Director of Land Protection

Title: Director of Land Protection

Job type: Full Time exempt, 40 hours a week

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: None

Location: Office based in Stowe, VT with flexibility for occasional remote work.

About Stowe Land Trust

Stowe Land Trust is a respected, member-supported, 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit serving the greater Stowe area since 1987. With 7,100 acres and 35 conservation easements under our belt, we are committed to preserving the ecological health and economic vitality of our region. Stowe Land Trust recognizes that to address community needs we must include the voices of all identities within our community and beyond. We encourage historically marginalized people to apply, as your diversity in experience and identity will be valued and respected as a vital part of what will strengthen our staff. See more about our work on our website at www.stowelandtrust.org

The Opportunity

Stowe Land Trust seeks a Director of Land Protection to help us embark on a new level of growth to protect the lands and waters of the Stowe area. The Director of Land Protection is responsible for oversight of all land protection projects, initiatives, and partnerships, including strategic conservation planning as well as developing and closing projects in the pipeline. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Land Protection advances Stowe Land Trust’s mission through ensuring the development and advancement of our strategic conservation plan and highest priority land protection activities. Working closely with the Stewardship Director and Director of Development & Communications, the Director of Land Protection also plays a key leadership role in supporting stewardship, community engagement, and fundraising activities. This position works to conserve lands for a variety of community values. The ideal candidate is passionate about protecting the community’s forests, farm, recreation, scenic, and other natural resources for future generations; thrives on collaborating with organizations and individuals to accomplish shared goals; has a growth mindset; has strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills; is comfortable operating with the unknown; is self-directed yet flexible; and excels in a deadline-driven and entrepreneurial environment. They are committed to being part of an inclusive land trust that champions diverse perspectives and backgrounds and welcomes, engages, listens to, and learns from all our community members.

Essential Functions

Land Protection

• Communicates with interested landowners on conservation options. Conducts initial project screening, meets with landowners for site review and implements project screening criteria.
• Works with the Executive Director to develop, implement, and periodically update Stowe Land Trust’s Strategic Conservation Plan.
• Drafts and negotiates land protection project related documents including maps, project summaries, contracts, budgets, grants, and conservation easements.
• Weighs potential land/legal interest acquisition conservation value, feasibility, relation to Stowe Land Trust’s mission and goals, and importance compared to other potential acquisitions.
• Responsible for program and project budget preparation and management as well as reporting and evaluation.
• Periodically reviews and updates Stowe Land Trust’s policies and procedures pertaining to land protection and strategic conservation planning to maintain consistency with Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices and Stowe Land Trust staff roles and responsibilities.

Land Stewardship

• Evaluate potential land acquisition projects for long-term stewardship considerations during project development, in partnership with the Stewardship Director.
• Evaluates easement terms for stewardship enforceability and reasonability when negotiating with landowners and drafting agreement/easement terms, in partnership with the Stewardship Director.
  
• Assists Stewardship Director in determining long-term carrying costs and stewardship endowment needs for protection project budgets.

Fundraising

• Prepares grants for land/easement acquisitions.
• Develops and manages budgets and grant applications for each transaction.
  
• Recruits new conservation and trade land donations to support mission.
• Supports special campaigns and events as necessary.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected for this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 or more years’ experience in land and water conservation.
• Interest in, and commitment to, land and water conservation along with knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation.
• Proven ability to develop diverse relationships, networks, and partnerships to further the mission and impact of Stowe Land Trust.
• Ability to build relationships, negotiate, and work closely with people holding diverse positions and perspectives.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including occasional field work, which may occur on uneven terrain in inclement weather.
• Knowledge of conservation easements, fee acquisitions, and general real estate transactions.
• Map-making, and Arc GIS experience a plus.

Salary: Salary range of $65-75k, commensurate with experience.

Benefits and Perks

• Family & Medical Leave
  
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Career development opportunities
• Wellness perks, including staff outings

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your interest and qualifications through this page. No calls, please. Application review begins July 29. Position is open until filled.

Join us for this exciting period of growth and contribute to land conservation and community engagement in the Stowe region.

Stowe Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, and does not discriminate in hiring or in the conditions of employment against any individual on the basis of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, age or genetic information of the employee or a family member, or against a qualified disabled individual, or against an individual on the test result from an HIV-related blood test, or against an individual on the basis of their veteran status, membership, or application for membership in the armed services, or against an individual on the basis of their health coverage status or crime victim status, or against an individual on the of their opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in the complaint process. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including but not limited to hiring, placement, training, compensation, transfer, promotion, leave of absence, and termination.