The Director of Lands is directly responsible for strategic leadership, management and accountability of the Chapter’s land conservation and stewardship, scaling up our efforts in New Jersey to contribute to resilient and connected land conservation across the Appalachians. They will be responsible for defining and directing implementation of NJ’s Lands strategic plan and developing key partnerships with public and private organizations to achieve our land conservation goals.

They are responsible for realizing an inspiring vision of large-scale success for the Conservancy’s lands programs in New Jersey, while collaborating with colleagues to advance a vision for the northeastern Appalachians. They will direct a program spanning strategic planning, partnerships, policy, on the ground implementation, and community relations to maximize our contributions to the organization’s 2030 Goals. They will provide direction and support to implement a comprehensive program to strategically advance land conservation and connectivity work, land stewardship and preserve management in New Jersey, while creating a positive, collaborative, learning- and results-driven culture.

Critical to the success of this position, the Director of Lands will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in and beyond New Jersey, partnering with local communities, tribes, government agencies, other NGOs, donors, and supporters. They will work closely with the Development team to raise capital and operating funds from public and private sources.  The Director of Lands works closely with the Deputy State Director to direct a strategic land conservation program and land stewardship and preserve accessibility work to ensure strong, equitable, and lasting contributions to the Conservancy’s 2030 goals.

RESPONSIBILITES & SCOPE:

• Lead NJ’s contributions to the Appalachians land protection and connectivity work, Northeast Division Stewardship, North America’s Leveraging Our Lands team and other relevant regional lands initiatives. 

• Scale TNC-NJ’s land conservation and nature preserve stewardship and accessibility efforts in NJ to achieve ambitious goals to benefit people and nature.  

• Lead and expand TNC’s emerging work with Indigenous Peoples of NJ and the development of an equitable land conservation and management strategy.

• Working with Government Relations staff, direct and lead TNC’s lands policy efforts. 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategy; set deadlines and manage a portfolio of projects; communicate results to a variety of audiences, including donors and supporters.                                             

• Develop and direct multi-disciplinary staff, with responsibility for performance management, learning, and career development; lead team of professionals implementing land conservation and stewardship efforts.  

• Financial responsibility includes developing and managing program budgets, negotiating and contracting, and meeting fundraising targets.        

• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice, sometimes on weekends.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Our team in New Jersey is dedicated to conservation. Join us!

• BA/BS degree and 7years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.  

• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.

• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.      

• Experience negotiating.   

• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous work experience in land conservation and/or stewardship.

• Demonstrated experience managing teams within a matrixed organization.

• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.

• Fundraising experience.      

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in land conservation and land management.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the . Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $114,000 - $127,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.