Senior Manager, Business Development – Audubon Conservation Ranching

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. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Senior Manager, Business Development will lead Audubon’s efforts to develop and expand strategic partnerships with finishers, aggregators, distributors, and retailers in the beef industry who can scale conservation outcomes through adoption and promotion of Audubon’s Bird-Friendly Land Certification. This role demands a results-oriented professional with a strong understanding of the beef industry, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in business development success. This position is critical to advancing grassland conservation by integrating bird-friendly practices into existing supply chains and expanding consumer purchasing opportunities for products that meet the stringent standards of habitat management, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability of the Audubon certification.

This position is classified as hybrid preferred, remote within the United States considered, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of one of Audubon’s offices, which include locations in:

Albuquerque, NM; Albany, NY; Anchorage, AK; Baltimore, MD; Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Columbia, SC; Fargo, ND; Fort Collins, CO; Lincoln, NE; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; Palm Desert, CA; Roseville, MN; Sacramento, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Tallahassee, FL and Washington, DC.

Compensation:

Salary range based on geo-differentials:

• $73,000 - $83,000 / year = Albuquerque, NM; Charleston, SC; Columbia, SC; Fargo, ND; Fort Collins, CO; Lincoln, NE; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; Salt Lake City, UT; Tallahassee, FL 

• $83,000 - $93,000 / year = Albany, NY; Anchorage, AK; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Palm Desert, CA; Roseville, MN; Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC

• $92,000 - $103,000 / year = New York, NY; Oakland, CA

Essential Functions

• Identify and build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in beef and bison supply chains, including grass-fed finishers, aggregators, processors, distributors, and retailers at a national, regional, and local level. Negotiate and manage partnership agreements that drive adoption of the Audubon Certified seal on products at scale.

• Work with the ACR Partnerships Manager to connect market partners to Audubon-certified ranches as potential suppliers for beef and bison.

• Conduct research on business opportunities and analyze market trends to inform strategy. Develop and execute strategies to integrate Audubon’s bird-friendly certification into partner supply chains, such as food service providers, specialty retailers, or e-commerce platforms.

• Provide ongoing support and guidance to brands and others that sell product with the Audubon Certified seal to ensure they continue to meet the certification sourcing and licensing requirements.

• Connect market partners to ACR communications staff to help them maximize the benefits of certification in consumer markets.

• Optimize processes to enhance supply chain tracking, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

• Strengthen and communicate the value proposition of the certification seal, utilizing impact metrics, case studies, testimonials, success stories, and endorsements to effectively make the case for adoption of the Audubon Certified seal to market partners.

• Collaborate with internal teams (communications, marketing, science, field operations) to align business development efforts with conservation goals, brand guidelines, messaging, and related brand partnership initiatives, driving cohesion and consistency throughout.

• Support other Audubon business product development opportunities, such as bird-friendly coffee and bird-friendly maple through regular consultation with internal teams.

• Track and report progress on partnership development and the resulting conservation impact.

• Represent Audubon at industry conferences, trade events, and stakeholder meetings to promote the ACR program and its market potential.

• Prepare and adhere to annual budgets for market development and promotional activities.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including private and public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, agriculture, environmental sciences, sustainability, or a related field.

• 7+years of experience in the beef, bison, or broader agricultural industry, with a focus on supply chain development, corporate sustainability, or strategic partnerships.

• Proven ability to build and manage complex partnerships, preferably in the food and agriculture sector.

• Strong understanding of beef supply chains, sustainability certification programs, corporate sustainability programs and market dynamics. Strong knowledge of beef production systems and/or sustainable agriculture practices.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills. Effective communicator comfortable engaging with diverse audiences — from ranchers to corporate executives.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Passion for conservation, sustainability, and the mission of the National Audubon Society.

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen. Ability to translate conservation goals into business opportunities.

• Results-oriented, with a focus on measurable impact. Ability to manage multiple projects and relationships simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

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 our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.