Midwest Field Representative

BACKGROUND:

The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Midwest Program directly supports the nearly 200 land trusts in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. With support of land trusts throughout the country, LTA developed the Land Trust Standards and Practices that set forth the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust.

Recognizing that most organizations want to improve their practices and simply need guidance and help, LTA is in the process of creating an integrated assessment, training, and accreditation program. This program would focus on skill building, assessments and program improvement. LTA will develop training and materials to help land trusts become strong institutions capable of permanently protecting their conservation lands in accordance with the Land Trust Standards and Practices.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Midwest Field Representative is responsible for managing aspects of LTA's program delivery in the Midwest. The primary responsibility will be implementation of LTA's land trust assessment and training programs within the Midwest and other program areas as assigned.

In addition, the Midwest Field Representative will work closely with other LTA staff on project teams, assist with public policy issues and outreach, and support the work of land trust coalitions in their efforts to organize regionally and state-wide.

The Midwest Field Representative is supervised by the Midwest Director with additional guidance from the Director of National Services. The position requires 37.5 hours per week with frequent travel across the Midwest and some weekend work and travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

* Assessments: Implement various levels of LTA's assessment programs including land trust needs assessments and guided organizational assessments of individual land trusts. This includes meeting one on one with land trust staff and board of directors, making recommendations about organizational development and transaction issues based on the Land Trust Standards and Practices;
* LTA Project Teams: Work with other LTA staff on project teams to evaluate and update/revise current assessment and training tools;
* Coalitions: Convene and assist coalitions of land trusts to provide a forum for land trust support and to investigate strategic conservation issues within regions and states;
* Trainings: Assist the Midwest Director to implement LTA's training programs including evaluating the topics, speakers and locations for LTA training events (this includes coordinating meeting logistics), developing new workshops that respond to identified training needs in conjunction with LTA staff and experienced practitioners, and assisting with the design of new and efficient ways to deliver training to land trusts; 
* Public Policy: Assist LTA's public policy program with outreach to land trusts and individuals, especially those located in key congressional districts; 
* Fundraising: Work with the Midwest Director and LTA development staff to identify, cultivate, and secure gifts from foundations, corporations, and individuals with an interest in funding LTA's work, particularly in the Midwest. This includes research, writing proposals and reporting;
* Communications: Work with LTA's regional and national staff to coordinate LTA communications in the Midwest. This includes developing and submitting articles for LTA publications and website to promote LTA's work;
* Ambassadorship: Represent LTA and present on behalf of LTA at select conferences, events, coalition meetings, land trust gatherings and other venues as warranted;
* Administrative: Assist with meeting logistics, mailings, accounting, reporting and other administrative responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES: 

* A minimum of three years experience working with nonprofit organizations, preferably in land conservation 
* Knowledge of nonprofit organizational development and management issues
* Knowledge of private land conservation techniques and land trusts 
* Expertise in meeting facilitation, public speaking, convening and building coalitions 
* Experience managing budgets and financial reporting
* Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking
* Proven ability to plan and implement programs 
* Ability to work effectively without close supervision and as part of a team
* Comfort with and enthusiasm for donor cultivation work
* Willingness to travel throughout the Midwest and to work a flexible schedule including some weekends 
* Organization and attention to detail 
* Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office suite 
* Understanding of LTA and its programs 
* Bachelor's Degree

COMPENSATION: Competitive salary and benefits provided commensurate with experience. Land Trust Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please email, fax or mail your resume and cover letter to:

Dee Perkins,
Human Resources Manager,
Land Trust Alliance,
1331 H. Street NW, Suite 400,
Washington, DC 20005

LTA actively seeks to attract an ethnically and racially diverse staff.