Southern Maine Land Protection Project Manager

Our Mission:

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. 

We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative.  We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

Position Overview:

The Southern Maine Project Manager works directly with private landowners, partner organizations, communities, and state agencies to deliver Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s land conservation services in the southern region (stretching from Brunswick, ME south to Kittery, ME) and to accomplish lasting conservation of important properties. The position will involve community outreach and engagement, real estate negotiation and financing, grant writing, and managing a diverse project load. The Project Manager’s work is integrated with all other departments within the organization. An ability to establish effective working relationships with a wide range of people and organizations is essential.

Essential Job Functions:

• Initiate and complete land protection projects in the mid-coast region. This includes identifying important conservation opportunities, and successfully negotiating and closing multiple real-estate transactions ranging from simple to complex.
• Ability to work independently with landowners and partners.
• Ability to work autonomously while also working as a member of the land protection team. Teamwork includes:
  • Communicating to the General Counsel about legal document drafting needs;
  • Keeping the Director of Land Protection, other staff, and volunteers, apprised of issues, problems, opportunities, and progress.
• Work extensively with other departments within MCHT to take a project from the early planning stages to completion as a property owned by MCHT (or a partner), or a conservation easement held by MCHT (or a partner). As part of this process, the Project Manager will work closely with all organizational departments:
  • Stewardship, to develop a vision for the property and ensure funds to manage the property are raised;
  • Engagement, to fundraise for the project;
  • Engagement, to develop stories about that project, its importance and occasionally discuss projects with reporters;
  • Finance & Administration, to ensure that funds raised are accounted for and that all financial requirements are followed.
• Regularly develop and present written descriptions and updates on projects to MCHT’s Committees, provide backup to the Director of Land Protection at Board Meetings, and obtain timely authorizations for each land project.
• Oversee and maintain professional relationships with appraisers, surveyors, attorneys, and other contractors who perform various duties for MCHT.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and respected conservation specialist for MCHT and for our partners including the local land trusts.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a field such as natural resources, land use planning, law, real estate, or communications with 2 to 4 years of experience in land use and conservation work, project management or related field.  In lieu of education, 5 to 7 years of previous experience in land protection involving aspects of negotiating and closing multiple real-estate transactions or other relevant experience.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking skills with attention to detail and follow-up.
• Ability to manage a large and diverse project load, complete assignments, meet deadlines and work within established budgets.
• Skill in community organizing, planning or other engagement activities and ability to work with a variety of diverse partners and individuals. Willingness and ability to organize and participate in community events, some evenings and weekends work required.
• Experience working in a deadline driven environment.
• Honed negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in word processing, email, and databases.
• 5+ years of experience in land use and conservation work, project management or related field. A combination of bachelor’s degree and 2 to 4 years of experience is preferred.
• Experience in voluntary land protection techniques and working with land trusts preferred.
• Working knowledge of Maine geography, culture, flora, and fauna preferred.
• Experience working successfully with people of all backgrounds and ages.
• Attendance may be required for periodic evening and weekend events throughout the year.

How and where you will work:

Office work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc.  Field work is performed outside in all weather conditions, sometimes on rough or wet terrain.  Requires frequent walking, hiking, and bending.  Must have access to a car because travel in the mid-coast region is necessary.  Must be willing to travel in boats (you do not need your own boat).

We have offices in Topsham, Rockport, MDI, and Whiting, Maine. The location of this position will be in the Topsham office. We have a hybrid work model with 2 office days and 3 home days.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $66,600 to $74,500 and will depend upon experience.

If you are interested in joining our team, please send your COVER LETTER and RESUME to search@mcht.org  with “SoME Project Manager” in the subject line by September 13, 2024.

To learn more about Maine Coast Heritage Trust and our work visit our website at https://www.mcht.org/

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.