Position Description

The Director of Conservation is a full-time employee that is responsible for the successful acquisition and effective stewardship of conservation easements and related real estate transactions. The Land Stewardship Specialist reports to the Executive Director and supervises and provides leadership for the Conservancy's acquisition team and stewardship staff.

Primary Duties:

Land Protection

• Assist with conservation committee and board review of new easements
• Lead the creation of baseline documentation reports for new easements
• Maintain and update materials relevant to the easement acquisition process
• Ensure all easements are monitored on an annual basis in conjunction with other staff
• Review landowner requests collected by stewardship staff ensuring timely response from the board and staff
• Audit and maintain Landscape Records and maintain files according to Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices

Management

• Manage and provide guidance for the Conservancy’s acquisition and stewardship staff
• Ensure any fee simple properties owned by the Conservancy are managed according to best management practices and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
• Manage the Conservancy reaccreditation process with the Land Trust Alliance
• Manage interns to assist in the completion of projects relevant to the Conservancy’s mission

Strategic Planning

• Stay abreast of industry trends to identify opportunities for growth and threats to avoid
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in all conservation activities
• Lead conservation planning, outreach, and analysis for new conservation leads in priority areas
• Develop budgets for conservation program in conjunction with Executive Director

Outreach

• Participate in and lead conservation initiatives and collaborations with regional conservation organizations
• Lead and participate in outreach events to landowners and the broader community
• Cultivate relationships with community members and foster a culture of philanthropy

Grant Writing and Management

• Actively seek and lead efforts on grant funding for project and staff support
• Lead progress and reporting on secured grants
• All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Miniumum Educational & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or related field
• Master’s degree (preferred)
• Proven work history working in land conservation
• Use of a personal vehicle and valid driver’s license. Mileage will be reimbursed.

Minimum Skill Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of conservation practices and principles including but not limited to agriculture, forestry, conservation biology, or similar fields
• Managerial experience
• Strong understanding of real estate transactions and conservation finance
• Exceptional negotiation skills
• Proven ability to work independently
• Effective and professional verbal and written communications including editing
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Familiarity with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
• High level of organization with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects
• Proficiency with ArcGIS (preferred)

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the position

• Frequent long-distance (1-3 hours) automobile travel throughout the Shenandoah Valley
• Frequent travel to various sites, including remote or rugged areas
• Frequent walking over uneven terrain during site visits or property assessments
• Frequent remaining in a stationary position, particularly, but not limited to, at a computer
• Frequent visual review of electronic and print documents
• Frequent repetitive use of hands/arms; particularly concerning typing, writing, phone & computer use
• Continuous communication: verbal and written, in-person, phone and electronic

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Retirement plan matching

Job Type: Full-time