Conservation Project Manager

Conservation Project Manager

Full time

The Conservation Project Manager manages a diverse portfolio of land conservation projects to further MCHT’s mission to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities in coastal Maine. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with private landowners, partner organizations, communities and agencies to accomplish lasting conservation of priority properties. The position involves community outreach and engagement, real estate negotiation and financing, grant writing, fundraising, and communications for individual projects. This individual is a member of a team of eight Conservation Project Managers and may serve a specific geography and/or specific initiatives in coastal Maine, to be determined based on the location, experience, and skills of the preferred candidate.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan for, prioritize, initiate, and complete conservation projects in the designated region. This includes  identifying important conservation opportunities;  initiating contact and negotiating with landowners; responding to incoming opportunities; developing and implementing effective conservation strategies; providing education and consultation to the landowners, family members and their advisors; supporting project fundraising activities and successfully negotiating and closing multiple real estate acquisitions and transactions ranging from simple to complex in nature within the confines of authority from the Board of Directors and with guidance from our General Counsel.
• Work directly with MCHT’s Stewardship Department to develop stewardship budgets for active land protection projects and assist with management planning for protected properties.
• Be an expert regarding current work in land protection. Serve as a knowledgeable and respected land protection leader, advisor, and spokesperson for MCHT and for partners including local, statewide, and national land trusts and organizations.
• Represent MCHT at local, regional, state, and national levels at conferences, industry gatherings and committees, events, and with the media to highlight MCHT’s mission and projects, in coordination with the Communications team.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance the productive, strategic working relationships that are a hallmark of MCHT’s conservation programs, and form alliances with new partners.
• Develop and present brief written updates on specific projects or land protection priority areas to relevant MCHT Board Committees.
• Oversee multiple contractors, ensure completeness and quality, and maintain professional relationships with surveyors, attorneys, and other contractors who perform various duties for MCHT in relation to land projects.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Supervisory Responsibility

Provides general oversight and supervision to outside contractors.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a field such as natural resources, land use planning, law, real estate, or communications with 4 years of experience in land use and conservation work, land project management or related field. In lieu of education, 6 to 7 years of previous experience in land conservation involving aspects of negotiating and closing multiple real-estate transactions or other relevant experience.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong commitment to land and water conservation, building healthier communities, conserving natural habitats, and connecting people to land.
• Passion for and knowledge of MCHT mission and values.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to operate computers and assigned software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and Adobe.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and effectively as a team member.
• Ability to manage a diverse project load through strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work within budgets.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of people and organizations.
• Discretion and proven responsibility for the handling of confidential, sensitive, and personal information.

Preferred

• Experience in voluntary land protection techniques, landowner negotiations, and completing land conservation transactions in accordance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
• Experience with community conservation projects, such as those that integrate conservation and affordable housing and/or address working waterfront access.
• Experience with complex real estate tools and funding sources, such as limited development conservation transactions, limited liability companies, revolving loan funds, and public funding programs.
• Working knowledge of Maine’s geography, culture, flora and fauna.
• Field skills such as working with map and compass, GPS systems, reading terrain, identifying and understanding natural resource sensitivities and constraints preferred.
• Experience overseeing contracts and engaging advisors or consultants.
• Working knowledge of Arc GIS and/or experience with database development and maintenance.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

MCHT has offices in Topsham, Rockport, Mount Desert Island, and Whiting, Maine, and this position may be based at any of these locations. We offer a hybrid work model of two office days and three remote days per week.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $70,000 to $80,000 but is dependent upon experience.