Executive Director

About MALT

The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving natural and productive landscapes while enhancing scenic, recreational, and educational opportunities in Addison County, Vermont.

While our organization is small with 6 staff members and a dedicated volunteer base, our impact in the community is significant: The lands we protect and the education programs we provide are an integral part of life for local residents and visitors of all ages. It’s no surprise to us our town was named one of the 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. by Outdoor Magazine!

MALT has created a network of nearly 30 miles of trails, including the beloved Trail Around Middlebury (TAM), which provides easy access to nature for thousands of walkers, runners, and bikers annually. We have conserved more than 3,500 acres of land, farms, forests, wetlands, and recreational areas. We hold 23 easements and own four properties. Our trail staff and dedicated team of volunteers work side-by-side to maintain MALT’s trails while preserving our landscape for future generations.

Throughout the year, we invite our community to engage with us, offering environmental, educational, and recreational opportunities, from our annual TAM Trek to a range of popular summer camps for kids. We support hands-on educational projects from elementary to college level by providing outdoor classrooms on our conserved lands. Each year, nearly 140 households participate in one (or more!) of our educational programs.

With a strong history of land stewardship, education, volunteerism, and community support, MALT is at an exciting inflection point as we work toward our Vision 2040.

The Opportunity

MALT is seeking a bold, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as our next Executive Director. This individual will be responsible for leading MALT’s next chapter of growth and impact, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners to advance our mission.

The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of the organization, from fundraising and financial sustainability to partnership development, conservation leadership, educational programming, and community engagement. Equally important, the Executive Director must be a practical, hands-on leader who is ready to roll up their sleeves, manage day-to-day operations, and address needs as they arise.

The ideal candidate will be a highly effective communicator, relationship-builder, and fundraiser who can successfully excite and align stakeholders toward our shared vision.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead and implement MALT’s strategic plan and Vision 2040, ensuring alignment with community needs and conservation priorities.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for MALT, effectively communicating our mission and impact to diverse audiences.
• Lead and support a high-performing team, fostering a culture of professional development, innovation, and accountability.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to establish long-term organizational goals and priorities.

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy, including major gifts, grants, and membership growth.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners to increase revenue.
• Oversee financial management, ensuring a sustainable budget that supports MALT’s expanding programs and operations.

Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Oversee HR policies, staff recruitment, and annual performance evaluations..
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance best practices and legal requirements.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy, including major gifts, grants, and membership growth.
• Create education and engagement programs for landowners to learn about conservation opportunities and priorities.
• Increase public engagement through outreach initiatives, educational programs, and advocacy efforts.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that deepens community connections to conservation and recreation.

Conservation

• Support the Lands Manager with MALT’s conservation efforts, ensuring strategic land protection and stewardship that aligns with Vermont’s 30x30 and 50x50 conservation goals.
• Advocate for land and trail conservation policies that enhance the region’s ecological resilience and recreational access.
• Support landowners through the entire process of conservation, from interest and education to decision making and stewardship.

Trail Management & Expansion

• Support the Trail Manager and Trails Committee in managing and improving the TAM and other trail systems, ensuring MALT quality standards are met.
• Expand the existing trail networks to connect nearby communities to Middlebury and the TAM, and the broader network of protected lands.
• Partner with landowners, towns, and other stakeholders to identify possible trail expansion opportunities.

Outdoor Education Programming

• Oversee enhancement of MALT’s outdoor education initiatives, including afterschool programs, summer camps, and adult education opportunities.
• Support the Education Manager in the development of high-quality environmental education curricula that align with MALT’s conservation and recreation goals.
• Ensure effective coaching, professional development, and management for staff and volunteers to grow their skills in quality outdoor education.
• Support education programming, as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

MALT is looking for a dynamic leader with the following qualities and experience:

Essential Qualifications

• Genuine passion for MALT’s mission and a deep commitment to land conservation, trail stewardship and management, outdoor recreation, and environmental education.
• Consistent track record of exceptional results achieved through effective and collaborative management and leadership.
• Capacity to take ideas from concept to reality by developing actionable plans and measurable outcomes. Ability to communicate a strategic vision and operational effectiveness.
• Exceptional skills in partnership development, facilitation, and stakeholder alignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong financial management and strategic planning abilities.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relations.
• Outstanding communication and public speaking skills.
• Experience with land trusts, conservation easements, land and trails management, or outdoor recreation organizations.
• Knowledge of Vermont’s conservation landscape and related policy frameworks.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $80,000 - $95,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: 15 days PTO plus federal holidays; 10 sick days; up to 3% retirement match; contributions to a Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Account, or a combination of the two.
• Hours: Full-time schedule during typical business hours with some evening and weekend hours required.
• Location: Office is based in Middlebury, Vermont. You will be on-site or in the field.

How to Apply

MALT has retained Hedgehog + Fox Collaborative to assist in the search for the Executive Director. Sarah Audet, Principal, is leading this search. You may direct any questions to her at sarah@hedgehogfox.co.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for MALT’s mission to sarah@hedgehogfox.co. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but the priority deadline is April 25, 2025.

MALT is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.