New York, NY, United States of America Hybrid Full-time $223,000 - $251,000 / year

National Audubon Society is hiring a Vice President, Futures Initiative

About the Role

Lead the future of conservation strategy by guiding a dedicated initiative that identifies transformative opportunities in science, technology, and policy. As Vice President, you will direct a new team within the Strategy Integration Office, tasked with scanning global trends and emerging innovations to inform the organization’s next phase of impact.

Strategic Leadership & Foresight

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s current capabilities and future potential by analyzing internal strengths and external shifts in conservation science and policy. Build evidence-based projections that extend two decades ahead, shaping the foundation of the next strategic plan. Your insights will help align long-term goals with evolving ecological, technological, and financial landscapes.

Innovation & Collaboration

Forge connections between emerging tools—like bioacoustics—and scalable conservation finance models, including natural climate solutions and biodiversity markets. Partner with internal teams to launch pilot projects that test new approaches, enabling rapid learning and annual expansion. You will act as a bridge between science, technology, and on-the-ground delivery, ensuring innovations are grounded in rigor and real-world applicability.

Funding & Organizational Alignment

Work closely with development staff to identify non-traditional funding sources, linking breakthrough conservation concepts to philanthropic and market-driven opportunities. Manage the initiative’s budget with strategic discipline, ensuring resources advance priority objectives. Cultivate relationships across departments to maintain alignment and foster a culture of safety, inclusion, and adaptive leadership.

Qualifications & Impact

  • Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a conservation-related field
  • At least 15 years of progressive experience in innovative conservation work
  • Minimum 10 years of international conservation experience, particularly in Central or South America
  • Proven success securing funds beyond traditional philanthropy
  • Strong public communication and storytelling skills, with confidence as an organizational spokesperson
  • Demonstrated ability to lead in complex, matrixed environments
  • Commitment to values of care, collaboration, integrity, impact, and innovation
  • Record of publication is highly desirable

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence on Mondays and Tuesdays, plus two additional days per month at a designated office location. Remote work may be permitted for candidates outside commuting distance of an office. Locations include major cities across the U.S., with salary adjusted according to regional benchmarks.

Our Commitment to Equity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics under applicable laws. We support an inclusive hiring process and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Required Skills
conservation sciencestrategic leadershipfundraisinginternational conservationnonprofit managementscience-based policycommunity-driven programscross-sector collaborationthought leadershipprogram innovation conservation sciencestrategic leadershipfundraisinginternational conservationnonprofit managementscience-based policycommunity-driven programscross-sector collaborationthought leadershipprogram innovation
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About company
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet.
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Job Details
Department Strategy Integration Office
Category management
Posted 8 days ago