Conservation Project Manager – Mount Desert

The Conservation Project Manager manages a diverse portfolio of land conservation projects to further MCHT’s mission to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities.

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being 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.

The Conservation Project Manager manages a diverse portfolio of land conservation projects to further MCHT’s mission to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. This individual is a member of a team of eight Conservation Project Managers and serves a specific region which currently includes Mount Desert Island and surrounding islands, where MCHT was founded in 1970 and serves as the local land trust.

This position is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with private landowners, partner organizations, communities and agencies to accomplish lasting conservation of priority properties. The position involves community outreach and engagement, real estate negotiation and financing, grant writing, fundraising, and communications for projects.

• Plan for, prioritize, initiate, and complete conservation projects in the designated region. This includes identifying important conservation opportunities; initiating contact and negotiating with landowners; responding to incoming opportunities; developing and implementing effective conservation strategies; providing education and consultation to the landowners, family members and their advisors; supporting project fundraising activities and successfully negotiating and closing multiple real estate acquisitions and transactions ranging from simple to complex in nature within the confines of authority from the Board of Directors and with guidance from our General Counsel.
• Work directly with MCHT's Stewardship Department to develop stewardship budgets for active land protection projects and assist with management planning for protected properties.
• Be an expert regarding current work in land protection. Serve as a knowledgeable and respected land protection leader, advisor, and spokesperson for MCHT and for partners including local, statewide, and national land trusts and organizations.
• Represent MCHT at local, regional, state, and national levels at conferences, industry gatherings and committees, events, and with the media to highlight MCHT’s mission and projects, in coordination with the Communications team.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance the productive, strategic working relationships that are a hallmark of MCHT's conservation programs, and form alliances with new partners.
• Serve as the primary staff coordinator for MCHT’s Mount Desert Island Region Committee.
• Develop and present brief written updates on specific projects or land protection priority areas to relevant MCHT Board Committees.
• Oversee multiple contractors, ensure completeness and quality, and maintain professional relationships with surveyors, attorneys, and other contractors who perform various duties for MCHT in relation to land projects.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Provides general oversight and supervision to outside contractors.

Bachelor’s degree in a field…