Conservation Project Manager

The Monadnock Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation land trust serving the Monadnock region of southwestern New Hampshire, seeks qualified candidates for the full-time position of Conservation Project Manager to join a staff of thirteen in our Keene, N.H. office. The Conservation Project Manager works alongside and under the leadership of the Land Protection Director.

Founded in 1989, the mission of the Monadnock Conservancy is to work with communities and landowners to conserve the natural resources, wild and working lands, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Monadnock region. We care for our conservation lands, and we engage people in ways that strengthen their communities and their connections to the land. We conserve forests, farms, wildlife habitats, trails, and waterways that define our region’s unique rural character.

As the first land trust in New Hampshire accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (in 2008), we have protected more than 23,000 acres. We also work with landowners and partners to educate and support the broader community of the Monadnock region.

The Conservation Project Manager is responsible for managing, developing, soliciting and completing conservation easement and fee-land projects in our 39-town service area, including complex projects that may require extensive and diverse fundraising. This position will be the main lead for our farmland protection efforts. This position requires: strong attention to detail; knowledge of real estate transactions; and extensive communication with landowners, partners, funders, and consultants.

A successful applicant will have a proven track record of project management and fundraising achievement.

Researching and carrying out all phases of land protection projects, from initial outreach and landowner relationship development through supervision of surveyors, attorneys, appraisers, and other consultants, to closing the transaction.

Conducting fieldwork to identify and document conservation values, and basic GIS analysis and mapmaking of the same.

Establishing and managing project budgets.

Writing, managing, and administering grants for select conservation projects from a variety of local, state, and federal funding programs, and private foundations.

Working collaboratively with development staff on project fundraising.

Office research, including deed research and other due diligence.

Consulting with stewardship staff on easement terms and potential stewardship issues.

Drafting and negotiating conservation easement and fee deeds and other legal documents, including purchase and sale agreements.

Fielding new project inquiries by telephone, email, and in person, including initial research and landowner education.

Developing targeted new projects in priority areas, often by contacting landowners who had not yet considered conservation options.

One-on-one guiding and educating of landowners about conservation options.

Partnering with municipal conservation commissions, raising private and municipal funds, and increasing community support for conservation.

Planning, preparing, and delivering educational workshops and presentations to partners, colleagues, municipalities, and lay audiences.

Planning and leading interpretive hikes and other outdoor events for funders, partners, and the general public.

Maintaining compliance with Land Trust Accreditation Commission requirements.

Representing the organization on local boards and coalitions focused on conservation, agriculture, or other related topics, as opportunities arise.

2-5 years prior experience in land conservation transactions (including deed drafting) or project management in a related field.

Ability to handle multiple projects and program responsibilities simultaneously.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially letter writing; ability to explain complicated concepts to a variety of audiences.

Resourcefulness, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work productively and respectfully with co-workers, landowners, volunteers, partner…