Director of Lands

The Nature Conservancy•Chester, NJ

10d

About The Position

The Director of Lands is directly responsible for strategic leadership, management and accountability of the Chapter’s land conservation and stewardship, scaling up our efforts in New Jersey to contribute to resilient and connected land conservation across the Appalachians. They will be responsible for defining and directing implementation of NJ’s Lands strategic plan and developing key partnerships with public and private organizations to achieve our land conservation goals. They are responsible for realizing an inspiring vision of large-scale success for the Conservancy’s lands programs in New Jersey, while collaborating with colleagues to advance a vision for the northeastern Appalachians. They will direct a program spanning strategic planning, partnerships, policy, on the ground implementation, and community relations to maximize our contributions to the organization’s 2030 Goals. They will provide direction and support to implement a comprehensive program to strategically advance land conservation and connectivity work, land stewardship and preserve management in New Jersey, while creating a positive, collaborative, learning- and results-driven culture. Critical to the success of this position, the Director of Lands will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in and beyond New Jersey, partnering with local communities, tribes, government agencies, other NGOs, donors, and supporters. They will work closely with the Development team to raise capital and operating funds from public and private sources. The Director of Lands works closely with the Deputy State Director to direct a strategic land conservation program and land stewardship and preserve accessibility work to ensure strong, equitable, and lasting contributions to the Conservancy’s 2030 goals.

Requirements

BA/BS degree and 7years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
Experience negotiating.
A 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 prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous work experience in land conservation and/or stewardship.
Demonstrated experience managing teams within a matrixed organization.
Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
Fundraising experience.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in land conservation and land management.

Responsibilities

Lead NJ’s contributions to the Appalachians land protection and connectivity work, Northeast Division Stewardship, North America’s Leveraging Our Lands team and other relevant regional lands initiatives.
Scale TNC-NJ’s land conservation and nature preserve stewardship and accessibility efforts in NJ to achieve ambitious goals to benefit people and nature.
Lead and expand TNC’s emerging work with Indigenous Peoples of NJ and the development of an equitable land conservation and management strategy.
Working with Government Relations staff, direct and lead TNC’s lands policy efforts.
Develop, implement, and evaluate strategy; set deadlines and manage a portfolio of projects; communicate results to a variety of audiences, including donors and supporters.
Develop and direct multi-disciplinary staff, with responsibility for performance management, learning, and career development; lead team of professionals implementing land conservation and stewardship efforts.
Financial responsibility includes developing and managing program budgets, negotiating and contracting, and meeting fundraising targets.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice, sometimes on weekends.