Conservation Director

Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Conservation Director Position Announcement
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, a dynamic and growing regional land trust in north central Massachusetts, is seeking a visionary Conservation Director. This role is integral to advancing our mission of protecting and stewarding the region’s diverse landscapes, working on large-scale, multi-landowner projects and community-led land protection. We are looking for a leader who thrives in an innovative environment, embraces complex challenges, and is eager to make meaningful impacts.

Who We Are
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is a regional leader in protecting the diverse landscapes of north central Massachusetts, having conserved over 36,000 acres of forests, farms, waterways, and wildlife habitats since 1986. Through collaborative efforts with landowners, local governments, and conservation partners, Mount Grace ensures the preservation of the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity, while maintaining public access to outdoor spaces. The trust is deeply committed to sustainable land management practices that support both environmental health and the rural communities that rely on these landscapes.

In response to the challenges of climate change and historical inequities in land ownership, Mount Grace focuses on climate resilience and community conservation. By protecting vital ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, farmlands, and working landscapes, Mount Grace helps mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable agriculture. The trust also prioritizes partnerships with Indigenous communities and initiatives like Land Back, working toward environmental justice and reconciliation. Through its innovative approaches, Mount Grace continues to lead in conservation while fostering a sense of stewardship and shared responsibility for the land.

Position Overview

The Conservation Director is responsible for managing all aspects of Mount Grace’s land protection programs, supervising staff, and collaborating with stakeholders to implement large-scale conservation projects. This role requires a dynamic and strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. The ideal candidate will have deep conservation expertise, including a strong commitment to Indigenous partnerships, Land Back initiatives, and equitable justice programs, all consistent with Land Trust Alliance (LTA) standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Staff Management:

• Supervise conservation staff, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.
• Delegate tasks and oversee project management to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation and inclusivity within the team, reflecting Mount Grace’s commitment to justice and equity in conservation.

Fundraising and Grant Writing:

• Develop and manage fundraising strategies to support conservation efforts, including leading grant writing and cultivating donor relationships.
• Secure funding for large-scale conservation projects through public and private grant opportunities and direct fundraising initiatives.

Land Protection:

• Lead and manage land protection programs, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and strategic goals.
• Oversee and implement large-scale, multi-landowner collaborative projects, including land acquisitions, and conservation easements.
• Navigate the complexities of conservation transactions, including negotiations with private landowners, public agencies, and conservation partners.
• Ensure that all projects adhere to LTA standards and maintain the trust’s accreditation.
• Provide technical expertise on conservation methods, emphasizing innovative solutions for land protection, including partnerships with Indigenous communities and addressing historical injustices.
• Collaborate on various projects with our stewardship team.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a key spokesperson for Mount Grace, engaging with landowners, community groups, and conservation partners to promote land protection efforts.
• Lead public outreach initiatives, including landowner workshops and presentations on conservation topics.
• Strengthen existing relationships and build new partnerships with Indigenous communities, government agencies, and other conservation organizations.

Strategic Planning and Vision:

• Contribute to the strategic vision of Mount Grace, working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders to align conservation efforts with long-term organizational goals.
• Evaluate ongoing programs and adapt strategies to address emerging conservation needs, particularly in the context of reconciliation and environmental justice.

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in supervising teams and navigating organizational growth and change.
• Expertise in land conservation techniques, real estate transactions, conservation easements, and grant writing.
• Deep understanding of conservation principles, with the ability to stretch into new areas, such as Indigenous partnerships, Land Back efforts, and equitable justice initiatives.
• Commitment to reconciliation and healing historical injustices, with experience working in diverse cultural settings.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire a variety of stakeholders.
• 10+ years of experience in conservation preferred, with a proven track record of managing complex, multi-landowner projects.
• Familiarity with the north central Massachusetts region or a strong historical understanding of its conservation landscape is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Decision Quality: Makes sound decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment, often sought after for advice and solutions.
• Strategic Agility: Anticipates future trends and consequences, develops competitive strategies, and adapts to changes with a forward-looking, visionary approach.
• Process Management: Effectively organizes people and activities, simplifying complex processes and getting the most out of fewer resources by creating efficient workflows.
• Integrity and Trust: Known for honesty and transparency, maintains confidences, admits mistakes, and builds trust across the organization.
• Developing Direct Reports: Actively mentors and develops staff, providing challenging tasks, fostering growth, and supporting career development.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Practices active listening, allowing others to be heard, and accurately restates differing viewpoints to foster understanding and collaboration.

Compensation and Benefits

• $70k-$80k, commensurate with experience.
• A hybrid, flexible work environment.
• Generous benefits package, including 36-hour work week, five weeks of paid time off, 100% individual health coverage (85% for family), and retirement contributions.
• Relocation package is negotiable for the right candidate and situation.