Director, Audubon Action Fund and Director, U.S. Government Affairs

About Audubon

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.

Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever‑growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come.

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Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President, Government Affairs, the Director for the Audubon Action Fund and U.S. Government Affairs will lead the delivery of Audubon Action Fund programs and support the development of conservation champions for Audubon policy priorities on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Based in Washington, D.C., this role will be critical to organizational efforts to implement transformative policy solutions and mobilize the most effective conservation network in America, turning policy ideas into real protections for birds and the places they need. The Director will work with conservation leaders across Audubon’s Flight Plan pillars, with and through federal, regional, and state teams to advance mission‑aligned conservation policy priorities.

The Director will bring political acumen, organizing experience, and additional capacity to build support for successful advancement of key conservation policies. The Action Fund focuses on non‑electoral programming and engagement as part of a strategic lobbying strategy and the Director will be a public advocate for the Action Fund agenda with funders, decision makers, and other stakeholders.

The role includes leadership to ensure Audubon builds and maintains meaningful and influential working relationships with congressional offices and federal agencies, focusing on priority issues, decision makers, and cultivating strategic partnerships.

This position is classified as hybrid. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and two additional days of their choosing each month.

Compensation

$129,000 – $145,000 / year

Essential Functions – Audubon Action Fund

• Work with the Vice President, Government Affairs and other leaders to develop the Action Fund’s strategy and operational plans.
• Implement the Action Fund’s strategic plan, ensuring outcomes and annual metrics are in place with appropriate coordination.
• Successfully manage day‑to‑day operations of the Action Fund to provide sustainability and long‑term stability.
• Serve as a lead partner to the Development team in developing the annual fundraising plan and leading fundraising as needed.
• Provide administrative support for Board of Directors engagement.
• Represent the Action Fund internally and externally, proactively enhancing visibility and awareness.
• Maintain official records and documents consistent with Action Fund policies and comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Essential Functions – Audubon Government Affairs

• Build Audubon’s reputation to advance nonpartisan conservation outcomes at the federal level and create a bipartisan pipeline of decision makers.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with legislators, staff, and agency officials, engaging them diplomatically on bird and habitat protection issues.
• Lead efforts, with the U.S. Government Affairs team, to deepen engagement with strategic partners and increase Audubon’s influence on Capitol Hill.
• Maintain a daily understanding of Government Affairs challenges and use short‑term tactics to support a long‑term strategy.
• Engage in Audubon’s regular process to develop and prioritize policy, legislative, and issue‑specific strategies.

Additional Functions

• Track lobbying time and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational lobbying and ethics requirements, including registration if required.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of progressive professional experience; 3–5 years of senior‑level management experience preferred. Equivalent education and experience considered.
• Demonstrated experience in a similar organization, congressional office, or agency requiring careful consideration of political, strategic, and policy implications.
• Relevant 501(c)(4), public policy, or political experience strongly preferred.
• Thorough understanding of the federal political and legislative landscape and ability to translate technical concepts for broad support.
• Forward‑looking leader with a reputation as a team builder, diplomatic engagement skills, and strong bipartisan networks.
• Ability to implement strategies that reflect the communities served by Audubon and align with diversity, equity, and inclusion values.
• Strategic thinker who can identify opportunities, craft strategy, and motivate staff, Board Directors, donors, allies, and key constituents.
• Build trust, establish relationships, and create shared purpose with Board Directors, staff, allies, and influencers.
• Self‑starter who works independently and manages a complex workflow.
• Willingness to travel out of state and work evenings and weekends as required.
• Technically savvy, proficient with Microsoft Office; experience with a tracking database software desired.
• Interest in conservation issues and passion for Audubon’s mission.
• Exceptional judgment, tact, and commitment to impeccable integrity and strong work ethic.
• Desire to build bipartisan public will for conservation issues, engaging Democrats and Republicans on Audubon’s policy interests.
• Active listener with persuasive communication skills.
• Outstanding political instincts.
• Sense of humor and willingness to accept setbacks with an eye on future success.
• Commitment to Audubon’s values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies

• Building Trust – Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and follow through on commitments.
• Coaching – Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing professional growth.
• Decision Making – Base decisions on comparative data and diverse viewpoints.
• Leading and Facilitating Change – Manage and support transformations, considering diverse needs.
• Strategic Leadership – Demonstrate creative problem‑solving and articulate strategic vision.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep its careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.