NOW HIRING

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Director of Land Protection    

 

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Office Location: Fayetteville, AR

 

 

ABOUT THE LAND TRUST

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) is a regional non-profit, 501c3 conservation organization based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This nationally accredited organization is dedicated to preserving quality of life in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land. We work to save important natural areas that support clean water, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, local farms, and cultural heritage. To accomplish our mission, we collaborate with diverse partners including private landowners, local communities and governments, state and federal agencies, and other regional conservation partners. To learn more, visit www.nwalandtrust.org.

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is a growing organization offering competitive wages, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We believe in providing professional development opportunities and promotion from within. We strive to hire and retain people who are passionate about our work, who strive for excellence in their personal and professional development, and who fit the supportive, inspiring and collaborative culture of our workplace.

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THE POSITION WITH NWALT

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust seeks highly qualified applicants for the senior position of Director of Land Protection (DLP). The DLP plays a critical role in the organization and must have experience in conservation land acquisition, real estate transactions, grant management, as well as solid business skills and a natural skillset that includes excellent attention to detail, strategic thinking, common sense, strong communication and negotiating skills, excellent time management and a strong sense of professionalism. The position requires quick development of a comprehensive knowledge of the land trust’s policies, procedures, operations, programs, partnerships, and core values.  This position reports directly to the Executive Director and has supervisory responsibilities over the Conservation Easement Manager position.

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Director of Land Protection – Job Description

                                                

Overall: Ensuring NWALT’s land protection portfolio continues to expand meeting strategic land protection goals and safeguarding our region’s most valuable natural resources and farmlands. 

Core Program Responsibilities

• Land Protection 

• Grant management

• General/Administrative  

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Land Protection   

• Work with ED and other staff and partners to regularly assess NWALT’s strategic land protection priorities and partnerships to best serve the region and future through land protection. 

• Oversee the drafting of conservation easements and other land acquisition documents, title research and other due diligence, and record keeping ensuring the permanence of NWALT-protected properties in keeping with Land Trust Accreditation Commission accreditation standards. 

• Work with landowners and legal counsel to negotiate and pursue the timely completion of land protection projects. 

• Work with outreach and marketing staff to conduct landowner outreach and develop resources to help landowners and partners understand and promote conservation opportunities for their land. 

• Apply GIS and data-driven approaches toward land protection programming. 

• Maintain and promote continued positive partnerships (including MOA’s) with key partners including Beaver Water District and other stakeholders, particularly to direct needed funding and resources toward shared outcomes. 

• Conduct site visits and maintain a prioritized pipeline of land protection projects. 

• Work with ED and development staff to identify and successfully obtain grants and donations for land acquisition/needs and to help craft, track, and complete key grant metrics. 

• Work with the NWALT land committee to utilize board members as key resources and ambassadors for NWALT’s land protection goals and projects. 

• Make public appearances and serve on key committees and coalitions to promote land protection. 

 

 General/Administrative

• Uphold NWALT’s organizational core values and staff core values at all times.  

• Effectively manage, lead, and inspire any direct reports, including support staff, interns, or volunteers to achieve stated objectives.  

• Participate in annual staff or organizational reviews, surveys, and planning retreats.  

• Help prepare annual budget as requested by the Executive Director/CEO.  

• Track monthly expenses in keeping with annual budget for core programs and grant-specific items.  

• Track time regularly and accurately in NWALT’s online time tracking software.  

• Be familiar with Land Trust Accreditation Commission Standards and Practices and other laws/regulations or best practices, particularly as related to land protection; assist with Accreditation renewal as needed.  

• Be familiar with NWALT policies and ensure adherence to those policies and procedures.  

• Ensure all program files (including hard and electronic) are organized, complete, and accurate, in keeping with NWALT’s policies.  

• Recommend, develop and/or update NWALT’s policies, practices, and systems where relevant to continually improve effectiveness in core job functions.  

• Take initiative to stay current on changes in the profession/field that impact the organization; regularly seek cost-benefit opportunities for professional development.  

• Be a responsible steward of resources, both environmental and organizational; support NWALT’s sustainability values and help control costs.  

• Assist with all other land trust needs or events and support other staff and other programs as requested.  

   

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a leader in land acquisition with non-profit land trusts or other land resource agencies or comparable field work

• Experience in natural resource management, land management, planning, real estate, or related field

• Strong experience with cartography software/hardware (e.g. GPS units & GIS software, ArcGIS)

• Knowledge of field mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and land survey techniques

• Ability to read and evaluate physical and cultural landscape elements

• Experience working with landowners, civic groups, town, county, state, and federal agencies

• Exemplary communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills

• Experience communicating with partner organizations and ability to negotiate agreements

• Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers

• Ability to set and implement priorities, manage multiple projects, and evaluate project success

• Experience with budget preparation and expense tracking

• Advanced computer & technology skills

• Strong interest in research and relational database integration

• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays

• There is a significant fieldwork component to this position - must be able to traverse varied terrain while carrying program equipment

 

Applicants who do not demonstrate the above required qualifications will not be considered.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree

• Knowledge of leading trends and national standards and practices in land trust management

• Familiarity with conservation tax law and benefits of land donations

• Experience working with organizations and agencies in Arkansas

• Experience successfully applying for state and federal land acquisition grants and funds

 

Pay and Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills - range $55,000 - $65,000.

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal leave

• Health and retirement benefits to be decided

• Professional memberships and training encouraged and paid for by the Land Trust

 

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