Director of Land Transactions

Would you like to help conserve iconic Coast redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains by purchasing forests – or using other real estate transactions like conservation easements – to protect them from development, degradation, and destruction? If so, we have the right role for you as part of Sempervirens Fund’s dynamic, collaborative, fun team.

As the Director of Land Transactions for Sempervirens, you provide the leadership, vision, and strategy for Sempervirens Fund’s real estate transactions, which are foundational to achieving our conservation goals. They are responsible for developing, managing, and executing a portfolio of real estate transactions that increase the pace and scale of redwood forest protection in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Director uses the full range of non-profit land conservation tools, including fee and easement acquisition, purchase of timber rights, bargain sales, and land donations, in their work with willing sellers. They oversee the entire acquisition process including identification of properties, initial outreach, negotiation, due diligence, and eventual closing. They work closely with other Sempervirens Fund staff to develop and support the fundraising and financing strategies necessary to fund these transactions. Sempervirens Fund owns forest lands for extended periods during which we restore and safeguard their ecological health. The Director of Land Transactions also designs and implements the conveyance of these conservation properties to government agencies, like California State Parks, or other appropriate stewards.

Sempervirens Fund and Our Commitment to People and Equity

The mission of Sempervirens Fund, a non-profit conservation organization, is to ensure Coast redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains thrive for generations to come. In addition to protecting redwoods using real estate transactions, we own and steward over 12,000 acres of redwoods and associated habitats. We also promote forest management practices across the Santa Cruz Mountains to help redwood forests, and our surrounding communities, better withstand the impacts of climate change. We work to expand opportunities for inclusive public access so people from all backgrounds can enjoy these redwood forests. Over the organization’s 125-year history, we have protected over 36,000 acres; helped establish and expand five state parks and other protected areas; and created the beloved 32-mile Skyline to the Sea Trail.

We are committed to an organizational culture that is welcoming and inclusive. We seek a staff that is reflective of the diverse communities with which we work. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Sempervirens Fund is an equal-opportunity employer.

Sempervirens Fund offers competitive benefits including paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance, thirteen paid holidays and three weeks of vacation in your first year, and an employer retirement plan match of 6% starting right away.

If securing land transactions to protect redwood forests forever sounds exciting to you, we look forward to hearing how you will bring your unique set of skills and experiences to the role. To read the full job description and learn more about the job duties, qualifications, and application instructions, please visit https://sempervirens.org/director-land-transactions

Location: Greater San Francisco Bay Area with frequent travel to Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Sacramento.

Salary: $175,000 - $225,000

Position Classification: Full-time; Exempt