Executive Director

~ The mission of Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) is the conservation of the natural habitats and resources of the coastal watersheds, islands and communities of Washington County, Maine. ~

Founded in 1987, DCC's conservation easements and preserves total more than 6,300 acres and 62 miles of shoreline, with many miles of public access trails.

DCC recently completed its application for accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. We are looking forward to a new round of strategic land acquisition aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Position Overview

The Executive Director, one full-time and one part-time staff, under the auspices of the Board of Directors, oversee an organization with an operating budget for 2016 of $250,000. DCC seeks an experienced, personable, and capable leader to replace our current Executive Director who resigned to take a different position in southern Maine.

The Executive Director manages all programs of Downeast Coastal Conservancy to implement the mission, strategic plan, policies, budget, and other decisions made by the Board of Directors. This position will attract a conservation professional who loves the natural world, can envision and execute capital projects, and build enthusiasm and financial support for DCC's mission. The Executive Director supervises all staff. This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position.

Responsibilities

• The President of the Board supervises the Executive Director in accordance with this job description and with the Board's guidance.
• The Executive Director, Fundraising Committee, and Board collaborate to establish goals and procedures for raising the funds necessary for operations and capital campaigns.
• The Executive Director manages the business and financial matters of the Land Trust, subject to direction by the Board and Treasurer, and distributes financial reports and other business information to the Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Board.
• The Executive Director ensures DCC's compliance with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and will complete and maintain DCC's accredited status by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
• The Executive Director actively develops and manages all acquisitions of new conservation land. With the guidance of DCC's Stewardship Committee, the Executive Director oversees the stewardship of all conserved lands through supervision of staff and volunteers who manage, monitor, maintain, and restore the conserved properties.
• The Executive Director manages all administrative aspects directly and through assignment of tasks to staff.
• The Executive Director oversees the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of all staff through direct supervision.

Qualifications

• A strong commitment to conservation of natural lands.
• Experience working effectively and collaboratively with a Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and grant writing.
• Experience managing personnel through a style of open communications, accountability, and engagement of all staff in generating ideas.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, innovate, and manage programs and projects.
• Experience in operations and financial management of non-profit organizations.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Excellent and effective written and oral communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to complete projects on deadline, within budget, and by working independently and as a team member with people of all backgrounds and ages.
• Knowledge of options and methods for conserving land and conducting land acquisition projects through cooperative relationships with land owners.
• Knowledge of practices for stewarding conserved land.
• Willingness to lead outdoor activities with members and volunteers.
• Residence or relocation to Washington County, Maine.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• A valid driver's license and personal vehicle with evidence of insurability.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and experience commensurate with the needs of the position.

Compensation: Salary is competitive within the region.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three references.

Search Committee

Downeast Coastal Conservancy

PO Box 760

Machias, Maine 04654

Review of applications will begin November 14. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Please mention how you learned of this opening.

~ Downeast Coastal Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer ~