Director of Conservation Planning Southampton, NY

Since 1983, the Peconic Land Trust, a nonprofit charitable organization, has worked collaboratively with landowners, communities, municipalities, and partner organizations to protect over 14,000 acres of land on Long Island, NY – more than 7,000 acres of farmland, many miles of trail systems, and over 6,000 acres of preserves and natural lands that protect watershed, shorelines, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, land sacred to indigenous people and historic resources.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced leader who has engaged in conservation planning and land protection with landowners, communities, and different levels of government. Demonstrated experience should include understanding the goals, needs, and circumstances of landowners as well as identifying the conservation values of the land they own. Equally important is experience working with communities that have conservation goals and various levels of government that have conservation programs that align with the Trust’s mission.

Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation Programs, the Director of Conservation Planning will be responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the Planning Department including supervising, and being part of, a team that works with landowners, communities, and public partners to conserve Long Island’s agricultural, natural, and cultural resources through the acquisition of land and conservation easements by gift or purchase.

Collaboration with the Stewardship and Fundraising Departments is ongoing for this role to achieve successful conservation outcomes.

Attendance at meetings in the evening and an in-office presence in Southampton are critical in this role’s work and relationships and will be appropriately balanced with a hybrid work schedule.

Job Responsibilities - Some essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Conservation Planning:

• Oversee and assign responsibilities of planning team members to manage conservation projects with landowners, communities, and public partners including personally managing a limited number of complex projects. Manage and oversee project prioritization, project billing/budgets, and staff workloads.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and grant‑making foundations in furtherance of conservation projects.
• Secure conservation funding for land and easement acquisitions from all relevant levels of government, private donors and other philanthropic sources, while increasing community support for conservation.
• Maintain/improve conservation policies, procedures and written materials. Ensure detailed record keeping and other compliance with Land Trust Accreditation Commission standards.
• Participate in developing strategies for the acquisition and disposition of Trust assets in coordination with senior leadership, legal counsel, consultants, and vendors.

Committee and Community Leadership:

• Represent the Trust at public meetings, local board/committee meetings and events focused on conservation, agriculture, or other related topics.
• Prospect new clients and field new project inquiries by telephone, email, and in person, including initial research and landowner education.
• Participate as the staff lead for the Project Committee, including the preparation of agendas and discussion of plans and strategies. Coordinate project site visits and continuing education for board and committee members.

Team Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and oversee departmental activities and professional development to ensure efficient and effective project management.
• Recruit, create onboarding and training plans, and proactively manage staff performance, development and productivity.

Budget and Software…