vacation time. Biologists will also receive 2 weeks of paid compensation time for every 6 weeks spent on the Farallones.
Start Date
November 15, 2010
To Apply
Send a cover letter, CV, and list of 3-5 references to Russ Bradley, Farallon Program Manager: rbradley at prbo.org by July 31st, 2010. Include references for all supervisory field positions you have held. Attach PDF’s of publications you feel are relevant to your application. Successful applicants will be interviewed by phone in August and then in person at our Petaluma Offices in September.
