The Role
Setting the strategic tone for the organization, the Executive Director guides a passionate team of expert staff (5 full-time, 2 contract) and dedicated volunteers and directs all programs of BLC. This role reports to the Board of Directors and manages a budget of approximately $800,000.
Key Responsibilities
As the primary spokesperson for BLC, you will champion our mission through a range of critical leadership duties:
Strategic Growth and Advocacy
- Strengthen Our Voice : Provide leadership on public policy issues, including crucial advocacy projects at local, state, and federal levels
- Drive Partnerships : Lead in developing impactful partnerships with stakeholders to advance BLC’s mission.
- Define the Future : Develop, implement, integrate, and evaluate strategies to advance BLC’s Strategic Conservation Plan and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Plan
Development and Financial Stewardship
- Fundraising Leadership : Supervise and support development staff to achieve BLC’s annual operating and program budgets, actively assisting in cultivating major donor support from foundations, individuals, and corporations.
- Operational Excellence : Ensure the organization’s core mission support programs (administrative, operational, financial) operate at peak efficiency and are transparent to staff and the Board.
Team Empowerment and Oversight
- Mentorship : Hire, supervise, and provide mentorship and leadership to staff, establishing and maintaining a positive organizational culture.
- Conservation Management : Supervise and support conservation staff with acquisition projects, land management issues, and stewardship programs.
- Community Connections : Supervise and support community engagement staff by ensuring sufficient resources are available for program excellence.
- Compliance : Ensure board and staff compliance with internal policies and guidelines set forth in Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
Who We’re Seeking
The ideal candidate for this pivotal role is a passionate leader with a deep commitment to nature and community . You should be a team builder with a history of successful collaboration in the region. We require strong communication and organizational skills and a preparedness to champion a corporate culture that is inclusive and innovative.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrable commitment to BLC’s mission.
- A minimum of five years of successful experience in land conservation or a related field.
- Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers, particularly fundraising or sales teams.
- Experience managing the comprehensive business functions of a dynamic organization.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and social skills.
- Strong leadership skills to coach and mentor employees and board members.
- Knowledge and ability to identify, cultivate, recruit, and maintain relationships with top-level volunteers, donors, and partners.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant experience or certifications may demonstrate acquired knowledge.
- Advanced professional certification in conservation finance, non-profit governance, or public policy.
- At least 5 years of experience in management roles.
- Experience with capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
- Proven ability to work effectively with local, state, or federal agencies on collaborative conservation projects.