Land Conservation Director

Do you have experience in the protection and conservation of natural resources and sustainable land management?

Are you passionate about saving land, fostering biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities?

Would you like to be part of a team that thrives on meaningful, collaborative efforts to create a lasting, positive impact in your community?

We are seeking a dedicated, passionate, and collaborative individual to join our team as the Land Conservation Director (LCD). The LCD leads the conservation team in landowner outreach, land acquisition, land stewardship, habitat restoration and grant seeking for land protection. The ideal candidate will be driven to make a positive impact in land conservation efforts, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability and community involvement. The LCD is an integral part of protecting and building a healthy community for nature and people.

Organization:

Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) and Carolina Thread Trail (CTT) is a nonprofit organization that permanently conserves and manages land and advances trail in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina. The organization is dedicated to conserving land and connecting lives to nature. CLC protects large parcels of natural land that contribute to clean water, provide habitat for wildlife, support local farms and provide public access to nature, conserving almost 18,000 acres to date. CTT is a growing regional network of trails, greenways, and blueways that connect 2.5 million people in 15 counties across North and South Carolina. CLC and CTT also actively engage the public in their mission through community partnerships, volunteer workdays, outdoor programs and special events.

Core Values:

• We embrace and pursue possibility.
• We are learners and teachers.
• We respect and value others.
• We are dedicated to mission.

The Land Conservation Director oversees landowner outreach, land acquisition, land stewardship, habitat restoration and grant seeking for land protection.

Responsibilities

The Land Conservation Director oversees and manages all land acquisition and land management activities of Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail. This role provides strategic leadership for conservation efforts and supervises the Land Conservation Manager, Land Stewardship Manager, and Natural Resources Manager and is responsible for the Land Protection Team. Responsibilities include:

Land Acquisition and Management:

• Ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards and best practices for land acquisition and stewardship.
• Supervise and provide guidance to the Land Conservation Team
• Manage and oversee activities of Land Conservation Manager, Land Stewardship Manager, and Natural Resources Manager.
• Review and negotiate grant contracts from state, federal, private and corporate foundation sources.
• Evaluate and oversee sales of trade land properties, coordinating with vendors and contractors as needed.
• Oversee and assign tasks to advance conservation pipeline.
• Supervise disposition of interests in organization-owned properties (rights of way, easements, etc.).

External Representation:

• Engage with government officials, including staff and elected representatives.
• Promote the organization’s mission, accomplishments and objectives to landowners, partners, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in various public forums, including meetings with government agencies, community groups, the Land Trust Alliance, and other conservation organizations.
• Advocate for conservation initiatives by engaging with legislative and municipal officials on statutory and regulatory matters.
• Support public events, tabling and outreach opportunities to advance conservation efforts and community engagement.

Board and Committee Support:

• Manage and provide guidance to the Land Acquisition and Natural Resources Management and Stewardship Committees.
• Present conservation project opportunities and land protection matters to the Board of Directors.

Organizational Management:

• Serve as member of the CLC/CTT leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making for the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 10 years of experience in land conservation, natural resources management, real estate, or a related field.
• Experience supervising a team with diverse skills and professional backgrounds.
• Experience in managing real estate transactions
• Expertise in land conservation and preservation work, particularly conservation easement acquisition.
• Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust with landowners, public officials and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills adaptable to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in project planning, budgeting, and execution to meet organizational goals.
• Self-motivated with the flexibility to manage multiple evolving priorities.

Compensation Information:

This position is full-time, salaried with benefits including medical insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and Simple IRA with matched contribution. Salary range is $85-100,000, commensurate with experience. Flexible scheduling and some remote work available. Family leave available. Summer half-day Fridays.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three references in a single PDF, by email to careers@catawbalands.org. Please include “Land Conservation Director” in the subject line. References will not be contacted unless you are selected for an interview.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.