American Bird Conservancy

Western Regional Director

Position Summary:

Title: Western Regional Director
Supervisor: Vice President, U.S. and Canada Operations
Location: Flexible within the Western U.S. (e.g., Oregon, Washington, or Southwestern states)

Salary: Estimated a $120,000 annually; Based on experience

Introduction:

This is a full-time position with the American Bird Conservancy (ABC). The Western Regional Director is responsible for leading, coordinating, and promoting ABC conservation programs and projects across the Western United States, which includes the Pacific Northwest, the Southwest, and adjacent areas in Northern Mexico. This role involves building and maintaining high-level relationships with public and private partners, conservation stakeholders, and funders. The Western Regional Director will also engage in national and international initiatives, such as liaising with the Central Grasslands Roadmap and the JV8 Central Grasslands initiative, and participating in cross-border efforts with Mexico (and occasionally Canada).

This position requires initiative, excellent supervisory and communication skills, experience in fundraising and achieving on-the-ground conservation results, and the ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities. The Director must work independently, be part of a team, and represent ABC effectively within the conservation community.

Primary Duties:

• Lead efforts to develop and implement priority bird conservation programs and projects in the Western U.S., focusing on measurable outcomes that address significant conservation challenges, such as the 3 Billion Birds initiative.
• Oversee ABC staff and contractors across the Western Region, including the Pacific Northwest and Southwest, ensuring effective team management, mentorship, and development.
• Identify and secure funding from regional, national, and international sources in coordination with ABC’s Development Division.
• Elevate and promote ABC and Joint Venture program work to funders and high-level decision makers to ensure sustained visibility and recognition for these programs among key supporters. 
• Foster and maintain excellent working relationships with key conservation stakeholders and funders, including federal and state agencies, corporations, and non-governmental organizations across the Western Region.
• Develop and implement ABC’s BirdScapes conservation initiatives and other strategic conservation plans, including annual plans and budgets for the region.
• Provide regular content on Western bird conservation for ABC’s Communication team, contributing to web, social media, publications, and press releases.
• Collaborate with ABC’s Advocacy team to monitor and address policy issues and threats in the region, supporting ABC’s broader initiatives.
• Work with ABC’s Together for Birds Vice President and others to advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) within the Western Region and in collaboration with other ABC regions.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in wildlife conservation, habitat management, or a related field is preferred; or, bachelor’s degree with at least seven years of relevant work experience.
• Background screening required
• Authorized to work in the U.S.; Citizen or Permanent Resident

Required Experience:

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and meet deadlines; experience with strategic planning and budget development; ability to interact and engage with a diversity of constituents.
• Knowledge of birds and habitats in the Western U.S. is preferred. Familiarity with on-the-ground conservation delivery action, avian and vegetation monitoring techniques, and metrics tracking and reporting is a plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

Preferred Experience:

• Proficiency in Spanish, both written and spoken

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.