Executive Director

~ Our mission is to conserve the ecosystems and traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region through permanent land protection, stewardship, education, and outdoor experiences. ~

Mid-coast Maine's 225-square-mile Georges River watershed is a unique and historic area of mountains, sea coast, lakes, tidal streams and inlets through which the beautiful Georges River flows. The watershed extends from Montville in Waldo County to Port Clyde in Knox County where the 51-mile-long river flows into Muscongus Bay.

Position Overview  

Georges River Land Trust is looking for an experienced professional who has demonstrated the ability to collaboratively and cooperatively create and execute a bold vision. Our current Executive Director is retiring, leaving an engaged and committed Board of Directors, an effective and cohesive professional staff, and an organization that, just last year, completed the process of receiving full accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

This is an opportunity to lead and to be the public face and voice of an organization poised to creatively move forward.

The Executive Director is responsible for the implementation of the mission and policies of the Georges River Land Trust as determined by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will provide the leadership, professional expertise and management skills to direct the organization in the successfulaccomplishment of its objectives.

The Board of Directors is responsible for supervising, evaluating, and supporting the Executive Director. The Board President, and secondarily the Executive Committee, functions as the Board's liaison with the Executive Director. 

Responsibilities  

Key Result Areas  

The Executive Director is expected to provide leadership for the staff, the Board and others associated with the Land Trust and is responsible for personally implementing, or for managing staff and contractors to implement, the following functions: 

Board Relations, Board Development, and Direction 

• Maintain regular communications with the Board President and Executive Committee regarding GRLT operations
• Assist Board members in identifying and carrying out their respective roles
• Direct and support Board members involved as volunteers in initiatives external to board governance
• Prepare reports and documents for Board review and appropriate action
• Communicate trends in the land protection and conservation field by maintaining involvement in the professional field
• Participate in orientations and training for the Board
• Work with the Board Governance Committee to identify, cultivate and solicit new Board members 

Planning & Policies 

• Oversee the development and implementation of organizational policies including implementation of Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices
• Assist with creation, implementation and evaluation of strategic plans and recommend to the Board specific long and short-range plans for the development of programs and services 

Personnel, Contract, and Volunteer Management 

• Consult with the Board regarding staff compensation, benefits, personnel policies and practices
• Hire and manage staff within the Board-approved budget according to state and federal standards and Board-approved employee policies
• Train, supervise, support, evaluate and, when necessary, terminate staff according to Board approved employee policies
• Hire and manage the work of contractors
• Assist staff in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers
• Promote and support staff development 

Financial Management 

• Collaborate with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to manage GRLT's finances and investments
• Prepare draft budgets in consultation with staff for approval by the Board
• Track the budget and manage expenses accordingly
• Establish clear financial records for budget tracking, grant tracking, annual tax statements, audits and other tasks
• Prepare and distribute accurate financial reports to the Executive Committee and the Board
• Plan and prepare the Annual Report and Annual Meeting 

External Communication & Outreach 

• Communicate GRLT's vision, mission and programs to the public and the media to increase public support for land conservation
• Oversee the development of public communications, including publication and distribution of brochures, maps, annual reports and newsletters as scheduled
• Develop collaborative relationships with community groups, municipalities and other organizations within and outside the watershed
• Oversee the planning and implementation of programs and activities to facilitate public awareness and appreciation of the watershed and its conservation value 

Office Operations 

• Oversee, with the collaboration of the Administrative Assistant, efficient and professional day-to-day operations including office routines, maintenance of files and record-keeping, maintenance of office facilities and equipment, staff meetings, and management of the organizational calendar
• Supervise and support the Administrative Assistant in carrying out assigned responsibilities 

Development 

• Work with the Development Committee(s), Board and the Development Officer to establish annual and long-range fundraising goals and strategies
• Supervise and support the Development Officer in carrying out assigned responsibilities
• Provide oversight for grants, fundraising appeals, events and donor tracking systems
• Assist in identifying, cultivating and soliciting major donors

Land Protection 

• Work with the Conservation Program Manager and Land Protection Committee to conduct conservation planning, set project priorities and define effective implementation strategies
• Supervise and support the Conservation Program Manager in carrying out assigned responsibilities
• Assist staff in developing productive relationships with landowners and community partners
• Assist staff to negotiate easements and fee acquisitions as needed 

Stewardship & Conservation Trails 

• Work with the Stewardship Program Manager and Stewardship & Trails Committee to conduct stewardship planning, set project priorities and define effective implementation strategies
• Supervise and support the Stewardship Program Manager and seasonal trails staff in carrying out assigned responsibilities
• Oversee professional relationships with landowner partners, abutters and communities 

Note: Every effort has been made to make this description of duties as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties required of the position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the duties of the position if the work required is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

Qualifications 

Essential Knowledge, Abilities & Skills 

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. An advanced degree in a related field desirable
• A minimum of two years administrative experience in land trust, conservation or non-profit organization
• Effective computer skills, including data base, spread sheet, desktop publishing, internet and email functions
• Demonstrated capabilities in administrative methods, including strategic planning and management of programs, projects, finances and personnel
• Demonstrated capabilities in the broad scope of fund raising
• Demonstrated capabilities in the conduct of conservation land projects and knowledge concerning land protection options, outreach and negotiation
• Demonstrated capabilities in the conduct of stewardship and public access projects
• Demonstrated knowledge of the functioning of non-profit organizations, including staff/Board responsibilities and relations
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to identify, prioritize, plan and complete projects in a timely fashion  

Compensation: Georges River Land Trust offers a competitive salary and benefits for this full time position. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter and resume (not to exceed two pages) to Jim Robbins, Board President. 

The position will remain open until a qualified candidate is selected; yet the first round of resumes will be reviewed on July 1, 2015.