Conservation Director (2 positions open)

Forterra fills a unique and important niche as the largest conservation and community building organization dedicated solely to this region. As a national leader, Forterra is shaping a future that will flourish environmentally and economically. We partner with thousands of leaders and residents across the Northwest to create healthy, livable, and prosperous communities. For over 20 years, Forterra has led efforts to restore critical landscapes and conserve more than 172,000 acres of forests, farms, shorelines, parks, and natural areas.

Position Overview:

Responsible for the development and implementation of all aspects of Forterra's programs in a defined geographic region. The Conservation Director engages with business, local government, state leaders and agencies, tribes, and local community leaders to generate opportunities to advance Forterra's programs and Cascade and Olympic Agenda strategies.

This position is responsible for significant revenue generation through innovative conservation transactions, outreach for business opportunities, and other fee-for-service consulting services in the arenas of stewardship, planning, and community place-making. This position will also provide leadership on designated projects and programs of regional significance. Frequent travel is required.

Reports To: Senior Managing Director, Conservation

Location: North Puget Sound, based in Snohomish County (1 position), and South Puget Sound, based in Pierce County (1 position)

Travel:

• For the Conservation Director based in Pierce County: Frequent travel across Pierce County and the southern portion of the Olympic Peninsula, and regular travel to the Seattle headquarters office is required. Regular work out of the Tacoma regional office will be expected.
• For the Conservation Director based in Snohomish County: Frequent travel across Snohomish County and the northern portion of the Olympic Peninsula, and regular travel to the Seattle headquarters office is required.

Responsibilities:

Land Conservation:

Approximately 50% of work hours; all other activities are in support of direct land conservation, including the following major elements:

• Land Conservation and Community Projects - strategically identify conservation projects based on the strategies of the Cascade and Olympic Agendas, sound financial analysis, and Forterra's 5-year Strategic Plan.
• Work with landowners, regulatory authorities and others to develop an optimal conservation and financial strategy for each proposed project. Activities to accomplish this may include: Participating in design and implementation of conservation strategies; Preparing business plans for transformational projects outlining concept, critical elements, impediments, major milestones, work plan, and financial pro-forma; Negotiating with landowners and other stakeholders to develop a transaction that meets multiple objectives; Working with Conservation Department team members on due diligence, transactional, and closing phases; Developing project-specific funding strategies; Consulting with public bodies such as county and city planning commissions, conservation committees, regional commissions, and others regarding specific conservation projects.
• Work with Forterra's partners and local trustee groups to advance Cascade and Olympic Agenda projects.
• Seek out and develop clients, both private and public, who control or have an interest in landscape scale conservation, smart growth, and community approaches to conservation.
• Respond to inquiries from landowners and interested communities.
• Participate in Conservation Department annual planning and strategic conservation initiatives

Cascade and Olympic Agendas:

Approximately 25% of work hours

• Meet and work with local community groups, county and city government, conservation commissions, and ad hoc conservation groups to advance the Olympic and Cascade Agendas and to develop opportunities.
• Meet regularly and engage with Forterra's Trustee groups, employing their local knowledge, contacts, and resources to implement goals and to shape policy in recognition of local conditions.
• Work with local land trust partners to gain insight into conservation needs and efforts within the community, and establish broad support for the Olympic and Cascade Agendas.
• Provide technical support to cooperating organizations; coordinate and collaborate with government and conservation organizations on specific Olympic and Cascade Agenda projects.
• Upon request and in coordination with the Conservation Department team and Forterra's Senior Vice President of Programs, provide assistance in the development of internal and external conservation strategies and policy to advance the Olympic and Cascade Agendas.

Other Areas of Responsibility:

Approximately 25% of work hours

• Public Relations and Education, including workshops and presentations, and maintaining relationships with allied professionals.
• Membership/financial development, including working with Forterra's outreach and development staff on fundraising, membership development, and events.
• Presentations to Board of Directors and Committees on relevant issues and program activities.
• Administrative work, including preparation of annual work plans, budget, and maintenance of project records, etc.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, natural resources, and/or environmental policy/affairs or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders from across the political spectrum including multiple partner agencies/organizations, elected officials, community supporters, staff, and volunteers.
• Experience in public and private land conservation techniques, real estate, land use, and forestry. Legal and planning knowledge preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including negotiation and public speaking.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and grant writing for programs.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize and manage diverse activities and set priorities.
• Flexible and able to work well under pressure, with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to work some non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends (with comp time).
• Valid, insurable driver's license/record.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume.

615 Second Avenue, Suite 600
Seattle, WA 98104

Please indicate in your cover letter if you are interested in the North or South position. No phone calls please.

Forterra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Forterra actively seeks candidates from a variety of backgrounds who are committed to the mission and vision of the organization.