Description
Sudbury Valley Trustees, a nonprofit regional land trust located west of
Boston, MA, seeks a Director of Land Protection (DLP) to lead SVT’s mission to
protect natural areas and farmland for wildlife and people. This position is
an opportunity to be a regional leader in conservation, making a direct and
lasting impact on our communities for generations to come.
About SVT
Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) actively conserves natural areas and farmland in
36 communities between Boston and Worcester. We protect some of the region’s
most important forests, wetlands, and grasslands—natural areas that support
wildlife habitat, working farms, and recreational trails.
- SVT cares for more than 5,700 acres on 181 properties, maintains more than 65 miles of hiking trails, and provides an array of public educational programs and recreational outings.
- SVT is a dynamic, forward thinking land trust and we come together to achieve our mission through three strategies:
- We protect land by assisting communities and other organizations with local efforts along with working with land owners to permanently conserve their parcels
- We take care of natural areas. We actively work to steward the land, ensuring that the values that originally inspired protection are cared for in perpetuity.
- We provide people with opportunities to connect with nature and to act for conservation . SVT recognizes that we must engage more and a greater diversity of people to care and act for natural areas, and we work to provide a variety of opportunities so that all people can enjoy nature’s many benefits.
- SVT is accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
- SVT achieves this success thanks to the efforts of our tight-knit team of professional staff, an all-volunteer Board of Directors, 200 volunteers, the support of 3,000 members, and numerous partners.
Position Overview
The DLP leads the land protection program at SVT.
- S/he is responsible for SVT’s work to develop and implement a comprehensive program to protect the region’s vulnerable lands using a full suite of protection tools.
- The DLP plays an essential role in SVT’s leadership team and reports to the Executive Director.
- S/he will directly supervise a team that includes land protection staff, intern(s), and occasional consultants.
- The DLP develops relationships with landowners, partner organizations, municipalities and other key individuals involved in conserving land, and often serves as a key connector between parties during collaborative transactions.
- This is a full-time position based at SVT’s headquarters, located at Wolbach Farm, a converted farmhouse at the 52-acre Wolbach Farm in Sudbury, MA, where we enjoy views of scenic meadows and woodlands with walking trails. Our dedicated staff enjoys a supportive work environment in a hybrid in-office/remote setting.
- The ideal candidate is passionate about the natural world, comfortable working both in an office and outdoors, and thrives in a collaborative work environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Play a strategic role in leading SVT’s land protection team and committee to identify and prioritize vulnerable lands in need of protection.
- Manage a variety of projects that include purchases, bargain sales, conservation restrictions, gifts, and a wide variety of collaborations with municipalities, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations and private landowners.
- With support from SVT’s Director of Finance and Administration, manage and track all aspects of land protection program finances
- Manage a portion of SVT’s individual land conservation projects, including budgeting, contracting, and negotiating all aspects of multi-party conservation real estate transactions.
- Coordinate all land protection activities with other SVT staff in fundraising, stewardship planning, and communications.
- Ensure adequate review of all legal documents relating to land transactions and ensure that all transactions are carried out in accordance with accreditation guidelines.
- Actively participate in the fundraising necessary to complete projects and in support of the organizational land protection objectives.
- Provide outreach and education to local communities, conservation partners, and landowners regarding the benefits of land conservation with occasional night and weekend events or meetings.
- Initiate and cultivate relationships with priority landowners and conservation partners to identify potential land conservation projects.
Qualifications
- At least 7 years of successful, results-oriented experience in land conservation or real estate development, including direct experience in negotiating and managing real estate transactions.
- A team player and leader who inspires collaboration and provides clear, timely direction.
- Proven understanding of land conservation methods and financing
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and GIS. Experience with Salesforce a plus.
- A passion for SVT’s mission.
Compensation
This position’s base salary range is $90,000 to $110,000. Actual salary will
reflect the level of experience and qualifications relative to the position
requirements.
Benefits include:
- Health and Dental insurance
- Flex Savings and an HRA plan
- 403(b) plan with a match after 6 months of service and full vesting from the date of hire
- Generous paid time off benefits including an 8-week sabbatical after 7 years of service
- Professional development is encouraged and paid by SVT
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sudbury Valley Trustees aims to create a
thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team and reflects
and effectively serves the diverse communities of Boston’s MetroWest region.
SVT is committed to fairness and equity throughout our internal operations.
Equity and inclusion are priorities as we strengthen and continue to diversify
our team so that we can serve and expand the region in all aspects of our
work.
How to Apply
To Apply:
- Please email resume, cover letter, and three references to [email protected]
- Emailed submissions should include the subject line: “ DLP_[last name] ”
- No phone calls, please.
- Please apply by August 31, 2023.
Location
Sudbury, Massachusetts, United States
Category
External
Posted
2023-06-26 00:00