JOB DESCRIPTION

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 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, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, 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 www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

FAO Schwarz Fellows work at high-impact nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. These organizations are all deeply valued in their communities and have a strong record of delivering consistent results and high-quality services. Host organizations vary from year to year — and all have a proven commitment to addressing critical issues of social inequity.

Fellows deepen their knowledge and understanding of relevant social issues, work directly with host communities, and lead strategic projects that strengthen the host organization’s capacity and impact.

The FAO Schwarz Fellow will deliver science curriculum to 1st-5th grade students through in-class lessons at partner schools. The Fellow will also be responsible for implementing a strategy for Audubon Mid-Atlantic to build and strengthen our North Philadelphia audience and create deeper community connections.

• Length: July 2026 – June 2028
• Hours: 35
• Location: The Discovery Center. Philadelphia, PA. 19121

Compensation:

• $47,000 in year one
• $53,000 in year two
• Includes $2,000 start-of-Fellowship Bonus and $3,000 end-of-Fellowship Bonus

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions:

Direct Service

The Fellow will be responsible for delivering our state-standard science curriculum in 1st through 5th-grade in-class lessons to our school partners of: Community Partnership School, JB Kelly School, and Dr. Ethel Allen School, for year one.

• Elementary School Students. The Fellow, during year 1, will provide delivery of in-school conservation education lessons to all students and grades (K–5th) at the Community Partnership School, Gideon Elementary, and Dr. Ethel Allen School (each class is visited four times during the academic year). In year two, that engagement increases to include the WD Kelley school and their classes.
• Public Programs. Working alongside Audubon staff, the Fellow will staff certain public programs aimed at building Audubon into the Communities of North Philadelphia. These will mostly be our “Discovery Days,” where programming for both Audubon and our partner organization, Outward Bound, focuses on residents of Strawberry Mansion. Utilizing the space and site to introduce topics of conservation, such as bird migration, native plant health, and environmental justice, to our community. All these programs are aimed at connecting the community of Strawberry Mansion to the education and conservation of The Discovery Center.
• High School Clubs. The Fellow will teach specific lessons centered around Environmental Education on-site at The Discovery Center for our Environmental Leaders internship program and other high school groups. This will be during school visits and after-school programs that will reach students in grades 9 – 12 at the nearby partner schools. These lessons from the Fellow will focus on career pathways and development, and environmental stewardship (how and why we take care of the environment). This commitment remains the same in Year 2.

Strategic Project

The Fellow will help Audubon Mid-Atlantic reinforce and strengthen their relationships within the Strawberry Mansion community by serving as a community hub in partnership with The Strawberry Mansion community. The Fellow will be involved with the leaders, elders, and stakeholders in the community through interactions such as community programs, neighborhood festivals, and community workshops.

• Lead a dedicated public and/or family program, such as birdfeeder workshops, nature journaling programs, and guided hikes/tours.
• Attend partner meetings with neighborhood organizations to continue the deep partnerships that Audubon has created in the Strawberry Mansion and the North Philadelphia region. They attend these meetings as a representative of Audubon and share their work with the group.
• Be an active presence at our area festivals and events that Audubon has a strong connection

Qualifications and Experience

• Candidate must be a graduating Senior. Graduating EITHER in December 2025, or May/June 2026 from an accredited 4-year institution and be eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the Fellowship.
• Applicants must demonstrate leadership in their college communities and have a proven record of academic excellence.

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 [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.