Executive Director

~ Founded in 1990, Valley Conservation Council (VCC) is a land trust and growing nonprofit committed to protecting open space and natural resources in 11 counties within the greater Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia.  Throughout its history, VCC has helped to protect tens of thousands of acres of farmland, forests, open spaces, and historic landmarks, implementing conservation easements and other land conservation tools. ~

Passionate about conservation? Eager to be a part of an organization where every team member has a tangible impact on the organization’s success? Valley Conservation Council offers competitive salaries, retirement and healthcare benefits, generous paid leave, and funding for professional development, along with the opportunity to meaningfully impact the conservation landscape throughout our region. Learn about open positions below!

Position Overview

Valley Conservation Council (VCC), a rapidly growing accredited land trust, seeks an ambitious, experienced, and passionate Executive Director to lead the next chapter of our organization’s history. As a nonprofit land trust serving an 11-county region in and around Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, VCC is proud to celebrate 30+ years of conservation success. Throughout its history, VCC has helped to protect tens of thousands of acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, open spaces, and historic battlefields and landmarks. Headquartered in the charming city of Staunton, Valley Conservation Council’s offices are located in a thriving coworking space that is host to other nonprofits and small businesses.

• Type: Paid Permanent
• Salary: $70,000+ (commensurate with experience) & competitive benefits
• Deadline: Application review begins November 29 (open until filled)

In the past three years, VCC has:

• Received accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
• More than quadrupled the amount of land the organization is directly responsible for stewarding (over 6,000 acres on 61 properties)
• More than doubled our annual budget from $150k to over $350k (and growing)
• Expanded our staff from 2.25 to 4.25 FTE (and growing)
• Broadened our board of directors to include 13 individuals with backgrounds in conservation, education, fundraising, law, and business management.
• Begun educational programming on our 400-acre farm, which the organization will use to host events and educational programs, while simultaneously protecting its ecological resources.
• Cultivated and expanded relationships and collaborative projects with other nonprofits and state entities.

VCC’s new Executive Director will build upon this momentum and help accelerate the pace of land protection, foster relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, and develop innovative programs to inspire the next generation of land stewards.

Our Region

VCC’s service area includes the spectacular Shenandoah Valley, the headwaters of both the James and Potomac Rivers, and the incomparable Allegheny Highlands.

The Shenandoah Valley has a vibrant agricultural and recreational economy and an abundance of public lands. Four of Virginia’s most productive agricultural counties are located in the valley. Surrounded by Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and Monongahela National Forest, the region also offers abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong organizational leadership that values the roles of staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners to achieve VCC’s mission.
• Lead short-term and long-term strategic planning to ensure stability and growth.
• Cultivate relationships with members and donors and foster a culture of philanthropy, as well as support from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and civic organizations.
• Be a public face of the organization, and work with diverse stakeholders to communicate goals and successes through in-person meetings, events, and print, electronic and social media.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to achieve strategic landscape-level conservation.
• Manage VCC’s operations and staff.

Qualifications

Required:

• Passion for conservation
• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree will receive additional consideration)
• Demonstrated success managing an organization or large project
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers with diplomacy and mutual trust
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in fundraising, marketing, or sales

Desired:

• Experience working for a land trust or conservation organization
• Experience working on or with a Board of Directors
• Familiarity with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
• Familiarity with donor development databases such as Little Green Light
• Experience preparing grant proposals and managing grant funds
• Experience managing a fundraising drive

Compensation & Benefits

• Minimum salary of $70,000/year, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Simple IRA retirement plan with employer match of up to 3%
• $3,000 annual contribution toward health insurance expenses
• 24 days/year of paid leave, plus Virginia state holidays
• Opportunity to conduct some work remotely as appropriate 

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resumé, and three references.

Valley Conservation Council values diversity in all its forms. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.