Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives

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1 Feb 2026

NYC Bird Alliance seeks a Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives to lead cross‑organizational initiatives that advance our mission to protect birds and strengthen urban biodiversity. The primary focus of this role will be serving as project manager and external-facing coalition lead for NYC Bird Alliance’s flagship Biodiversity District initiative.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator and relationship‑builder with strong strategic thinking and project management skills, and experience coordinating complex initiatives with multiple external partners. This role will help shape innovative, city‑scale conservation efforts at one of New York City’s leading environmental organizations.

NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) protects birds and strengthens urban biodiversity across New York City. The organization advances cutting-edge science, policy advocacy, and inclusive public programs to safeguard habitat, reduce threats to birds, and inspire New Yorkers to build a city where wildlife and communities thrive. An independent chapter of National Audubon, NYC Bird Alliance has 10,000 members and engages tens of thousands New Yorkers annually through programs, outreach, and advocacy.

Our team of 15 core staff is supported by dozens of seasonal scientists and environmental educators, hundreds of wildlife advocates, and thousands of volunteers.

The Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives reports to the Executive Director and partners closely with senior leadership and staff across all departments, including science, advocacy, engagement, communications, and development. This role will also work extensively with board members, external partners, community organizations, and funders. The primary responsibility of this position is to manage and advance the Biodiversity District — NYC Bird Alliance’s flagship, multi‑year pilot to convene businesses, institutions, public agencies, and public space managers to improve biodiversity and ecosystem health at a neighborhood scale.

(More info at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .) The Senior Manager will also lead other high-profile, cross-cutting projects that require strong internal and external partner coordination, communication, and follow‑through.

• Serve as project manager and external‑facing lead for the Biodiversity District, ensuring progress against goals, timelines, and deliverables
• Design and manage the initiative’s structure, including governance, reporting, decision-making, communications, and financial sustainability
• Build, convene, and steward a diverse coalition of external stakeholders, spanning private-sector, public agencies, and nonprofits
• Establish and manage working groups (e.g., science, policy, communications, engagement), including setting goals and ensuring follow-through
• Plan and facilitate regular stakeholder convenings, briefings, and workshops
• Coordinate district-wide activities such as biodiversity assessments, data sharing, and reporting, in collaboration with NYC Bird Alliance science and program staff
• Communicate progress and outcomes to internal leadership, partners, funders, and external audiences, translating complex work into accessible narratives

• Support and coordinate cross-organizational projects and partnerships that bridge conservation science, advocacy, engagement, communications, and fundraising, including NYC Bird Alliance’s work at Rockaway Beach Endangered Species Nesting Area as well as our efforts to protect Black-crowned Night Heron
• Lead strategic plan implementation tracking, working with senior leadership and board of directors to monitor progress against goals, timelines, and priorities
• Manage strategic corporate relationships, including identifying opportunities for financial support and coordinating employee engagement
• Represent NYC Bird Alliance in external meetings and public forums as needed