Land Transactions Associate

Peninsula Open Space Trust • Palo Alto, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ready to help protect the land that makes our region extraordinary? Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is looking for a detail-driven, mission-motivated Land Transactions Associate to play a hands-on role in turning complex real estate transactions into lasting conservation outcomes.
The Land Transactions Associate position plays a key role in supporting the due diligence and closing phases of transaction projects, managing and supporting ongoing use of transaction information systems, ensuring compliance with best practices and Land Trust Alliance standards, and supporting coordination with the Finance and Development teams. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Real Property and Projects and also works closely with other members of the Transactions Team and Land Department.
Why You’ll Love This Role
If you love coordinating moving pieces, collaborating across teams, and knowing your work directly supports the permanent protection of natural landscapes, this is a chance to put your skills to work for something that truly matters.
Hybrid Work
POST is currently a hybrid workplace. Our hybrid work policy supports work schedule design for time in the office, field, or remote that optimizes individual and team performance based on specific job requirements. The successful candidate for this job should expect to be in the office (or in the field if applicable) several days per week and must live within a reasonable driving distance to POST’s Palo Alto office, and to its lands on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay.

Requirements

• Two years or more experience, including relevant work in a real property-related business like an escrow/title or real estate law office, nonprofit like a land trust or conservation-based organization, or public agency like a municipal land agency.
• Growth mindset and experience managing projects and collaborating in teams with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience building relationships in service of long-term business goals.
• Effective communicator; strong writing, detail-orientated, speaking, presentation and listening abilities.
• Self-motivated, creative problem solver comfortable asking for help.
• Ability to work effectively using Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• College degree in a relevant field of study, or equivalent and relevant work experience and/or certifications will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Knowledge of or experience in natural resources is necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of land trust practices and conservation easements is helpful; training can be provided.

Responsibilities

• Acts as lead liaison on transaction closings, including internal coordination among Transactions, Stewardship, and Finance teams, and external coordination with title/escrow companies (such as preparing escrow instructions, reviewing and completing closing documents, coordinating signatures and delivery of documents), all under the direction of project managers.
• Acts as lead liaison for internal coordination meetings with Transactions and Stewardship teams for due diligence and for drafting due diligence memos/documents and contract-related notices with direction from project managers.
• Supports successful acquisition activities such as due diligence contracting, certain due diligence investigations, logistical support for site visits, and escrow setup as directed by project managers. Examples include, requesting title reports and policies and working with consultants to verify legal descriptions or review title exceptions.
• Supports post-acquisition activities such as transitioning property administration and responsibilities to our Stewardship team for long-term protection of natural resources and supporting the Stewardship team in planning property management transitions for transfers of land.
• Ensures data integrity, accuracy and functionality of the Land Department’s Salesforce-based platforms for property records, project/task management, reports, and dashboards.
• As needed, co-ordinates with Land Department leadership, Transactions Team, POST Salesforce Administrator and/or IT experts for any major improvements to Salesforce-based platforms or their functionality.
• Provides ongoing orientation/training, support, and maintenance for the use and development of Salesforce-based tools by the Transactions team, like project management software or land team databases.
• Actively maintains and updates the Transactions team’s Escrow & Closing Resource Guide and provides orientation to the team annually and to new staff as needed.
• Collaborates with the Land Administrative Assistant to ensure project and records compliance with the Land Department and POST’s standards, policies, and procedures. This may entail advising a Land Transactions Intern or other staff on the data entry, information validation, and maintenance of POST’s physical and digital filing systems.
• Supports the Vice President of Land Transactions with active tracking of capital budget cashflow related to transactions and coordination with the Finance team.
• Supports the tracking of grant funding and related obligations in coordination with the Development team.
• Provide administrative support to the Transactions team for active projects that are under contract, such as mailing, obtaining signatures, or making copies.
• Represents POST at occasional donor, funder, and public events in support of our marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Works in alignment with POST’s organizational values and its commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture.

Benefits

• excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, life and long term disability insurance, pet insurance, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level