Executive Director

The Schiff Natural Lands Trust ("Schiff"), a non-profit land trust which operates the largest privately-owned nature preserve in Morris County, New Jersey, seeks a new Executive Director.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director provides innovative leadership to manage and coordinate the operations of Schiff. We are seeking an Executive Director to lead with charisma, energy and drive to elevate the Schiff Natural Lands Trust to the next level of growth and excellence and to achieve our mission to: "Acquire and preserve open space, serve as a model of environmental and educational stewardship, and improve the ecological value of natural areas using best management practices."

Schiff maintains an active nature center open to the public for environmental education, research and passive recreational activities consistent with the preservation of natural areas.

The successful candidate will be creative, energetic and entrepreneurial with a collaborative, community-based vision and a demonstrated ability to help achieve the goals of Schiff. Experience in non-profit management, strong communication skills (including public speaking), a strong background in development and non-profit fund raising, plus broad experience and a genuine passion for conservation and environmental education are all essential qualities for this position.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Board President and working closely with the Board and staff, the Executive Director is responsible for managing all day-to-day and long-term aspects of the organization and for implementing the strategic vision of Schiff. As a condition of their employment, the Executive Director is required to live in on-site housing provided by Schiff. The Executive Director manages the operations and oversees the work of all regular year-round employees, up to 20 seasonal employees who staff the 7-week summer nature program for children, as well as volunteers.

Outreach:

The Executive Director represents Schiff to a wide and diverse audience, including Schiff's membership and volunteers, the general public, public officials, the media, citizen and business organizations, and the academic community. In addition, s/he represents Schiff on several local committees and will be expected to make presentations to a variety of audiences.

Program:

The Executive Director is responsible for the creation and supervision of a comprehensive community outreach program including:

• Overseeing the Summer Nature Program as one of Schiff's signature on-going projects;
• Initiating, developing and overseeing new projects that support Schiff's mission;
• Energizing and managing staff and over 100 volunteers of all ages; and
• Assuring timely completion of program objectives and fulfillment of any and all grant and contractual obligations.

Fundraising:

The Executive Director is responsible for building the financial strength of the organization, including development and implementation of educational programs and events to increase public contributions to Schiff and to build community support of our mission. Competency and a demonstrated record of success in obtaining individual contributions, and in acquiring corporate and foundation grant funding is also imperative. The Executive Director is also responsible for seeking out and maintaining strong relationships with volunteers, members, foundations and major donors.

Administration:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administrative and financial well-being of the organization, including but not limited to:

• Financial management, including budgeting and accounting controls required for daily operation, grants administration, preparation of quarterly and year-end financial reports;
• Compliance with all internal and applicable external (statutory, regulatory and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices) non-profit requirements;
• Maintenance of all buildings and facilities;
• Hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff; and
• Management of volunteer force of over 100 committed individuals; and
• Assisting the Board of Trustees in identification and recruitment of potential new board members.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the mission and goals of Schiff. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge, skills, and ability to accomplish the following:

• Develop and implement strategies and programs to enable the organization to meet the needs of its constituencies and to assure its ongoing financial viability.
• Through superior communication and interpersonal skills, maintain and expand on current support from business and government leaders, the media, members and an engaged board of directors, so that the organization can effectively advance its overall agenda and continue to develop collaborative relationships with members of the community.
• Demonstrate excellent management skills for supervision of personnel and facility resources.
• Raise funds from individuals, businesses and institutions.
• Attract, retain, and motivate competent staff and volunteers and inspire these people to assist in achieving the goals of the Schiff.
• Apply basic principles of sound financial management and professional administration appropriate for non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrate understanding and experience in non-profit management, community-based conservation and land management. Knowledge of New Jersey conservation issues is highly desirable. A bachelor's degree in conservation, education, non-profit administration, or a related field is required, and a similar graduate degree is preferred. At least 3 years of non-profit management experience, or 5 years or other relevant experience is also required.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and includes required on-site housing. Benefits include 403(b) program, paid vacation, sick time, health care package, personal days and holidays.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should please submit a cover letter with resume, references, a writing sample and salary requirements electronically to Michael Catania, Board Chair. Please include in the subject header, "ED Search Committee."

The Search Committee will begin its consideration of candidates on March 21, 2011. The deadline for submission of applications is April 15, 2011. The chosen candidate will commence work on July 1, 2011.

The Schiff Natural Lands Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer.