Director of Land Protection

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB PURPOSE: The Director of Land Protection will be responsible for the project management of ESLC’s comprehensive land protection program. The Director is responsible for planning, coordination and implementation of conservation objectives and portfolio of easement and acquisition priorities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Land Protection (90%)
• Responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of a comprehensive program to protect natural and working lands;
• Negotiate and manage conservation easements and acquisitions including all associated transactional activities;
• Work with landowners, partners, and government agencies to initiate and complete land transactions
• Build successful partnerships with technical and funding agencies to fund program strategies and implementation;
• Draft necessary legal documents and other transactional documents as needed;
• Raise project revenue in support of budget for each project;
• Engagement, outreach, education materials, and landowner education events;
• Other duties as assigned.
Organizational (10%)
• Support shared organizational fundraising efforts;
• Assist with other organizational support as identified in the FY2020 work plan;
• Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Bachelor’s Degree in conservation, natural resources management, law, planning, or a related field required; Juris Doctorate and legal experience preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in conservation real estate acquisition, project management, and conservation easements/planning.
• Demonstrated ability to independently initiate structure, negotiate and manage, and close complex land transactions.
• Experience working with landowners, civic groups, federal and state agencies, county, and municipal partners.
• Professional interests that align strongly with ESLC’s vision and values.
• Outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills; Exceptional written communication skills.
• Desire and demonstrated ability to identify and address personal knowledge gaps; to learn on the job; and to cultivate sources of knowledge, expertise, and skill.
• Able and willing to travel (including a vehicle) frequently among the six counties in ESLC’s service area and occasionally beyond the service area.
• Proficient in all aspects of Microsoft Office.