Transactions Project Director

OFFICE LOCATION

California

Negotiable within California. 
    
WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as centrist and non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.
    
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Land Protection Project Director develops, manages and executes a pipeline of real estate transactions that will increase the pace and scale of protection of a network of conservation lands and waters across California. They use the full range of protection tools, including fee and easement acquisition, bargain sales, land and water donations, financed transactions, lease-back arrangements all of which often include cooperative relationships and projects with federal, state, and local government, conservation organizations, foundations, donors and other partners.

The Project Director develops and drives an ambitious portfolio of real estate projects that will meaningfully build out a functional and resilient network of conservation lands and waters across California. They represent the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with landowners, government agencies, and other key partners. They work closely and coordinate with a wide variety of TNC staff, private individuals, public entities and corporations in support of conservation goals. They cultivate government funding and support for land and water acquisition, and assist with philanthropic donor field trips. The Project Director is an expert in negotiation and real estate options for protection and advises internal TNC staff, landowners and partners on the application of these tools for advancing conservation.
    
WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

By joining our California transactions team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with; a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet.  Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together.  
We’re looking for an individual with real-estate transactions experience who wants to make a difference for nature and people.  
 
WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• At least 5 years’ experience in land conservation, real estate, law, business or related field.
• BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study.
       *An equivalent of this educational requirement would be 4 years’ working in the real estate or business field in addition to the 5 years’ mentioned above. 
• Experience negotiating complex agreements and closing deals.
• Experience working with a wide range of people, such as landowners, corporate executives and government officials.
• Knowledge of current trends in real estate, finance and strategies in conservation and land protection
• Experience in developing and managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Experience working with computers, including database management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for conservation.
• Excellent writing and presentation/communication skills.
• Familiarity with California ecosystems, and real estate and land use trends in the state.
• Familiarity with conservation-related real estate tools, such as conservation easements.
• Multi-lingual skills and cross-cultural experience appreciated.

WHAT WE BRING

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.
    
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 range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $93,600 – $120,000 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
    
APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55518, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/  . Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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 with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

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