JOBS

 

Nation Ford Land Trust (NFLT) seeks an experienced, dynamic, and ambitious leader who can work effectively with the Board of Directors and its committees to grow the organization, both internally and externally and to advance its conservation mission and strategic goals. The Executive Director (ED) works under the guidance of, and cooperatively with, the Chair and members of the Board of Directors to provide oversight and overall management, planning, vision and leadership for all aspects of the NFLT including stewardship of easements, programs, services, finance, resource development, human resources, member services, communications, and board development. The Executive Director assumes a leadership role in York County and throughout the state in partnering with South Carolina Land Trust Network members, collaborating businesses, foundations, government agencies including the South Carolina Conservation Bank, and supporters. Primary responsibilities include fundraising, development, stewardship of land trust easements and properties, communications, budgeting, grant applications, and management. The Executive Director takes the lead in educating the public to the necessity, importance, benefits, and impact of protecting natural, open spaces and of the role of NFLT as a charitable nonprofit in doing so. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential since positive relations with board members, volunteers, landowners, governmental agencies, donors and staff are necessary for NFLT to grow and achieve its goals.

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES

 

FUNDRAISING: The Executive Director will plan and conduct fundraising, membership, and development activities, including designing and implementing solicitations, and seeking financial support, sponsorships, grants, contracts and other assistance from individuals, foundations, corporations, and public agencies. Specifically, the Executive Director must:

➢ Work with the Board to develop and implement a long-term funding plan
➢ Develop and foster relationships with major donors to grow and sustain NFLT’s mission and programs according to established strategic goals
➢ Conduct at least one main fundraiser and several smaller sponsored events each year

COMMUNICATIONS: The Executive Director serves as the public face of Nation Ford Land Trust and is primarily responsible for directing and facilitating communication within the organization and with outside agencies. The executive Director must be able to:

➢ Communicate effectively with board members, staff, volunteers, and donors
➢ Represent NFLT at meetings, conferences, and community or partner events and presentations
➢ Develop collaborative relationships with local, regional, and state conservation agencies and organizations
➢ Prepare and submit grant applications
➢ Create regular, organizational written communications including publication of a quarterly e-newsletter, an annual report, news releases and informational materials
➢ Oversee NFLT’s website and social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram and others and as appropriate.
➢ Effectively represent NFLT’s mission and its role and accomplishments in protecting natural and historic lands to the media and the general public.

ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT: The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the NFLT organization and is responsible for its overall management and day-to-day running. In this capacity the Executive Director will:

➢ Serve at the direction of the Board of Directors and support ongoing strategic planning efforts
➢ Direct and conduct organizational management functions. Prepare and manage budgets and reports, and oversee financial investments. Work with the board treasurer and accountants on annual 501c3 tax return filing requirements. Provide reports and updates for each Board meeting
➢ Assure that all tax, financial, and corporate documents are properly filed or submitted
➢ Ensure that all NFLT actions follow the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Standards and Practices; working with an LTA accreditation consultant, complete the process of achieving LTA accreditation; work to ensure accreditation renewal every five years.
➢ Manage all agreements and contracts entered into on behalf of NFLT; track and meet deadlines, submit invoices/budget updates, and produce reports.
➢ Hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate staff
➢ Manage NFLT financial and record-keeping systems
➢ Develop yearly operational budgets with assistance of staff and Board of Directors Finance Committee and chairs of standing board committees
➢ Coordinate NFLT’s legal matters in consultation with legal counsel

LAND PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP: These are at the heart of NFLT’s mission. Therefore, the Executive Director must

➢ Oversee NFLT’s program of land conservation, land acquisition, conservation easements, stewardship and monitoring
➢ Work with staff, board members, and volunteers to facilitate the implementation of land protection and stewardship programs
➢ Take direct responsibility for managing select land trust projects as needed

 

• Demonstration of a strong personal interest in, and commitment to, the conservation of land and natural resources
• A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies, nonprofit or business administration, or a related field, and at least five years of progressive professional experience in a related field. Experience with conservation and funding agencies in the Southeast preferred.
• Ability to interact well with a wide variety of people, including a Board of Directors, staff, landowners, government officials, the press, donors, and the general public.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising or marketing/sales with particular experience desired in major gift fundraising and securing and managing public and private grants.
• Demonstrated experience with management of a non-profit organization, working with a Board of Directors, or managing a large multi-faceted project. Experience working for a land trust or conservation organization desired.
• Experience in supervising staff and/or volunteers with diplomacy and mutual trust.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in social media marketing and management.
• Proficiency with computer applications, donor development databases, data storage and record- keeping, and public presentations