Director of Land Protection

The Nature Conservancy•Harrisburg, PA

About The Position

The Director of Land Protection leads a team of land protection professionals and plans, coordinates, and implements a comprehensive program to protect natural areas in Pennsylvania and Delaware in support of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation strategies. The role uses a range of protection tools, including gifts, easements, purchases, lease registry, conservation brokerage, and cooperative projects with government agencies, conservation organizations, and other partners. The Director implements and advances the Conservancy’s internal conservation priorities, oversees and represents the organization in relationships and negotiations with government agencies and advisory committees, and coordinates with TNC staff, private individuals, public entities, and corporations. The role solicits and monitors government funding for land acquisition, supports speaking engagements and donor field trips, and assists with private fundraising as needed. As an expert in land protection techniques and resources, the Director advises staff and government partners on applying these tools, manages grants, engages key partners, and supports land trust partners through financial and technical assistance. The position may be based at TNC’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania office or remotely within central or eastern Pennsylvania. The Director will lead priority conservation projects, including efforts to protect resilient lands and secure more than 200 miles of climate corridors.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law, or another related field.
At least 5 years of experience in land conservation, real estate, law, business, or a related field.
Experience working with a wide range of people, such as landowners, corporate executives, and government officials.
Experience negotiating complex agreements.
Supervisory experience.
Experience developing and managing multiple projects and timelines.
Experience working with computers, including database management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and evaluating projects.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the applicant’s motor vehicle record.
Successful completion of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of land protection professionals.
Plan, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive program to protect natural areas in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Use land protection tools including gifts, easements, purchases, lease registry, conservation brokerage, and cooperative projects with public agencies and other partners.
Implement the Conservancy’s internal conservation priorities.
Oversee and represent the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with government agencies and advisory committees.
Coordinate with TNC staff, private individuals, public entities, and corporations to advance conservation goals.
Solicit and monitor government funding for land acquisition.
Assist with speaking engagements, lead donor field trips, and assist with private fundraising as necessary.
Advise land protection staff and government partners on protection techniques and resources.
Solicit and manage grants and engage key partners.
Support land trust partners’ capacity through financial and technical assistance.
Develop and advance priority conservation projects that protect resilient lands and climate corridors.