Executive Director

The Role

Setting the strategic tone for the organization, the Executive Director guides a passionate team of expert staff (5 full-time, 2 contract) and dedicated volunteers and directs all programs of BLC. This role reports to the Board of Directors and manages a budget of approximately $800,000.

As the primary spokesperson for BLC, you will champion our mission through a range of critical leadership duties:

• Strengthen Our Voice
  :
  Provide leadership on public policy issues, including crucial advocacy projects at local, state, and federal levels
• Drive Partnerships
  :
  Lead in developing impactful partnerships with stakeholders to advance BLC’s mission.
• Define the Future
  :
  Develop, implement, integrate, and evaluate strategies to advance BLC’s Strategic Conservation Plan and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Plan

• Fundraising Leadership
  :
  Supervise and support development staff to achieve BLC’s annual operating and program budgets, actively assisting in cultivating major donor support from foundations, individuals, and corporations.
• Operational Excellence
  :
  Ensure the organization’s core mission support programs (administrative, operational, financial) operate at peak efficiency and are transparent to staff and the Board.

• Mentorship
  :
  Hire, supervise, and provide mentorship and leadership to staff, establishing and maintaining a positive organizational culture.
• Conservation Management
  :
  Supervise and support conservation staff with acquisition projects, land management issues, and stewardship programs.
• Community Connections
  :
  Supervise and support community engagement staff by ensuring sufficient resources are available for program excellence.
• Compliance
  :
  Ensure board and staff compliance with internal policies and guidelines set forth in Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.

The ideal candidate for this pivotal role is a passionate leader with a deep commitment to nature and community
. You should be a team builder with a history of successful collaboration in the region. We require strong communication and organizational skills and a preparedness to champion a corporate culture that is inclusive and innovative.

• Demonstrable commitment to BLC’s mission.
• A minimum of five years of successful experience in land conservation or a related field.
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers, particularly fundraising or sales teams.
• Experience managing the comprehensive business functions of a dynamic organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and social skills.
• Strong leadership skills to coach and mentor employees and board members.
• Knowledge and ability to identify, cultivate, recruit, and maintain relationships with top-level volunteers, donors, and partners.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant experience or certifications may demonstrate acquired knowledge.
• Advanced professional certification in conservation finance, non-profit governance, or public policy.
• At least 5 years of experience in management roles.
• Experience with capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
• Proven ability to work effectively with local, state, or federal agencies on collaborative conservation projects.