Sanctuary Director – Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Mass Audubon is seeking an experienced, passionate, inspirational leader with a strong background in non-profit management, donor development, environmental science, management and education to serve as Sanctuary Director of Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Cape Cod in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.  The Sanctuary Director encourages innovation and creativity and inspires staff, donors, and volunteers to work together to achieve the sanctuary’s strategic goals.  The Sanctuary Director will lead Mass Audubon’s conservation, education, and advocacy efforts at Wellfleet Bay and at satellite properties in surrounding communities. The Sanctuary Director provides a dynamic and welcoming presence as Mass Audubon’s representative in the communities surrounding Wellfleet Wildlife Sanctuary and actively partners with other Cape Cod community and environmental organizations to promote regional objectives.  

The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses 937 acres and 5 miles of trails through salt marsh, barrier beach and pine woodlands overlooking Wellfleet Bay, which supports a rich diversity of wildlife.  Its activities are primarily based in a 9,000 square foot Nature Center, which features a recently updated interactive exhibit hall. With approximately 50,000 visitors and 10,000 program participants each year, a year round staff of 12 full time and 8 part time and a seasonal staff of up to 35, Wellfleet Bay is a vibrant, environmental educational resource for children, families, and adults.  Programs include summer camps in Wellfleet and Chatham, serving 1200 children ages pre-school to middle annually; natural history-themed education programs, field schools and special events; in-school science classes at many grade levels in neighboring communities; and a strong citizen science program engaging over 550 volunteers. Ongoing research and conservation efforts include work on coastal waterbirds, diamondback terrapins, and horseshoe crabs, bird banding and an award-winning sea turtle rescue program. 

Responsibilities

The Sanctuary Director is responsible for all aspects of Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and its satellite properties and programs; including the following: 

• Hiring, training, and supervision of full-time and part-time staff;
• Development and implementation of long-range strategic goals;
• Development and monitoring of annual plans and budgets;
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with members, neighbors, local partners, educational institutions, and federal, state and local officials;
• Development, operation and management of environmental education programs including school programs, summer camp, natural history programs and trips for families and adults, and a Cape Cod Field School for adults;
• Conservation science programs involving birds, terrapins, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles, and other wildlife and resource stewardship in coordination with the Conservation Science Department;
• Land conservation in coordination with Mass Audubon Land Protection Program;
• Fundraising for annual operations and capital campaigns in coordination with the Mass Audubon Philanthropy Division;
• Increasing community visibility through social media and marketing in coordination with the Mass Audubon Division of Marketing and Communications;
• Community outreach including a focus on underserved populations;
• Ongoing coordination with Mass Audubon headquarters staff regarding programmatic, operational, and human resources policies and procedures;
• Successfully engaging and sustaining a large cadre of adult and youth volunteers; and
• Providing project management on longer term programming opportunities and facility maintenance, renovations and upgrades.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, environmental education, planning, biology, non-profit management or related field or equivalent work experience. Advanced degree and coastal experience preferred.
• Eight years’ experience in non-profit management, program coordination, environmental education, or environmental management, with at least six in a supervisory capacity.
• Successful track record in donor cultivation and development.
• Experience leading and managing a large, multi-faceted organization and with developing and implementing annual program plans, budgets and strategic goals.
• Ability to support, supervise, and inspire staff and volunteers and develop a strong working team.
• Passion for the mission of Mass Audubon and for inspiring others to explore the natural world.  Ability to establish an effective Mass Audubon presence in surrounding communities and with visitors from around the country and the world. Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.  Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
• Solid, up-to-date technology skills.
• Successful candidates must have a valid driver’s license, and pass a driver’s record, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks.  Must successfully complete First Aid and CPR Certification upon hire.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience; includes full benefit package.

Additional Comments

No phone calls please.

How to Apply

Send cover letter and resume to: