Executive Director

~ Steep Rock Association (SRA), the fourth largest land trust in Connecticut, is a 94-year-old land trust in the Town of Washington that protects over 5,000 acres, almost 20% of the town. ~

Steep Rock's mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes and to connect our community to nature. Much of its owned land is located in three large preserves with varied topography and habitats, spectacular vistas, over 40 miles of hiking trails and seven miles of the beautiful and ecologically significant Shepaug River.

Position Overview

Steep Rock seeks a dynamic Executive Director who will lead the organization to “the next level” – in stewardship, promotion of biodiversity and conservation, funding, innovative community partnerships, and strong programs. The Executive Director will manage and direct the total operation of Steep Rock Association, promote the organization’s mission, and be the primary face of the organization in the community.

• The ideal candidate will have a passion for conserving land. In addition, he or she will have a commitment to promoting the biodiversity of the preserves through best management practices as laid out in the strategic plan.
  • Click here to see the plan.
• Excellent communication skills are a must, both in interacting with donors, trustees, town/state officials and leaders of other land trusts, and importantly, in building strong relationships with the wide and diverse donor base that is the life blood of the organization.
• This is an excellent opportunity to manage all aspects of a healthy and vibrant conservation organization with the support of an experienced staff, active and sophisticated volunteers, and state and local officials.

More About Steep Rock

• Steep Rock Association is the legacy of an early generation of residents who donated their property to protect the bucolic nature of the Town of Washington, the Shepaug River and to create recreational opportunities for its residents.
• Steep Rock is a recreation destination for the region and has a highly developed biodiversity conservation program. It offers education programs and has a community garden that annually provides food to over 600 people through local food banks. Steep Rock has an annual budget of about $500,000, four employees, a reserve fund of almost $3 million, and a donor base of over 650 individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Several significant land acquisitions costing over $2.5 million have been recently completed and other acquisitions are under consideration.
• Steep Rock is led by an active and engaged group of volunteer trustees and has many other volunteers who, along with the trustees, are actively involved in its diverse programs and well-organized committees.
• Steep Rock is accredited by the Land Trust Alliance.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email applications and nominations, in strict confidence to Angela Henry, executive search consultant.