Grassland loss is the single greatest conservation issue currently facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southern grasslands are nearly extinct, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of our Southern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared in the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? As a conservation community, we are only now realizing how extensive our grasslands used to be. If we want to reverse the tide of grassland biodiversity loss, our response must be rapid and unparalleled in its magnitude. This immensely complex and ambitious challenge will take some of America’s conservation and philanthropy’s brightest and most creative minds to solve. The Southeastern Grasslands Institute was formed in 2017 to provide leadership in grassland biodiversity conservation across a 24-state region of the eastern U.S. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute team?

With support from NFWFs America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, Austin Peay State University’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) is leading a major regional initiative, “Last Chance Grasslands,” to stabilize and restore 2,500 acres of native grasslands in Central Tennessee. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for conservation, and we’re seeking a Director of Community Engagement to join us on the front lines of this work. As Director of Community Engagement, you’ll play a critical role in connecting SGI’s restoration work with the communities and building a lasting and impactful volunteer program geared towards empowering volunteers to take ownership of the restoration and management of our grasslands. Your leadership will help amplify the impact of our “Last Chance Grasslands” initiative and engage hundreds of volunteers and partners in one of the most ambitious restoration efforts in the region.

● Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement and volunteer strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, goals, and values.

● Collaborate with SGI’s program directors to identify, develop, and implement volunteerism and outreach into each SGI program.

● Identify opportunities for the organization to support and enhance local community efforts and resources.
● Build and maintain relationships with diverse community stakeholders, including residents, nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, and government representatives.

● Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of community programs and initiatives that foster engagement, education, and partnership.

● Coordinate volunteer events, workshops, and outreach activities that promote the organization’s presence and impact.

● Partner with external organizations to align on mutual goals and create collaborative community initiatives.

● Advocate for the organization’s community engagement initiatives through public speaking and presentations.

● Recruit, organize, and train volunteers.

● Coordinate and assist in fieldwork related to SGI projects, including working with various individuals, organizations, and agencies.

● Assist in developing/writing grant proposals for volunteer-led conservation initiatives.

● Inventory/Assessment/Research with community scientists: work with program directors to conduct ecological research and biological inventories related to grassland communities and species.
Oversee and support the current Volunteer Coordinator position.

● Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with a wide variety of audiences, from laymen to professionals.

● Experience building and maintaining a base of volunteers preferred.

● Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.

● Knowledge of basic natural history, ecology, and vegetation of the east-central U.S.

● Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

● Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions, including hot temperatures and inclement weather.

● Ability to sit or stand for long periods for desk work, including typing and using a laptop or desktop computer and mobile app technologies.

● B.S. degree preferably in Biology, Ecology, Botany, Wildlife, or Conservation Biology.

● A minimum of three (3) years of experience leading volunteer or community programs.

● Experience in recruiting volunteers, coordinating, and executing volunteer events successfully.

● Experience using volunteer management software (e.g., Volunteer Hub software) and the Microsoft Office Suite.

● Demonstrate skill in writing for the general public.