White Mountains Land Trust

White Mountains Land Trust

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE: Executive Director of the White Mountains Land Trust (Trust)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Serves as principal representative for the Trust in eastern Arizona

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and demonstrated work experience with land protection, land use planning, conservation practices, and/or fundraising.
• Knowledge of, or ability to research and understand current trends in land-use planning and land trust practices.
• Awareness of  political climate, current issues, and concerns.
• Ability to work with differing perspectives and interests related to  land protection using a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.
• Build trust among diverse stakeholder in a collaborative manner.
• General writing and computer skills (i.e. writing publications, brochures, and media releases; designing Powerpoint presentation; track donors; grant management.
• Ability to present land protection benefits in compelling manner to multiple audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop effective and strategically-based land protection program in the White Mountains region.
• Seek fundraising opportunities such as grants, philanthropic donations, or other avenues to increase working capital and operational expenses for Trust, Executive Director, and other future positions.
• Work closely with Trust Board of Directors to inform Board of local concerns, ongoing and new activities, opportunities, and political/social/ecological risks of potential projects.
• Conduct annual conservation easement monitoring, including necessary record-keeping, on existing easements held by the Trust.
• Serve as a regional information resource for land conservation options and economic benefits associated with land protection, open space, and trails
• Assist, lead, or facilitate communities in their design and implementation of open space and urban trail plans.
• Respond to landowners inquiring about land protection options; research property conservation values and attributes;  and develop easement or acquisition plans for Board consideration.
• Secure accreditation status for the Trust under the Land Trust Alliance accreditation program.
• Provide management and leadership to complete land trust projects.
• Recruit potential Board members.
• Work with Board to finalize and implement the Trust strategic plan.
• Increase outreach activities (i.e. newsletter) for the general public as well as for specific audiences.
• Attend National or Regional land trust conferences to obtain training in land protection, managing land trusts, and other skills as necessary.

PROBLEM SOLVING:

• Coordinate multiple projects with several variables; set realistic goals and meet deadlines.
• Perform tasks with minimal supervision and keep Board well-informed of activities, progress, opportunities, and barriers.
• Ability to develop alternative or innovative land protection funding strategies.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Develop budget, secure Board approval, manage budget, review budget progress with Board.
• Identify, develop, and implement fundraising strategies, including grants and funding for Executive Director and/or other Trust positions.

COMMUNICATION:

• Develop and implement communication strategies, including: Maintain website, respond to inquiries, develop newsletter, conduct membership drives, and other outreach activities.
• Network with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials,  potential donors,  Board members, and the general public to provide information and recruit support for Trust.
• Foster local partnerships (e.g. TRACKS, People’s Vision Committee) that will assist in achieving land protection, policy, or open space goals.
• Attend conservation/land trust conferences to network with peers and acquire new skills and knowledge.

 

GENERAL NOTE ON POSITION

This position is based in the White Mountains of Arizona and is currently developed as one-half Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) position, or 20 work hours per week.  Work hours are flexible and can be modified with Board approval.  Half-time funding is secure for three years dependent upon satisfactory six month and one year performance evaluation.  Full-time and/or extended employment is dependent upon the Executive Director’s ability to secure grant or other funds.

Compensation is dependent upon education and experience.