Program Director
The Biomimicry Institute is a fully remote organization. However, preferred candidates would reside in one of our current employee based states - CA, CO, MT, NY, OH, PA, VA, WA or WV. As part of the application process, please submit a letter of interest. Applications missing this information will not be considered.
Applicants from states with salary band posting requirements: Salary is determined based on internal equity; internal salary ranges; market data/ranges; applicant’s skills; prior relevant experience; degrees or certifications, etc. The salary for this position ranges from $80,000 - $100,000.
**We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Even if you don’t think you are a perfect fit, apply anyway - you might have qualifications we haven’t even thought of yet.**
Job Purpose
The AskNature Program Director is responsible for the operational management, leadership, and strategic development of key digital platforms within the organization (AskNature, AskNature Hive, and other emerging programs). They coordinate with the Chief Editor to ensure that the platforms and content produced serve the organization’s editorial and strategic priorities. They ensure that programmatic goals align with the organization's mission, resources, and strategic plan, and that programs deliver measurable impact. The Program Director empowers and manages personnel on the program team, works with key partners, develops external-facing content, and supports the Head of Programs in achieving organization-wide objectives.
Essential Functions
- Oversee production of high quality and scientifically accurate content for AskNature, in support of the AskNature strategy, the organization's strategic plan, and editorial calendar.
- Ensure that the AskNature website and operating systems are robust, the content search is clear and the overall functionality is high performing by utilizing and integrating AI.
- Develop and implement a clear strategy for the growth of AskNature in terms of volume of content, diversification of audience, and operationality.
- Oversee the development and implementation of the AskNature Hive’s virtual community and associated programs, in line with the organization’s strategic priorities, to amplify and create engagement with AskNature content.
- Lead the measurement and evaluation processes for AskNature and the AskNature Hive to continually inform the programs.
- Collaborate with the Chief Editor, Program Directors, and Communications teams in creating new content offerings for existing and new initiatives, grants, and partnerships.
- Manage relationships with content partners, including researchers, science writers, and other content creators, in collaboration with the Partnerships Director, Chief Editor, and Programs team.
- Collaborate with the Head of Programs on emerging and exploratory projects beyond AskNature.
- Follow, update, and develop leading project management practices through Asana and other digital tools.
- Collaborate with the Head of Programs to inform and manage program budgets. Contribute to grant writing and reporting to ensure program funding and sustainability.
- Collaborate with Communications, Development, and Program team members to amplify program achievements and to establish the Institute as a leader in the field.
- Manage and empower Program Managers, Coordinators, and external contractors, fostering a collaborative and high-performance organizational culture. Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to the program team, ensuring effective execution of programmatic responsibilities.
- Ensure the program team has clear goals, well-defined processes, and strong internal communication systems to support program success.
- Serve as a key interface between program teams and the Head of Programs, aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in science or technology (engineering, biology, etc.), or related field.
- 5+ years of website and/or social platform management experience, with proven experience developing and scaling complex web based databases and integrating AI to generate high quality web based content.
- 5-10 years of work experience communicating and translating complex science related content to the design, corporate, or education fields.
- Partnership and project management experience, such as connecting with, and maintaining relationships with, professors and science-based organizations and managing contractors.
- Demonstrated initiative and entrepreneurial spirit to grow and scale programs with agility
- Experience creating and managing workflows that include multiple experts and complex information.
- Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion:
- Ability to actively cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with coworkers, management, board members, and clients.
- Employs anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
- Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Incorporates an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens into TBI programs.
- Teaches using equitable and inclusive pedagogy.
- Strong interest in tech innovations that address systemic environmental and social challenges.
- Proficiency with front-end WordPress site management, some familiarity with back-end WordPress programming. Familiarity with Kajabi or similar social platform management.
- Proficiency with Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and SEO required, proficiency with Google Ad Grants preferred.
- Comfortable learning and using the digital tools the Biomimicry Institute uses—with little to no assistance, and willing to try out new technologies and work tools. G-Suite, Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with Excel required. Virtual meeting software, Asana, Box, Slack, and Zoom are helpful.
- Confident, energetic, and dedicated to the mission of the Biomimicry Institute.
- A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organizational and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. Keeps track of responsibilities and meets deadlines and goals.
- Adaptable—manages a constantly changing remote work environment; learns to collaborate with geographically dispersed new team members, etc.
- Clear, direct, and succinct writer.
- Self-sufficient—takes the initiative and completes work without undue supervision
- Strong communication and relationship building skills. Ensures every team member is given a chance to speak. Demonstrates the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings (social sensitivity). Respectfully engages in disagreements. Keeps team members informed/updated. Is a good active listener who understands what’s being asked of them and the priorities of various tasks.
The physical demands described here are representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Activities that occur constantly are communicating effectively online with others to exchange information; assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work; repeating motions efficiently that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers; remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods..
- Activities that occur occasionally are moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another; adjusting or moving objects less than 50 pounds in all directions.
The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Duties are performed in a home workspace. Employees are expected to maintain their home workspace in a safe manner, free from safety hazards.
- May require up to 10% national travel.
This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment, or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The Biomimicry Institute may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.