Director of External Relations

~ North County Land Trust, Inc. (NCLT) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 regional land conservation organization founded in 1992. Our Mission is to conserve the farms forests and landscapes that define the character of our region. ~

North County Land Trust works in the diverse communities of north central Massachusetts, to conserve land and water resources, farms, urban parks, working forests and scenic landscapes for the benefit of all. We tailor our conservation services to the needs of each community, from small urban centers to rural towns and bedroom communities.

Position Overview

The North County Land Trust (NCLT) is hiring a part-time Director of External Relations to work 20 hours per week based out of our Leominster, MA headquarters. NCLT is a non-profit organization that works throughout North Central Massachusetts to conserve the farms, forests, and landscapes that define the character of our region. In doing so, we seek to protect, preserve and promote these natural resources for public enjoyment and education. To date, we have contributed toward protecting thousands of acres, with many exciting new projects and programs in progress.

We are seeking a motivated, creative thinker to join a small team with a big vision. Building on 25 years of conservation success, NCLT needs a champion of our mission to work on programming and outreach as we expand our public awareness to all of the communities we serve. The Director of External Relations works closely with the Executive Director, Development Committee, and Director of Land Protection to craft the message and image of the NCLT.

Core duties include developing and implementing a resource development plan with the Executive Director to fundraise the annual budget goal. Supporting that initiative includes the coordination of volunteers, communications, marketing, and events for the outreach and cultivation of land trust supporters through a team based approach to fundraising and donor engagement.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of External Relations serves as a member of senior staff and liaison to the Development Committee of the Board. This position requires considerable organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as proven initiative and creativity to build a robust program.

Responsibilities

Communications:

• Help craft a strategic communications and outreach plan illustrating the relevancy of NCLT’s mission.
• Oversee the implementation of this plan (including but not limited to e-newsletter, social media, website, collateral materials, etc.) with other staff, interns, board members and volunteers, ensuring a unified message.

Fundraising/Donor Stewardship:

• Craft a strategy and timeline for cultivating and stewarding donors. Research, identify, and qualify donor prospects.
• Support the Executive Director and board members in drafting proposals for major donor and foundation engagement and solicitations.
• Assist Executive Director and volunteers with developing, disseminating, and acknowledging annual appeals via digital and print mediums.
• Manage the donor/prospect portfolio with reports on progress toward fund raising goals.

Events:

• Plan and execute the Annual Gathering, as well as several outreach, donor appreciation, and fundraising gatherings throughout the year.

Office Management:

• Guide volunteer staff responsible for the efficient functioning of the NCLT office, donor database, office supply management, and IT issues.

Supervision:

• Oversee our full-time AmeriCorps Service Member, who will serve as a Community Engagement/Youth Education Coordinator from Sept – July.
• Provide guidance on outreach, programming, project assignments and work flow.

Volunteers:

• Build our volunteer base, nurture and manage it to create a strong connection to the organization and our programs, and to assist with implementation of NCLT events.

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three to five years of experience in fundraising and external relations.
• Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access (or other CRM application), MailChimp/Constant Contact , proficiency with Google apps (Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.).
• Commitment to the mission of North County Land Trust, and a vision for community-based strategies to engage new and diverse partners, constituencies, and program design.
• Ability to speak engagingly and comfortably in front of large audiences, yet be sociable in small groups.
• Strong communication skills with versatility to write in both a conversational, engaging tone as well as convey the more intellectual aspects of land conservation.
• Well organized, detail-oriented, and able to assign both micro and macro time management priorities across multiple projects.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds, and walk on uneven and rough terrain during community and donor events.
• Willingness to work on occasional evenings or weekends for NCLT events.
• Discretion to maintain the confidentiality of donor information.
• Strong team ethos, good sense of humor, and a sense of optimism.

Preferred Candidates Will Possess:

• Understanding of NCLT’s service area both geographically and culturally and the opportunities presented to a non-profit operating in this region.
• Adaptability to a dynamic and evolving organization.
• Ability to motivate others with a leadership style that demonstrates positivity.
• Program design ability and agility.
• Ability to represent the organization to the general public, respecting the diverse opinions of our stakeholders.

Compensation: Competitive hourly salary. Two weeks paid vacation. Schedule flexibility; Opportunity to grow and lead with a dynamic organization; Professional development opportunities; Interaction with the Great Outdoors.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume, combined into one PDF file, to Anna Wilkins.

~ North County Land Trust Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer. Successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse student and community populations. ~