Nature Center Director

Job Title: Nature Center Director

Location: Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville, NJ

Reports to: Lead Center Director

Job Classification: Full-time regular (40 hours/week), salaried, exempt

Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary Encompasses 300 acres, six miles of trails, a 14-acre deer enclosure, and diverse habitat types along the headwaters of the Passaic River in Somerset County, NJ. On-site facilities include the primary nature center, an administrative building that holds staff offices, an occupied caretaker’s cottage, and two storage barns. The nature center houses classrooms, a library, discover center, and nature store along with numerous staff offices, which are closed to the public.

Job Description: The Nature Center Director ensures that the Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary operates efficiently, effectively, and professionally, promoting the image and values of new Jersey Audubon (NJA) within the surrounding community. This role is expected to maintain and grow center-based programming (including summer camps) that reflects NJA’s mission, strategies, and values, while providing leadership and oversight of buildings, grounds, and a gift shop. The Director takes an active role in membership growth, donor relations, and community outreach.

Major Responsibilities:

· Advance New Jersey Audubon's vision and mission by supporting the organization’s six key strategies and values.

· Oversee all operations of the center and its associated programs and events, while fostering positive working relationships across the organization.

· Hire, train, and supervise year-round staff. Coordinate and supervise volunteers. Oversee camp director’s coordination of seasonal staff and volunteers to provide high quality experience for all participants.

· Serve as the primary representative of the center in engagements with donors, stakeholders, corporate partners, and the local community, expanding NJA’s presence to increase awareness, support, and participation.

· Work with finance department to develop an annual budget, monitor income and expenses, and maintain financial sustainability.

· Work with the development department on fundraising and membership efforts, including some grant writing and implementation of grant-funded projects.

· Work with the communications department to coordinate marketing and promotions of all programs including media, social media, and community-outlets for Center programs.

· Work with the education team to oversee, coordinate and/or provide environmental education to diverse audiences (including summer camps, schools, and other interest groups, adult field trips and workshops).

· Maintain a welcoming space to effectively engage visitors.

· Oversee a nature-focused retail operation that highlights visitor engagement and education. This includes managing staff, merchandise orders/inventory and ensuring monthly reconciliations.

· Collaborate with other center directors and finance team on retail operations efficiency, maintaining costs and appropriate inventory.

· Oversee facilities maintenance, inspections, and improvements, including buildings and onsite equipment such as heating/cooling systems.

· Ensure the safety, maintenance, and security of sanctuary property.

· Oversee grounds maintenance for the Sanctuary and work with the NJ Audubon Stewardship team to develop, implement and evaluate property stewardship plan.

· Prepare written reports, proposals and plans as required.

· Attend meetings and serve on organizational committees as requested by supervisor.

· Assume additional responsibilities as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.

Minimum three years of experience in managing a nature center, supervising staff, and coordinating volunteers, or relevant practical experience in a similar position.

Interpretive and public speaking experience is a plus, along with knowledge of natural sciences, especially in NJ flora, fauna, and habitats.

Excellent Computer Skills required. Microsoft Office, program registration software and social media marketing experience preferred.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meet deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.

Ability to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.

Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Flexibility to meet deadlines and needs of the Organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as needed.

Must be able to climb stairs, navigate outdoor trails, perform land stewardship activities, and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.

Facilities management and/or retail management experience preferred.

Ability to operate basic mechanical equipment as needed.

Must be a New Jersey resident or willing to relocate to New Jersey upon hire.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle in NJ.

Compensation: $63,000 – $78,000 yearly salary commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: Position will be posted until filled.

NJA proudly offers full-time direct hired employees a comprehensive benefits package, optional retirement plan with company match, and paid time off including vacation, holidays and sick leave.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of all relevant background checks, verifications, and required paperwork. Employment will be considered ‘at will.’

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $63,000 - $78,000