Our client, the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, is seeking a Director of Conservancy. The organization has two operating programs: the Brandywine Conservancy (Conservancy) and the Brandywine River Museum of Art (Museum).
The Conservancy preserves land and water through its land trust and conservation planning program. Its mission is to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Brandywine River watershed and other selected areas with a primary emphasis on water quality and quantity of the Brandywine watershed. To accomplish its mission, the Conservancy works with individuals, municipal governments, county, state and federal government agencies and private organizations. The Conservancy is focused on permanently protecting and conserving land and water; creating and strengthening community plans and regulations that support conservation of natural resources; improve site planning and design to support resource conservation in land development projects; conduct research and analyses of approaches to planning and to conservation of natural and cultural resources; and enhance awareness and knowledge of conservation alternatives within the Brandywine River watershed and beyond. The Conservancy is a leading local and national advocate for responsible land use, open space preservation and water resource protection. The Conservancy focuses on integrating conservation with economic development through its Land Stewardship, Land Conservation and Municipal Assistance programs.
The Director will be responsible for leading strategic initiatives to protect and restore valuable natural resources, primarily within a three county area associated with the Brandywine watershed, through land preservation, land stewardship, water resource conservation, municipal assistance for environmental planning, and special projects. As the leader of the Conservancy, the Director will have oversight for planning, evaluating operations, managing and developing a team and budgeting. Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with existing and potential donors, foundations, government officials, and other environmental organizations will be critical. The Director will actively represent and promote the Conservancy’s programs.
The Director will report to the Executive Director/CEO who oversees the Conservancy and the Museum of Art. The Director will lead of team of direct reports including the Associate Director, Land Stewardship; Associate Director Land Conservation; Associate Director, Municipal Assistance; Budget Manager; and an Administrative Assistant, with a total team of 28.
Qualifications Include:
Demonstrated understanding of the complex issues involved in all areas of the Conservancy’s work including land preservation; land management and stewardship; municipal planning; water quality and quantity protection; and engaging and educating constituents and the community at large.
Possess the management skills needed to lead a diverse team. Proactive, collaborative, supportive and approachable management style that focuses on building effective relationships and gaining consensus on important issues.
Proven track record for effectively leading change and strategically articulating a vision and road-map for a department.
Thrives on building collaborative relationships and partnerships both inside and outside an organization. Prefers to develop win-win solutions.
Possesses emotional intelligence and authenticity.
Open-minded, able to operate in a flexible manner.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to listen, write, and speak well.
Enjoys teaching others to enhance their knowledge in the conservation field.
Optimistic, “can do” approach to work.
Possesses a passion for the conservation field.
Strong ethics, values and impeccable personal and professional integrity.
Undergraduate degree is required; MS or related degree is desirable in the Environmental science field.
Contact:Andrea Tropeano
Email: tropeano@ssgsearch.com
