Position Title: Director of Land Conservation and Easement Stewardship - Hybrid
Reporting to: Executive Director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and Land Programs
Our Mission: To sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley’s inspirational beauty and health for
generations to come.
Mission of Position: Lead Scenic Hudson’s 12-member high-functioning multidisciplinary Land Conservation team. Provide strategic and supervisory oversight to take on the highest impact, complex, innovative projects that safeguard critical landscapes and connect people to the Hudson River, with a focus on climate resilient landscapes, connected assemblages, significant scenic landscapes, productive and regenerative farmland, and urban spaces that connect historically marginalized communities to the benefits of open space. Oversee conservation easement stewardship.
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Supervises: Two Assistant Directors of Land Conservation, Land Project Manager/Agricultural Specialist, Senior Land Project Manager, and Senior Land Transaction Attorney; with partial oversight of Senior Program Officer’s work.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Lead a high-performing team of interdisciplinary specialists in strategic acquisitions and dispositions, conservation planning, real estate law, geographic information systems and analyses, and conservation easement stewardship.
- Oversee and provide support to project managers on land and conservation easement acquisition, and other conservation real estate negotiations and transactions which further Scenic Hudson’s strategic plan and conservation priorities (including the conservation-driven disposition of lands to public and private partners). Oversee negotiations, due diligence and closings of all real estate transactions; directly manage certain highest-profile transactions.
- Develop, refine, and execute strategic conservation priorities and conservation initiatives for the organization.
- Create and manage partnerships with federal and state agencies, local governments, land trusts and community groups for conservation of important lands.
- Ensure Scenic Hudson’s land conservation program complies with the Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices and Scenic Hudson’s status as an Accredited land trust by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Oversee the Accreditation renewal process for Scenic Hudson Inc. and all affiliated organizations.
- Develop and deliver compelling presentations to the board of directors of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust on project proposals, conservation initiatives and other issues.
- Develop and deliver compelling presentations to partners and other audiences on trends in land conservation, specific land protection projects, and promote the work of Scenic Hudson.
- Manage capital and operational budgets efficiently and effectively.
- Develop, secure and administer grants and donations (public and private) and other funding to successfully complete conservation projects (in coordination with the Development and Finance teams).
- Assure all land records, documents, legal papers and files are in good order and maintained in an accessible manner, consistent with best management practices and industry standards.
- Coordinate closely with other teams within Scenic Hudson on land-related initiatives and management.
- Coordinate closely with the Policy and Advocacy team on advocacy campaigns and issues affecting land conservation and easement stewardship objectives. Engage in direct advocacy on issues as needed by the Policy and Advocacy Team.
- Provide general assistance to the Executive Director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, and when necessary, to other appropriate staff.
Compensation: Full Time, with competitive benefits and a salary range of $115,000 to $140,000.
Hybrid work schedule. Bonus eligible
Contact: Please submit a resume and cover letter as one combined document along with a writing sample as part of your application. Please apply on our website: www.scenichudson.org. No phone calls please.
Scenic Hudson provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. Decisions related to all terms and conditions of employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
