Director of Conservation for the Southeast - The Trustees of Reservations

Location	Posted 5/2/08
Wesport, MA

Job Summary
The Director of South Coast Conservation and is responsible for leading and expanding the land conservation and community conservation work of The Trustees throughout the South Coast region of Massachusetts. The Director will manage a portfolio of land protection projects, supervise two Community Conservation Specialists within the region, maintain and expand strong partnerships with local conservation organizations, build broader support for conservation, and work with other regional staff and volunteers to implement the organization’s strategic plan in the South Coast area. In addition to working with colleagues in the Division of Land Conservation, the Director works closely with the Southeast Regional Director of Field Operations, the Director of Special Projects, and is a member of the Southeast Region’s Cross-Divisional Team.

Responsibilities
• Oversee the conservation of priority properties in the region in partnership with local land trusts, municipalities, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other partners. • Establish an effective community-based conservation program in the Taunton/Narragansett watershed. • Raise private and public funding for individual land protection projects and related conservation initiatives. • Expand farmland preservation and acquisition efforts in the region. • Engage new audiences, particularly in urban communities. • Maintain a continued, successful land protection partnership with the Westport Land Conservation Trust. • Play an appropriate role, ranging from leadership to staff support, in conservation-related fundraising campaigns in the South Coast area. • Oversee operating and special project land conservation budgets for the South Coast area as determined by senior management and the Cross-Divisional Team. • Participate in regular Land Conservation staff meetings and in the Southeast Region Cross-Divisional Team. • Provide effective supervision, evaluation, and coaching for direct reports. • Ensure that all transactions for which The Trustees is responsible within the region meet with the organization’s policies and procedures. • Represent The Trustees at relevant regional and local meetings, workshops and other appropriate events. The Director of South Coast Community Conservation Specialist will identify conservation and capacity-building opportunities through outreach to landowners and community leaders; and will manage individual land conservation projects from inception to completion. Responsibilities for this exempt position include cultivating local grassroots support for conservation efforts, meeting with landowners, organizing outreach events, drafting conservation agreements, securing financing for land protection projects, and organizing associated ballot measures and fundraising campaigns. The Director and staff are also responsible for baseline documentation of conservation easements, for monitoring conservation easements in the immediate area, and for other duties as assigned.

Skills, Qualifications, & Work Experience
The Trustees are seeking an energetic self-starter with leadership qualities and broad experience in land conservation practices, project management, fundraising, real estate, community organizing, working with volunteers, and managing budgets. Excellent negotiation, leadership, and interpersonal skills are necessary. The ideal candidate should have at least 5-10 years of work experience in land conservation or a related field. He or she will be a good public-speaker who works well on cross-sector teams, with a board and committees, and as part of an organization. Masters degree in natural resource management, regional planning or related field is desired. Understanding of and commitment to the conservation mission of The Trustees of Reservations is essential. Computer and cartographic skills, preferably GIS and GPS, are preferred. Background in both natural and cultural resources is desirable as is familiarity with southeastern Massachusetts. Ability to travel within Massachusetts and to attend frequent evening and weekend meetings and events is essential.

Additional Information
The position includes a comprehensive benefits package and a competitive salary level commensurate with experience. This position reports to the Vice President of Land Conservation. The Director will be based in The Trustees’ satellite office in Westport, Massachusetts.

Application Instructions
Send cover letter with salary requirements, resume, writing sample, and three references to: South Coast Director Search, The Trustees of Reservations, Doyle Conservation Center, 464 Abbott Avenue, Leominster, Massachusetts. Email: gslack@ttor.org. No phone calls or faxes, please.