Operations Manager

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:

The Operations Manager works closely with the Center Director to lead the day-to-day operational and facilities management of Trinity River Audubon Center, located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Dallas and featuring a LEED Gold-certified main building and education wing. The position oversees facility maintenance, asset management, capital projects, vendor and contract administration, and operational support for events and programs, ensuring the Center’s facilities, grounds, and operations are safe, efficient, well-maintained, and aligned with Audubon policies and priorities.

The general schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on-site at Trinity River Audubon Center. Some evenings and additional weekends may be required to support programs, events, and Center operations as needed.

Compensation:

$60,500 - $68,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Center’s facilities, grounds, and infrastructure systems, including telecommunications, security, cleaning services, and other essential services; ensure operations are safe, efficient, and compliant with Audubon policies and procedures.
• Under the direction of the Center Director oversee facility safety, emergency preparedness, and risk mitigation, ensuring safety policies, procedures, inspections, emergency response protocols, and regulatory requirements are established, communicated, documented, and consistently followed.
• Manage facility assets and maintenance data through an asset management system, maintaining accurate records for assets, preventive maintenance schedules, work orders, costs, service histories, and performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain facility maintenance SOPs by documenting routine maintenance tasks, service standards, workflows, and responsibilities to promote consistency and accountability.
• Under the direction of the Center Director develop and implement a maintenance transition plan with the City of Dallas, clearly defining TRAC’s responsibility for ongoing facility maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements, including major building system repairs and replacements, and establishing processes, standards, and responsibilities to support effective long-term facility management.
• Support facility operations budgeting and financial planning by reviewing and revising vendor contracts and scopes of work, aligning services with facility needs and budgets, monitoring costs, and making recommendations. Oversee financial transactions related to facility operations, including payments and funds received, and prepare financial reports as needed.
• Review and support the renewal of the facility venue management partner contract by assessing contract terms, revenue-sharing arrangements, rental fees separate from ancillary services, staffing requirements, security deposits, and overall financial and operational considerations; provide recommendations to the Center Director as appropriate.
• Under the direction of the Center Director, manage approved facility, trail, exhibit, and capital improvement projects from planning and design through construction and completion, including developing project budgets and schedules, coordinating contractors, subcontractors, City of Dallas staff, and other project partners, monitoring implementation, and completing required reporting. Projects include bond-funded improvements, exhibit renovations, and the multi-year Texas Parks and Wildlife-funded trail expansion and scenic overlook project.
• Provide operational leadership for events and programs by supporting community-building and donor cultivation efforts, overseeing operational strategy and requirements, and using data and performance insights to inform planning and decision-making. Responsibilities may include presenting operational updates, reporting on event performance and revenue, evaluating outcomes, and identifying opportunities to strengthen the overall guest experience.
• Represent Center Operations in department and cross-functional meetings and working groups, including Center Operations community-of-practice meetings, collaborating across teams to address operational priorities, share best practices, and advance organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Supervise the Senior Coordinator, Facilities and Grounds.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Support a culture of philanthropy
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and at least five years’ experience in operations, logistics and project management. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Experience working in an educational or visitor service setting, or similar public-facing institution.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, budgets, and projects involving multiple partners, contractors, community stakeholders, or government agencies.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and operating in a dynamic environment where priorities can change often.
• Self-starter with a strong collaborative work ethic and ability to work independently.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, public presentation, and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Available for weekend and evening work as job demands.
• Experience with Microsoft office suite including Excel.
• Valid driver’s license required and willingness to travel throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area as job demands.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and able to lift and transport up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation. Duties may include handling animals, equipment, and landscaping materials.

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