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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Strategic Growth and Advocacy

· 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

Development and Financial Stewardship

· 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.

Team Empowerment and Oversight

· 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.

Who We’re Seeking

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.

Required Qualifications

· 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.

Desired Qualifications

· 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.