Position Overview:
The associate director, land conservation is responsible for oversight and general management of land conservation programs including: purchase of development rights (PDR), conservation easement acquisition, stewardship and administration, and grant compliance. This full-time position reports to the executive director.
Reports to: Executive Director
Administrative support: Limited. The individual in this position must be prepared to handle his/her own correspondence, filing, and record keeping.
Responsibilities:
Tasks include, but are not limited to:
- oversee all aspects of program development and administration for purchase of development rights projects including working with, and communication to, partner organizations, Fort Drum Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) Program, New York State's PDR program, and private individuals;
- prepares and implements property protection strategies, negotiate donations and purchases of conservation easements, drafts conservation easements, prepares baseline documentation reports, landowner outreach and correspondence, and assists in easement monitoring as necessary;
- assisting Tug Hill towns and counties with agriculture and farmland protection planning efforts and implementation of programs;
- follows all aspects of the conservation easement stewardship and administration program, including the link between conservation easement language, organizational capacity, and the long-term conservation goals of THTLT;
- cultivates landowners and solicits charitable gifts of conservation easements, land, appreciated assets and funds; works with the executive director and board of directors to enhance program funding and overall organizational effectiveness.
- other duties: as assigned by the executive director.
Qualifications:
The associate director, land conservation must be a problem solver, "can-do" person, committed to ongoing learning and excellence, and possess leadership skills in project development and conservation easement stewardship, including growing a farmland/working landscape conservation program, with exceptional internal operations management skills. S/he must have a passion for working landscapes, broadening the organization's constituency, and connecting people to the land.
The ideal candidate will possess a majority of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
- A record of accomplishment in an entrepreneurial, problem-solving, service-oriented environment, preferably in a growing land trust with program complexity and pressing land conservation needs. A proven track record effectively managing multiple operations and program needs including administrating purchase of development rights programs within New York State, and/or other state and national programs.
- An understanding of the current agricultural and forestry needs, opportunities and challenges, as well as strategic thinking related to future issues and program design. Demonstrated success both implementing and overseeing conservation easement projects and overall program development. Ability to communicate and respect highly sensitive and confidential information with ease and compassion.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic relationship building within the farming, forestry, and landowner community. Experience in working with related industries is helpful.
- A commitment to rural people, working landscapes, and serving the greater public interest via conservation is a must.
- Demonstrated ability to continually prioritize work, manage one's time individually and work well as a team, and possess a passion for learning new skills and information.
- Outstanding oral, written, listening, and interpersonal communications skills. A demonstrated ability to customizing outreach to meet different constituencies. Organizational fundraising and related outreach experience helpful.
- Ability to travel throughout the Tug Hill region, and occasionally within/outside of New York State. Some weekend and evening work is required.
The successful candidate will possess an advanced degree in natural resources, land planning, landscape design, agriculture or forestry, and a minimum of 4 years of direct conservation project design, easement drafting and stewardship, and implementation experience.
Small office management and/or work experience will be helpful. Strong computer skills required, including use of Excel, GIS Arc View, and Micro-soft word. Excellent presentation, written and verbal skills are critical. Candidates with a proven track record managing complex operations, projects and grants are encouraged to apply.
Compensation: $40-45,000/year DOE. Benefits:4-weeks paid vacation, flexible schedule
Location: THTLT's office in Watertown, New York at the NYS Zoo at Thompson Park.
To Apply:
Applications are due by August 27, 2010, but will be reviewed as received. Applications must include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), 2 writing samples, and 3 references. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please write your name (Last, First-Application) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.
Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust
PO Box 6063
Watertown, NY 13601
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