Executive Director

~ The Greater Lovell Land Trust (GLLT) is a member-supported organization. Please join us! ~

We work with our neighbors, towns, and like-minded organizations to protect and preserve the ecosystems of the Kezar Lake, Kezar River, and Cold River watersheds for the benefit and enjoyment of the natural and human community today and as a legacy for the future.

The GLLT works for long-term protection of land by seeking, holding, and monitoring conservation easements and by accepting land ownership.

More information about our mission and actions can be found in the GLLT Long Range Plan. The GLLT works to maintain a balance of land protection and reasonable development within the Greater Lovell community. We seek partnerships with the communities we serve to ensure our most valued natural areas remain healthy and viable. We work directly with individuals and families interested in taking conservation action on their properties. 

Position Overview

The Greater Lovell Land Trust seeks an Executive Director to lead mission tasks of conservation and stewardship, supervise the work of volunteers and staff, manage finances and fundraising, work with a motivated and increasingly active board of directors, and have a vision for collaborative opportunities with other organizations. The Executive Director must be comfortable with many different constituents, must manage multiple priorities, and must represent the land trust in the local and regional community.

The Executive Director reports directly to the President of the Board, and is supported by the Board of Directors and a large community of volunteers.

Essential Functions:

The Executive Director (ED) will provide professional oversight of the organization, ensuring that the land trust is managed effectively to achieve its mission. The ED must be an excellent communicator, strong leader, motivator and team builder, and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times. In collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff, the ED must be able to articulate and convey a vision for the future of the Greater Lovell Land Trust and translate strategic goals into achievable objectives.

As the lead fundraiser for the organization, the ED will develop, sustain, cultivate, and identify new sources of philanthropic support, including major donor gifts, foundation support, planned giving, and business donations. The Executive Director will oversee the fiscal operations of the organization.

The ED must be able to provide leadership and identity for the organization within our service area. Strong relationships with our members, easement donors, financial supporters, town and government officials and agency and foundation partners are key, and relationships with other local and regional non-profits are important to the success of all missions.

Responsibilities

Acquisition, Conservation, Stewardship & Monitoring: 

• Work with board and community members on land conservation projects.
• Identify and pursue strategic conservation opportunities.
• Work with volunteer and seasonal staff to ensure that properties maintain conservation values and provide optimal public access.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer and seasonal staff to conduct annual monitoring of all owned and conserved lands.

Fundraising:

• Lead the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors in association with the Board of Directors.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure public and foundation funds for both unrestricted and restricted uses.
• Strategically identify and execute additional development programs, including planned giving and capital campaigns.
• Oversee the management of membership outreach and annual giving programs.

Management:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with board and committee members to accomplish work objectives and organizational goals.
• Direct the ongoing process of achieving LTA accreditation.
• Supervise staff and volunteer workers, providing mentoring and leadership and creating a positive working environment.
• Develop and monitor an annual budget and provide overall management of the fiscal operations of the land trust in cooperation with the Board Treasurer and Finance Director.
• Prepare, with the Board of Directors, strategic plans and annual operating plans, and ensure their implementation.
• Ensure board and staff compliance with all internal policies and procedures, legal requirements, and financial standards. Maintain standards and practices of the Land Trust Alliance.
• Work with the Board President to coordinate the efforts of the Board of Directors, including planning, governance, and fiduciary oversight. Help recruit and develop new Directors.

Relationships & Communications: 

• Articulate a vision for our mission and oversee the expansion of the organization’s outreach and collaboration with other organizations.
• Develop and direct communications, including print, electronic and personal, to build and maintain a positive, active presence in the community and to maximize community engagement and support.
• Establish and maintain strong, positive working relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
• Represent GLLT to a variety of audiences, including volunteers, members, government agencies and officials, community leaders, and other partners.
• Communicate the land trust’s vision and exemplify its core values.
• Demonstrate political sensitivity when conducting the affairs of the land trust.

Programs:

• Ensure that the organization achieves its conservation and community outreach mission in a highly strategic and focused manner.
• Collaborate with Education Director, staff and volunteers to develop year-round schedule of events, outings, walks and talks that support the mission and provide outreach to the community and its visitors.
• Engage and schedule speakers and topics that are relevant to the mission.
• Work with the local schools, camps, and outdoor programs for outreach to youth.

Qualifications

• Advanced education, prefer bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• At least 5 years experience in a related field.
• Experience with non-profit leadership.
• Working knowledge of real estate, tax and conservation law, and environmental sciences.
• Use of the computer programs and applications used by the land trust.
• Experience achieving fundraising goals including developing, sustaining, and identifying new sources of financial support.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including management and supervisory skills and experience working with a non-profit Board of Directors.
• Proven experience functioning effectively as a member of a team and comfortably partnering with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience in financial management.
• Commitment to the mission of the Greater Lovell Land Trust. Knowledge and experience with western Maine and northern New England, and its physical, social, and cultural environments are preferred.

Compensation

• GLLT provides competitive retirement, health benefits and vacation leave.
• This position is full-time exempt and will require evening and weekend hours.