Director of Conservation Initiatives
Posted on April 23, 2025
About Peconic Land Trust
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 a strategic, relationship-driven conservation leader to serve as Director of Conservation Initiatives. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead our Conservation Department and shape land protection efforts across Long Island, with a strong focus on engaging with private landowners, leaders, and managers of public conservation programs, partner organizations, and communities to achieve lasting conservation outcomes that align with the Trust’s mission.
Reporting to the VP of Conservation Programs, this is a people-first position that demands both emotional intelligence and practical know-how regarding real estate, mediation, and problem-solving. You’ll build trust with landowners based on an understanding of their needs, goals, and circumstances, and collaborate with community partners and public agencies to move meaningful projects forward. Internally, you’ll work closely with other Trust departments, including Stewardship and Fundraising to ensure long-term success.
A strong in-person presence is essential. Regular time in our Southampton office and attendance at evening meetings will be balanced with a flexible hybrid schedule.
Job Responsibilites
Some essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Conservation Planning and Initiatives:
- 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 Management:
- Participate in the annual budget planning process by providing timely and accurate forecasts and substantiation with accountability to stay within the projections of our $7M+ operating budget.
- Utilize landscape project management software and GIS tools to plan, document, and monitor conservation projects to ensure all information is accurately tracked and updated
- Actively engage in reporting interactions with landowners, community members, public officials, and donors in Salesforce.
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum of 6-8 years’ experience in all phases of land protection projects, from initial outreach and landowner/municipality negotiation through supervision of surveyors, attorneys, appraisers, and other consultants in a collaborative manner.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a high-level management role supervising a high performing team.
- Bachelor’s degree or at least 8 years equivalent experience.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting titles, surveys, appraisals, and environmental reports.
- Proficient in drafting work agreements, costs analyses, conservation easements, project summaries, board resolutions and other documents.
- Proven ability to explain technical information, roles and responsibilities to clients, partners and colleagues in a manner that is organized and easy to understand.
- Possesses highly effective analytical thinking ability to gather, understand, integrate, and synthesize complex information to develop solutions, make recommendations, or propose action plans.
- Strong public speaking and written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling messages using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with success in building relationships and trust with all and across the organization, up to the Board.
- Ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.
- Proven leadership and people management skills with demonstrated ability in the areas of project management, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
- Valid driver's license with the ability to reliably commute to Southampton and drive locally for meetings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with GIS platforms and landscape planning software.
- Knowledge of the Long Island and New York real estate regulations.
Position Specifics
- Hybrid position with at least 2-3 days a week in the Southampton, NY office.
- Full-time, exempt position working at least 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri to include some evenings and occasional weekends.
- Local travel by car regularly, NYC and tri-state travel by train, car or ferry, along with air travel out of state when needed.
- 3 -4 direct reports
We Offer:
- Starting salary $90k–$115k. The exact amount is commensurate with experience, knowledge and skills and may vary above or below the range, as permitted by applicable law.
- Subsidized medical, voluntary dental and vision, FSA and company-funded HRA.
- Company paid profit-sharing pension plan.
- Annual bonus and salary increase potential.
- Generous paid time off.
- Employee contributed 403b plan.
- Kind and supportive culture
The Peconic Land Trust is an equal-opportunity employer
How to Apply
Please email your resume and interests to HR@PeconicLandTrust.org.