At TPL, we're a team of outdoor advocates who believe in connecting everyone to the outdoors. As an ethos, we believe access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need and essential to our health and well-being. ​We're committed to creating more places that bring us outside—parks, trails, playgrounds, and public lands—and making them available and welcoming to everyone, everywhere, regardless of ZIP code. We also understand that land has meaning; it tells the story of our history. That's why, through our Black History and Culture initiative, we're working to preserve sites that more fully represent the Black American experience; and we're an ally and partner to Tribal and Indigenous communities, working in partnership to reconnect them with their ancestral lands.

One hundred million people, including 28 million children, don't have nearby access to a park within ten minutes of their home. We're determined to change this outdoor equity gap–and as a result, nine million people and counting now have access because of our work. We have miles to go and a plan to get there. We're inclusive change-makers who believe in connecting everyone to the outdoors. We inspire by paving the way forward and strengthening our connection to nature. Join us! 

Position Summary:  
The person in this position will deliver TPL’s mission of conserving land for people by utilizing nonprofit land acquisition techniques and sound business practices. The Project Manager will develop relationships with key stakeholders including local, state and federal agencies, tribes, community groups, and private landowners, to protect priority lands.

The ability to work independently is essential. Tasks include working with the Oregon Conservation Program Director on developing a pipeline of projects while also closing conservation deals that advance TPL’s mission and fundraising goals. The person in this role will also occasionally assist with strategic planning, collaborate with TPL’s national team, and support marketing and philanthropy. The position will report to the Oregon Conservation Program Director based in Bend, OR and will play a leading role in accelerating TPL’s work across Oregon; a remote/hybrid work set-up is an option.

Essential Functions:

Land Protection Project Management

• Explores potential projects by using GIS tools, contacting owners, nonprofit organizations and public agency officials.
• Works with Oregon conservation Program Director to develop strategies for acquisition of key resource properties needed for preserving open space lands of critical local, regional, or national importance, and their conveyance to public agencies or other permanent stewards. 
• Negotiate acquisition agreements with landowners, agency, and community partners.
• Manages all phases of the conservation real estate due diligence (title research, funding opportunities, appraisal contracts and other consultants)
• Assumes primary responsibility for negotiating, documenting and closing conservation real estate transactions with the assistance of TPL legal and finance staff.
• Manages a portfolio of projects.

Fundraising

• Identifying and pursuing public grants for land acquisition, stay current with funding opportunities and processes.
• In partnership with philanthropy team, identify and secure private donations and foundation grants.

Partnerships

• Develop relationships with community representatives, government agencies, city staff, non-profit partners, and others to identify potential land acquisition projects and garner support for ongoing projects. 
• Work with TPL federal affairs team and state lobbyist to secure delegation and legislative support for projects.
• Collaborate with the State Conservation Program Director to develop plans to grow the program.

Additional Functions

• Support building public awareness and understanding of TPL through outreach events, meetings, public speaking engagements, and fundraising efforts.
• Assists with the training of new project staff.

Qualifications:

• Background in landscape architecture, natural resources, real estate or planning preferred
• Minimum of 3-4 years of project-management experience or equivalent land trust or real estate experience is desirable.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Familiarity with the Oregon market, land transaction tools, and funding sources are a plus.
• Consistent high level of performance and creativity.
• Proficient in Microsoft computer applications and knowledge of GIS. 
• Strong negotiation and time management skills.
• Able to work on multiple and complex projects with moderate level of supervision. 
• Self-motivated and directed; ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive as a team player, adaptable and flexible.
• This position requires moderate travel. Evening and weekend work on occasions.

Compensation:
Trust for Public Land is a hybrid work environment, and this role will ideally be located near a Trust for Public Land office. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for the Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation and sick pay plus holidays, a year end office closure, and a 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the anticipated hiring range for this position is $80,000 - $85,000.

Trust for Public Land’s active goal is to be an inclusive and equitable place to work and build community. As the organization actively works to eliminate racial and other disparities it welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skillsets. We are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this job may not precisely meet all the above criteria; if you believe you are the right person for this job and can persuasively make that case, we encourage you to apply.