Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) Assistant

About Audubon 

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with more than 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, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 900 staff and more than 2.65 million supporters working across 11 countries and all 50 U.S. states, 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 audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety. 

Position Summary:

Audubon Florida’s Conservation Leadership Initiative is a co-mentorship program that connects college students to Audubon’s grassroots leaders, conservation projects, and professional development opportunities within the Audubon Florida network. This program aims to bridge the gap between our current Audubon leaders and the next generation of young conservationists. The program also has a large interest in introducing people of underrepresented communities to the Audubon network. Each fall, the program accepts 25 college students, providing learning and networking opportunities throughout the academic year. Each spring, the program hosts a series of additional single-day events across Florida to connect with a broader audience of college students with environmental interests.

Under the supervision of the Chapters Conservation Manager, the Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) Seasonal Assistant will assist the Chapters Conservation Manager with different aspects of the Audubon CLI program, with a dual focus of supporting ongoing learning and advisement of our current 25-student cohort and planning and hosting immersive college outreach events across the state of Florida for spring semester. The Seasonal Assistant will work remotely in Florida and will be expected to travel to three weekend events in various Florida cities during the spring academic semester.

The CLI Seasonal Assistant will support a variety of administrative, communications, and program coordination tasks related to supporting the success of our current Conservation Leadership Initiative cohort. In addition to supporting the current cohort, the Assistant will help to plan single-day events across the state that help us broaden our reach to next-gen conservationists beyond our current CLI cohort. This involves corresponding with venue staff, planning and facilitating field activities, and organizing guest speakers. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities, and comfort working collaboratively with students, volunteers, chapter leaders, and Audubon staff in a remote environment.

Cover letters describing interest in the role are required, or applications will be considered incomplete.

Length of Internship: 5 months (January 2027-May 2027)

Location: Remote in Florida

Hours: 20 per week

Schedule: Applicants must be at least partially available during standard work hours (9am-5pm ET Monday-Friday). 

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

During the seasonal role, you will work with program staff to:

• Build relationships with contacts at colleges and universities across the State of Florida for CLI recruitment, with a focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
• Assist with the planning of and facilitation of regional outreach events.
• Provide ongoing coordination and support for CLI participants and mentors, helping participants navigate challenges, maintain engagement, and stay connected to program expectations and opportunities. This may include facilitating virtual check-ins and webinars on topics such as student conservation projects, professional development, and cohort engagement.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety. Other duties as needed and assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Coursework in an environmental field or related.
• An interest in environmental issues, birds, and wildlife.
• Experience planning events
• Experience working with or leading college groups or clubs
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• A self-starter, one who is motivated, able to work both independently and with a team.
• Conservation Leadership Initiative alumni are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.