Project Manager

Position Overview

The Project Manager preserves both critical open space that benefits people and environmentally sensitive lands, utilizing nonprofit land acquisition techniques and sound business practices. This position generates revenue for TPL through donations and fundraising from public, private, foundation, corporate and other sources, and through the successful completion of real estate transactions.

The Project Manager works on programmatic initiatives, particularly land acquisitions within programmatic focus areas. TPL is one of the leaders of the Connecting Green Initiative arising out of Portland Metro's recent successful $227.4 million dollar bond issue for parks and open space. This position will focus, at least initially, on the Connecting Green program.

Responsibilities: 

* Identifies, negotiates, manages and closes real estate transactions with the assistance of legal and finance staff.
* Manages all phases of projects including initial outreach and landowner negotiation; due diligence; financing; supervision of appraisers, surveyors, and other consultants; closing and post closing follow up.
* Develops and implements strategies for acquisition of key conservation properties and their conveyance to public agencies or other permanent stewards.
* Assumes significant project and revenue responsibility.
* Responsible for securing interim financing and permanent public and private funding.
* Prospects for potential projects by contacting owners, partners, and public agency officials; responds to inquiries by individuals, groups, etc. Develops and maintains portfolio of existing and future projects for him/herself but also the rest of the project team.
* Works with the State Director on the management and coordination of the Connecting Green Initiative. Advances TPL's role as one of the leaders in the partnership of organizations involved with Connecting Green.
* Works with TPL's Conservation Finance team to grow existing or new funding sources.
* Works with TPL's Conservation Vision and GIS team to identify critical local, regional, or national importance conservation needs and opportunities.
* Works with TPL's Development team for philanthropy, landowner and donor relationships, and building TPL's contact database; and working with the TPL's Oregon Advisory Board.
* Works with TPL's Marketing team for building public awareness and understanding of TPL through outreach events, the leading of meetings, public speaking engagements, fundraising efforts and creating a public presence for TPL in the community.
* Cooperates with internal and external government affairs staff on legislative and agency affairs, legislation and outreach.
* Completes assorted managerial and administrative tasks and complies with internal procedures required for a well-regulated organization and programmatic initiative.
* Assists with the training, mentoring and project management of junior project staff.

Qualifications:

Required:

* Bachelor's degree required.
* Minimum of 3-5 years project-related or equivalent land trust or non-profit experience desirable.
* Experience with, and demonstrated commitment to, real estate transactions or real estate law.
* Willingness to undertake other relevant duties as necessary including working without significant support staff.
* Ability to work on many tasks simultaneously and prioritize tasks.
* Evening and weekend work and some travel can be expected.

Interaction with Others:

* Comfortable with public speaking and with promoting TPL's mission and leadership role in Connecting Green and Oregon as an effective, results-oriented land conservation organization.
* Able and willing to train, mentor and supervise more junior staff.
* Able to work independently, but knows when to seek guidance and assistance from others.
* Able to work collaboratively as part of a coordinated and integrated team.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

* Superior written and oral communication skills.
* Strong negotiation skills and proven ability to "close the deal".
* Proficient in computer applications.
* Demonstrated understanding of due diligence, tax law, land use planning techniques, environmental assessments, titles, appraisals and appraisal review process, and government land acquisition policies/procedures.
* Facility with financial forecasting tools, tax benefit analysis, complex financing and contract management.
* Good working knowledge of processes for obtaining public funding for land conservation.
* Good working knowledge or experience obtaining private, foundation, and corporate funding.
* Strong interest in fundraising; ability and eagerness to work with, and learn from, TPL's development staff.
* Politically and media savvy.
* Ability to generate grassroots and community support.
* Knowledge of Portland and Oregon geography, land acquisition players and politics desirable.
* Ability to combine sound business judgment with commitment to land conservation.
* Good at facilitating common ground and resolving opposition among conflicting stakeholders.
* Ready to work for a non-profit.
* Demonstrated commitment or experience to TPL's mission.