Executive Director

The Green Mountain Conservancy (GMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to acquiring and protecting forest lands in southern Vermont. Our mission is to protect their aesthetic and inspirational values; improve the quality of life for residents and visitors; ensure their natural character and continued biodiversity; undertake new initiatives for the stewardship of these lands; promote carbon sequestration; and conserve wildlife corridors and watersheds.

GMC was founded in 2008 and reorganized in 2018 to expand its scope and impact as a leader in southern Vermont Land conservation. As we continue to grow, we are hiring our first paid staff position: the Executive Director. This individual will play a pivotal role in increasing our conservation efforts, strengthening community engagement, and setting the stage for future organizational growth, including expanding our staff and volunteer network.

Reports To

Board of Directors. The Executive Committee will collaborate closely with the Executive Director to provide guidance, answer questions, and establish systems and strategies to achieve annual goals.

Primary Responsibilities

The Executive Director works in partnership with the Green Mountain Conservancy’s Board of Directors to facilitate and increase greater conservation impact, expand community reach and engagement, accelerate funding and individual support, and continue to develop appropriate systems and approaches to grow the organization’s capacity.

An annual work plan will be developed to outline and prioritize the work of staff and board members, as well as key volunteers, pursuant to overall goals and directives, including strategic conservation plans, outreach and fundraising plans, and an overall strategic plan.

Time allocations are for general planning purposes and will vary seasonally and year-to-year.

Fundraising and Outreach: 50%

• Research grant opportunities, write, and submit grant proposals. Write foundation updates, cultivate existing and new opportunities. Serve as contact with funders; support board engagement as needed.
• Develop with the Board and help to manage an individual giving program that includes a strong culture of appreciation, regular donor-centered updates, and personal engagement.
• Manage annual giving initiatives, including print mailings and digital campaigns.
• Ensure timely and compelling donor and community appreciation.
• Work with the Outreach and Fundraising Committees to coordinate and implement communication strategies, including website updates, e-newsletters, social media, and printed newsletters.
• Strong commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and appreciative organizational culture.
• Support board-led community outreach initiatives and donor events, as outlined in the annual work plan.

Conservation Initiatives: 25%

• Assist the Board with land acquisition, stewardship, and conservation initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national conservation organizations, agencies, and consultants.

Organizational development: 25%

• Ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices as adopted by GMC’s Board of Directors. Assist with policy updates and strategic planning.
• Work with the Board to develop accurate, timely, and transparent financial reports.
• Represent GMC at select community and regional conservation meetings (virtual and in-person as funding allows).
• Supervise a future membership/outreach position, contingent on funding availability.

Qualifications:

• Passion for local land conservation and connecting people to nature.
• Experience in fundraising, including grant writing, grant reporting, and donor relations.
• Strong ability to develop and implement individual giving programs, including planned giving.
• Creative thinker with strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to assess opportunities collaboratively with the Board.
• Experience in nonprofit administration and governance, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Demonstrated management experience, including volunteer and staff leadership.
• Willingness to learn new systems, strategies, and technologies. Proficiency in Google Docs, Excel, Word, QuickBooks, and land management databases is a plus.
• Strong commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and appreciative organizational culture.
• Strong organizational, management, and communication skills.

Additional Notes:

• Most stewardship tasks, such as trail maintenance and invasive plant control, are led by preserve stewardship committees, volunteers, and potentially future staff.
• Salary is negotiable based on experience. This is a part-time position (up to 20 hours per week) with flexible scheduling.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and traverse varied terrain for conservation and event-related tasks. Most job responsibilities will involve desk work, in-person meetings, and virtual communication.
• Office equipment, including a printer/scanner and necessary supplies, will be provided.
• Volunteer or contracted support will be available for financial record-keeping, donor list management, and mailings.

The role is primarily remote but requires in-person attendance at board meetings, special events, and site visits in and around Southern VT.

Green Mountain Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.