Director of Land Protection

~ The mission of New Jersey Conservation Foundation is to preserve  New Jersey’s land and natural resources for the benefit of all. ~

We protect threatened natural areas and farmland through land acquisition and stewardship, promote strong New Jersey land use policies and forge partnerships to help safeguard water and other natural resources.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation was formed in 1960 as the Great Swamp Committee. Within a few years, a small group of citizens successfully fought a plan by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to build the region’s fourth major airport in the middle of the ecologically-critical Great Swamp near Morristown.

This fight led to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge —New Jersey’s first National Wildlife Refuge, and the first federally-designated wilderness east of the Mississippi.

Position Overview 

Our premier nonprofit conservation group seeks a Director of Land Protection to manage and direct its land acquisition program.

• The director will manage, support & assist land program staff, work with landowners to initiate and complete land transactions and coordinate with other nonprofit partners, funders and government agencies on policies, transactions and funding strategies. 
• The director will also stay abreast and informed on all current laws, policies and regulations related to land protection policies and funding, including accreditation requirements. 
• The director will also serve on the organization’s senior management team.

Qualifications

Qualifications include:

Staff and project management experience, knowledge and experience with conservation tools, including conservation easements, life estates, and fee conservation purchases.  Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communications skills, ability to meet deadlines, work well with a staff team, board members, partners, funders, public agencies and land owners. 

Education & Experience:

• The qualified candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources studies, land use planning or a related field;
• With a minimum of 5 years’ experience in real estate transactions, land use planning or related field; 
• Conservation real estate experience is preferred; and
• A law degree is a plus.  

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

To Apply

• Qualified candidates should click "Apply" below to email a cover letter and resume.
• Or, fax to (908) 234-1189
• Or, mail to: Maria Hauser, NJ Conservation Foundation, 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931. 
• For additional information about this position and working for us, please visit the careers section on our our website.  

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.  We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.