Land Transactions Associate

Land Transactions Associate

Ready to help protect the land that makes our region extraordinary? Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is looking for a detail-driven, mission-motivated Land Transactions Associate to play a hands-on role in turning complex real estate transactions into lasting conservation outcomes.

The Land Transactions Associate position plays a key role in supporting the due diligence and closing phases of transaction projects, managing and supporting ongoing use of transaction information systems, ensuring compliance with best practices and Land Trust Alliance standards, and supporting coordination with the Finance and Development teams. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Real Property and Projects and also works closely with other members of the Transactions Team and Land Department.

Why You’ll Love This Role

If you love coordinating moving pieces, collaborating across teams, and knowing your work directly supports the permanent protection of natural landscapes, this is a chance to put your skills to work for something that truly matters.

Hybrid Work

POST is currently a hybrid workplace. Our hybrid work policy supports work schedule design for time in the office, field, or remote that optimizes individual and team performance based on specific job requirements. The successful candidate for this job should expect to be in the office (or in the field if applicable) several days per week and must live within a reasonable driving distance to POST’s Palo Alto office, and to its lands on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Transactions Support (65% of time)

• Acts as lead liaison on transaction closings, including internal coordination among Transactions, Stewardship, and Finance teams, and external coordination with title/escrow companies (such as preparing escrow instructions, reviewing and completing closing documents, coordinating signatures and delivery of documents), all under the direction of project managers.
• Acts as lead liaison for internal coordination meetings with Transactions and Stewardship teams for due diligence and for drafting due diligence memos/documents and contract-related notices with direction from project managers.
• Supports successful acquisition activities such as due diligence contracting, certain due diligence investigations, logistical support for site visits, and escrow setup as directed by project managers. Examples include, requesting title reports and policies and working with consultants to verify legal descriptions or review title exceptions.
• Supports post-acquisition activities such as transitioning property administration and responsibilities to our Stewardship team for long-term protection of natural resources and supporting the Stewardship team in planning property management transitions for transfers of land.

Operations Support & Other Duties (35% of time)

• Ensures data integrity, accuracy and functionality of the Land Department’s Salesforce-based platforms for property records, project/task management, reports, and dashboards.
• As needed, co-ordinates with Land Department leadership, Transactions Team, POST Salesforce Administrator and/or IT experts for any major improvements to Salesforce-based platforms or their functionality.
• Provides ongoing orientation/training, support, and maintenance for the use and development of Salesforce-based tools by the Transactions team, like project management software or land team databases.
• Actively maintains and updates the Transactions team’s Escrow & Closing Resource Guide and provides orientation to the team annually and to new staff as needed.
• Collaborates with the Land Administrative Assistant to ensure project and records compliance with the Land Department and POST’s standards, policies, and procedures. This may entail advising a Land Transactions Intern or other staff on the data entry, information validation, and maintenance of POST’s physical and digital filing systems.
• Supports the Vice President of Land Transactions with active tracking of capital budget cashflow related to transactions and coordination with the Finance team.
• Supports the tracking of grant funding and related obligations in coordination with the Development team.
• Provide administrative support to the Transactions team for active projects that are under contract, such as mailing, obtaining signatures, or making copies.
• Represents POST at occasional donor, funder, and public events in support of our marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Works in alignment with POST’s organizational values and its commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• May train and supervise temporary support positions such as volunteers or interns.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Two years or more experience, including relevant work in a real property-related business like an escrow/title or real estate law office, nonprofit like a land trust or conservation-based organization, or public agency like a municipal land agency.
• Growth mindset and experience managing projects and collaborating in teams with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience building relationships in service of long-term business goals.
• Effective communicator; strong writing, detail-orientated, speaking, presentation and listening abilities.
• Self-motivated, creative problem solver comfortable asking for help.
• Knowledge of land trust practices and conservation easements is helpful; training can be provided.
• Ability to work effectively using Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• College degree in a relevant field of study, or equivalent and relevant work experience and/or certifications will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Knowledge of or experience in natural resources is necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular and accurate communication with others and completion of work tasks involving the use of phone, computer, web, and video technology, the ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials, and to operate required job-related equipment.
• Ability to drive a vehicle to remote locations for site visits.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. of equipment and supplies in the office or the field.
• Ability to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle over rough terrain.
• Ability to traverse uneven or rough terrain, and to tolerate exposure to outdoor elements and varying weather conditions.
• There are occasional duties that occur outside regular working hours.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions.

If you would like to apply:

Please write a cover letter telling us how you connect to our mission and why you are a great match for this role. We are not able to give the same level of consideration to applications submitted without a cover letter.

STARTING SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION:
$73,800-$82,000 depending upon level of skills and experience, plus excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, life and long term disability insurance, pet insurance, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

POST’s Core Values:

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care About How We Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant based on legally recognized protected classes under federal, state, or local law. 

Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation when applying for a position with us. Please contact us if you need assistance applying for this position.

POST is committed to maintaining an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. We encourage interested applicants with varied backgrounds and/or skill sets to apply for open positions so we may consider individual qualifications and evaluate great candidates whose prior experience may not precisely meet all the posted criteria. 

We look forward to receiving your application for employment at POST!