The Director of Land Protection is responsible for the overall planning, coordination and implementation of a comprehensive program to protect natural areas and habitat for rare and endangered plants, animals and natural communities. They use the full range of protection tools, including gift, easement, purchase, lease registry, conservation brokerage and cooperative projects with federal, state, and local government, conservation organizations and other partners as appropriate.
The Director of Land Protection is responsible for implementing and achieving the Conservancy’s land conservation priorities by overseeing and representing the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with private landowners, government agencies and advisory committees. They work closely and coordinate with a wide variety of Nature Conservancy staff, private individuals, public and non-profit entities and corporations in support of conservation goals. They solicit and monitor government funding for land acquisition, assist with speaking engagements, lead donor field trips, and assist in private fund raising as necessary. The Director is an expert in protection techniques and resources and advises the land protection staff and government partners on the application of these tools for conservation advancement.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Geographic size and scope is that of a complex business unit or multi-business units, regional or at the national/global level.
- Supervise land protection and administrative staff working toward accomplishment of land protection goals with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice, sometimes on weekends.
- Negotiate real estate transactions, which can bind the Conservancy legally and financially.
- Plan and direct work on protection projects; recruit and supervise staff and interns as needed or as funding is available.
- Resolve complex problems independently with minimal supervision.
- Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- At least 5 years’ experience in land conservation, real estate, law, business or related field.
- Experience working with a wide range of people, such as landowners, corporate executives and government officials.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience in developing and managing multiple projects and timelines.
- Experience working with computers, including database management.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working on complex real estate transactions.
- Experience developing and implementing conservation plans using ecological data.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Knowledge of current trends and strategies in conservation and land protection.