Oregon Director of Real Estate

OFFICE LOCATION

Oregon, USA

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Oregon Director of Real Estate (DRE) coordinates and implements real estate projects that support the strategic conservation priorities and organizational values of The Nature Conservancy. This includes collaborating with and supporting Native nations, land trusts, local, state and federal government agencies on land and water transactions and projects, as well as acquiring real estate interests for TNC and transferring existing TNC properties and conservation easements to partners when strategically appropriate. The DRE develops relationships and collaborates with a range of Nature Conservancy team members and partners to identify priority projects, engage with property owners (private, non-governmental, governmental, and Native nations) and arrange for the acquisition and/or transfer of legal interests in land and water by TNC and its partners.

They typically serve as the principal project manager and/or direct negotiator on real estate transactions with private landowners, Native nations, government agencies, other conservation organizations, and private individuals and entities. The DRE assists in securing public and private funds for real estate transactions, researches land ownership information for properties identified as potential acquisition projects, responds to real estate related inquiries, screens potential real estate projects. They support efforts to adjust our portfolio of lands assets (conservation easements, preserves, and other lands TNC manages) by working with organizational leadership to approve real estate projects and completing transactions. The DRE works with Stewardship and Legal staff to ensure annual conservation easement monitoring compliance and address compliance issues, including dealing with amendments, violations, and landowner requests for exercising reserved rights. The DRE will serve as a strategic partner and subject matter expert on project teams with conservation strategy, science, stewardship, philanthropy, and external affairs staff.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Nature Conservancy is working toward a future where all people benefit equally from clean air and water, and our most critical lands and waters are connected, protected, and managed to sustain nature and communities in the face of climate change. As the Director of Real Estate, you will play a leadership role in real estate transactions and the protection of our real estate interests. You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues to drive alignment of real estate efforts towards organizational priorities and provide real estate expertise to resolve legal, neighbor or community concerns associated with our land portfolio. You will represent the organization on real estate related interests with external audiences, building authentic relationships with partners and serve on project teams to plan, negotiate, and implement transactions. We seek a candidate who embodies a strong spirit of collaboration and relationship building, possesses adept project management skills, and demonstrates creative problem-solving abilities, all while bringing a methodical and comprehensive approach to spearheading our real estate initiatives.  Through this work, you’ll play a significant role in TNC’s ambitious goals for a better future for people and nature.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Represent the Conservancy on matters related to real estate transactions, projects and partnerships.
• Negotiate real estate transactions that can bind the Conservancy legally and financially.
• Responsible for timely resolution of conservation real estate legal matters to protect conservation values, maintain good standing as a neighbor, and minimize risks to the organization.
• Maintain records related to land portfolio and transactions.
• May recruit and supervise staff and interns as needed or as funding is available; responsible for performance management, training, and development.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice, sometimes on weekends.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

This role supports a remote/home office location from anywhere in the state of Oregon.  Candidate can expect to travel up to 25% annually throughout the state of Oregon, dependent on land acquisition opportunities.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and 3 years of related work experience in conservation, real estate, fundraising or other related experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience
• Experience in effectively managing and leading diverse teams, adept at overseeing projects while ensuring workload balance and financial management.
• Proven track record in negotiating complex real estate or legal agreements, demonstrating strategic foresight and sound decision-making abilities.
• Experience cultivating partnerships, building relationships, and working collaboratively with teams to coordinate resources and achieve goals.
• Proficiency in using various computer systems, including database and project management applications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Demonstrated understanding of Native nations sovereignty and treaty rights based on lived experience with indigenous communities.
• Experience with real estate tools including easements, fee-title acquisitions, donations, deed restrictions, facilitated land purchases, and a working knowledge of land leases.
• Familiarity with natural history and conservation issues, as well as current trends and strategies in the conservation field.
• Experience with grant writing, securing funding, and managing certain project fund sources (budgeting, contracting, reporting); experience with use of federal conservation funding for real estate transactions is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills demonstrated through written, verbal, and graphical communication in English, enabling effective communication of ideas and strategies to stakeholders at all levels.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position will be within the range of $69,040 – $89,675 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.