Director of EcoTravel
The Organization:
The Connecticut Audubon Society protects Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy. We envision that our efforts will lead to a future where all can share and experience the joys of nature and understand the importance of environmental preservation.
Founded in 1898, the Connecticut Audubon Society operates nature facilities in Fairfield, Milford, Pomfret, Hampton, Sherman, and Old Lyme, a region in Hartford, and an EcoTravel office in Essex. Connecticut Audubon manages 22 wildlife sanctuaries encompassing more than 3,400 acres of open space in Connecticut, and educates over 100,000 children and adults annually. Connecticut Audubon is an independent organization, not affiliated with any national or governmental group.
Connecticut Audubon Society’s scientists, educators, citizen scientists, and volunteers work to preserve birds and their environments in Connecticut. Our work includes sanctuary management, advocacy, environmental education and activities at our centers, scientific studies, and our annual Connecticut State of the Birds report.
Position Overview:
Connecticut Audubon is seeking a mission-driven professional to join our team as a full time Director of EcoTravel. Both an action-oriented strategist and self-starter, the Director of EcoTravel will lead a team of travel specialists and will expand on ecological travel relationships to support environmental conservation in Connecticut and in the communities we visit. The Director of EcoTravel will design, organize, and oversee tourism programs that highlight natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage—while ensuring that these resources are preserved for future generations. The Director of EcoTravel is a full time, senior management position and reports directly to the Executive Director. This position will be supported by an Assistance Director of EcoTravel and the Board Education Committee. The ideal candidate will share the organization’s value in and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our boards, staff, and program participants.
Responsibilities:
- Strategy & Development: Design and implement sustainable tourism projects, identify new eco-opportunities, and manage budgets
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with local guides, businesses, conservation groups, and government to create mutually beneficial programs
- Operations & Logistics: Oversee eco-tours (hiking, wildlife watching), manage staff, ensure safety, and coordinate logistics
- Marketing & Promotion: Develop campaigns highlighting unique eco-experiences and promote responsible travel through various channels
- Sustainability & Conservation: Monitor environmental impacts, implement sustainable practices (like reducing waste), and ensure tourism supports conservation
- Education: Train staff and educate visitors on environmental stewardship and local cultures
- Vendor Relations: Negotiating contracts with airlines, hotels, and tour operators
- Risk Management: Ensuring traveler safety and compliance with policies
- Industry Expertise: Understands market trends, competitor activities, and client needs (e.g., corporate travel, group tours).
- Travel: Often requires significant domestic and international travel for client meetings, trade shows, and events.
- Other duties and projects as assigned
Requirements:
- Education: Degree in tourism, environmental science, hospitality, or international studies
- Experience: More than 5 years of progressive experience in destination marketing or hospitality
- Skills: Leadership, communication (written & verbal), project management, cultural sensitivity, problem-solving, and business acumen
- Languages: Multilingualism is a significant advantage
- Supervisory experience preferred
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues and the CAS mission
Salary Range: $80-90,000/year plus benefits
To apply, please send a cover letter, (4) References and resume to Joyce Leiz, Executive Director, at resume@ctaudubon.org.
Connecticut Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer
