Senior Conservation Project Manager

About Us

Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is an accredited regional land trust serving 23 communities in North Central Massachusetts. Since 1986, we have worked to conserve and steward land with a deep commitment to collaboration and innovation. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to be a diverse and inclusive organization.

Job Summary

The Senior Conservation Project Manager reports to the Conservation Director and is a key member of the Conservation Team. This role is focused on leading complex land protection projects—including fee acquisitions and conservation easements—from initial landowner engagement through closing. A central component of this role is building and maintaining relationships with deedholders, ensuring a high level of trust and partnership throughout the project process.

While this position does not supervise staff, the Senior Project Manager will mentor less experienced colleagues and contribute to grant writing and fundraising in support of conservation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead land protection projects in accordance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
• Coordinate due diligence activities including appraisals, title work, and environmental assessments
• Prepare project budgets and maps; manage documentation and timelines
• Negotiate terms with landowners and work with legal counsel to draft conservation restrictions and other legal documents
• Work closely with the Stewardship Team to ensure a smooth project handoff post-acquisition
• Partner & Community Engagement
• Develop and steward strong, trust-based relationships with deedholders
• Build and maintain connections with municipal boards, state agencies, Indigenous partners, land trusts, and other stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Land Justice Team to ensure conservation efforts are aligned with equity and justice principles, and to build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous and historically marginalized communities
• Represent Mount Grace at meetings, community events, and site visits with deedholders to discuss conservation opportunities and build relationships
• Serve as a mentor and resource for junior conservation staff

Fundraising & Grant Management

• Identify and pursue project funding opportunities
• Write and manage grants in collaboration with the Development Team—including grants from Mass EEA (e.g., Conservation Partnership Grants, LAND, APR) and private foundations like Mass Audubon
• Track project budgets, grant timelines, and reporting requirements

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5 years of experience in land conservation or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, land use planning, or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience with conservation transactions and deedholder negotiation
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, especially with deedholders
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite

Preferred

• Experience with conservation grant writing and reporting
• Familiarity with ESRI products such as ArcMap, ArcPro, or ArcGIS Online
• Experience using Landscape conservation software or similar land conservation databases
• Knowledge of land conservation funding sources in Massachusetts

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel within our 23-town service area for project site visits
• Occasional evening or weekend meetings or events
• Interest in continued learning—Mount Grace supports professional development opportunities