The nationally accredited Ozark Land Trust (OLT) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into the future. This is a full-time, salaried position based at a flexible location in the Ozark region. Compensation is $75,000 - $100,000, commensurate with qualifications, expertise and experience.

A passion for and experience in natural resource conservation, land protection and  small nonprofit organization management are all substantial considerations. Candidates need a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible positions, demonstrating professional growth and development in their field. An exhibited ability to work with a wide range of individuals, agencies, nonprofits and landowners is a plus. A college degree is required, and an advanced degree will be considered. Past OLT leaders have had a variety of backgrounds, including natural resources, land trusts, conservation, government agencies, law, fundraising and nonprofit governance. The organization desires a leader with strong ties to the Ozark region and who has a longterm commitment to the mission and geographic focus of OLT.

OLT protects over 32,000 acres across the Missouri and Arkansas portions of the Ozark bioregion. These include, but are not limited to, watersheds, forests, caves, farming and grazing lands, prairies and scenic viewsheds. About 80 percent of these lands are protected by conservation easements with private landowners, with the remainder owned by OLT. Additionally, OLT performs conservation practices in conjunction with a variety of agency and nonprofit partners.

Ozark Land Trust is the operating trade name of Ozark Regional Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Missouri and doing business in Arkansas. OLT is overseen by a Board of Directors with members across the Ozark region. The Board meets quarterly and has an annual meeting of the membership. The Board has a Land Conservation Committee to review projects and land-related issues, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee and Fundraising/Outreach Committee. The Board, in collaboration with the Executive Director, is responsible for strategic planning for the organization.

The Executive Director supervises the professional staff. The position has ultimate responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the organization, including program and project oversight, land stewardship, budget and expense management, fundraising, newsletter production and social outreach.

OLT has seven full- and part-time associates for project management, stewardship, outreach and partnership, and administration. Staff are located throughout the Ozark region; therefore, weekly staff meetings are usually held via Zoom. OLT also engages contractors for accounting, audit, marketing, donor database, GIS and other areas as needed from time to time. The current retiring Executive Director is available to continue in a part-time capacity to offer continuity and training, and to focus on areas of operation that might best serve the new leader.

OLT offers medical insurance, a Simple IRA plan option and paid leave. This is a homebased position, so the director will work from a home office in the Ozark region.

OLT is funded by a variety of sources, including an annual campaign, landowner donations from new projects, grants from private/family foundations and agencies, and income from its stewardship and operating endowments. OLT’s financial condition is audited annually, and it employs an accounting firm for its normal financial operations, preparation of quarterly financial statements and to aid in planning and budgeting. The organization’s endowments are maintained with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

OLT has an extensive outreach presence within the region. Events are conducted around the Ozarks 2-3 times a year. Board members and staff attend a variety of agency and professional meetings to build relationships and support for land protection efforts. A print newsletter, website presence and social media platforms assist in promoting our work and that of fellow land trusts through the Missouri Land Trust Coalition and the national Land Trust Alliance.

It is the policy of the Ozark Land Trust to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual or affectional preference, or marital/civil union status.