Land Protection Manager

The Nature Conservancy•Montpelier, VT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Land Protection Manager is responsible for guiding land protection projects through TNC’s land protection process, which includes property research, relationship building, negotiations, project configuration, internal review and approvals, due diligence, assessments, fundraising and real estate closing. The position will respond to protection inquiries and screen potential protection projects for TNC VT. To fund conservation projects, the position will work with TNC philanthropy staff, apply to public and private funding sources, and track and manage grants. As project manager, the position will also manage budgets, contracts, files, and records for each protection project. To successfully see projects through the protection process, the position will need strong project management skills, attention to detail, creative thinking, and problem solving. The position sits within TNC VT’s Lands Team, a team dedicated to protecting Vermont’s terrestrial resilience and connectivity. As such, the position will work closely with other members of the Lands Team to review and execute protection projects, and to support and strengthen Vermont’s conservation network through programming like the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund. The position is overseen by the Director of Resilient and Connected Lands, who will direct conservation priorities and projects. In addition to the Lands Team, the position works with other teams within TNC, including legal, stewardship and philanthropy, to craft impactful, responsible, equitable, and sustainable conservation projects. The position will also work with regional TNC chapters to develop and execute protection projects that advance connectivity and climate resilience across the Appalachians. Outside TNC, the position will work with federal, state, and local governments, conservation organizations, landowners, contractors, funders and other partners as appropriate to negotiate and execute land protection projects. This requires the position to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. The position has a limited field component to visit and inspect properties, but mostly will be in the office, working at a computer.

Requirements

BA/BS in relevant field and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, conservation, environmental science, law, real estate, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven experience with real estate transactions and land protection.
Ability to negotiate complex transactions and agreements.
Experience building relationships and partnerships.
Experience communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, both in writing and verbally.
Experience managing multiple projects at one time.
Experience staying organized, completing tasks, and tending to timelines while working independently.
Experience managing files and databases, as well as using common software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcGIS, Web Browsers, etc.
Must have valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly within Vermont.
Ability to occasionally attend and travel to meetings within Vermont on nights and weekends.
Comfort working in variable weather conditions and at remote locations as necessary.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of real estate transactions: screen potential projects; communicate with property owners; conduct property inspections; negotiate, track and record project progress; contract for due diligence; prepare and present project materials.
Maintain files and records related to land transactions.
Participate in conservation planning and prioritization.
Work closely with internal and external parties to achieve TNC’s land protection goals.
Develop and manage project budgets.
Negotiate and contract with vendors.
Support fundraising for land protection work, including writing grant proposals for public and private funding, managing grants, and working with philanthropy staff.
Support other work within TNC VT’s Lands Team, including the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund and efforts to strengthen Vermont’s conservation network.
Ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.