Job Summary

The Executive Director is the chief executive staff person of the organization.

The responsibilities of the Executive Director are to help advance the organization by providing strategic leadership in key organizational areas, including: organizational advancement, revenue strategy/fundraising, public awareness/outreach, and property acquisition.

This position is the “face” of the organization and as such will raise awareness of our work, increase our public visibility, and promote partnership opportunities with key members of the community, including those involved with philanthropic giving, governmental support, and like-minded causes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Advancement
• In conjunction with the Board of Directors and under the guidance of the strategic plan, set the organization’s annual goals and, every six months, evaluate the organization’s progress.

Revenue Strategy/Fundraising
• In conjunction with the Board of Directors, develop a multi-year revenue strategy.
• Serve as the organization’s primary solicitor, strategically identifying fundraising opportunities and pursuing them via grant-writing, personal meetings with donors, event hosting, “friends of” program development, and other relevant strategies.
• Develop an appropriately detailed and effective electronic donor database.

Public Awareness/Outreach
• Serve as the organization’s public spokesperson and build the organization’s visibility through such things as speaking engagements and participation in local, regional and statewide events.
• Provide leadership by identifying opportunities to grow and advance the organization through such things as strategic alliances.
• Advocate for the organization with key external audiences, including government agencies, foundations, elected officials, businesses, like-minded organizations, and the community at large.

Property Acquisitions and Easements
• Assist the Board in the identification, negotiation, and acquisition of strategic properties and/or easements, with the goal of actively pursuing two each year.
• Communicate frequently with the Board on matters of policy and the progress of the organization through presentations at board meetings, work with committees, and interaction with individual board members.
• In conjunction with the Board of Directors, help prepare and regularly track organizational budgets.
• In conjunction with the Executive Committee, assist with preparations for bimonthly board meetings.
• Help insure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as with the organization’s bylaws and policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong analytical, reasoning, and organizational-management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Skilled speaking and meeting facilitation skills.
• Ability to use computer software, the Internet, cell phone, and other such technologies.
• Ability to drive and to travel occasionally for the Westmoreland Land Trust by motor vehicle, plane, train, etc., sometimes involving overnight stays.

Experience and Education

• Familiarity with nonprofit open-space preservation work; organizational and related initiatives.
• Experience in a business leadership role, with nonprofit experience preferred.
• Experience in working with nonprofit Boards of Directors and customary external audiences.
• Successful grant writing experience.
• Minimum of a four-year college degree, preferably in business management or administration, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Two years’ related work experience.