NOW HIRING

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Director of Land Protection    

 

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Office Location: Fayetteville, AR

 

 

ABOUT THE LAND TRUST

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) is a regional non-profit, 501c3 conservation organization based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This nationally accredited organization is dedicated to preserving quality of life in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land. We work to save important natural areas that support clean water, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, local farms, and cultural heritage. To accomplish our mission, we collaborate with diverse partners including private landowners, local communities and governments, state and federal agencies, and other regional conservation partners.

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The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is a growing organization offering competitive wages, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We believe in providing professional development opportunities and promotion from within. We strive to hire and retain people who are passionate about our work, who strive for excellence in their personal and professional development, and who fit the supportive, inspiring and collaborative culture of our workplace.

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THE POSITION WITH NWALT

The Director will be responsible for overseeing land protection efforts and managing project grant funding for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. This role involves strategic planning, securing and managing grant funding, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements to protect and conserve land in the region. The Land Protection Director will report directly to the Executive Director/CEO.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

                                                

Overall: Ensuring NWALT’s land protection portfolio continues to expand meeting strategic land protection goals and safeguarding our region’s most valuable natural resources. 

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Planning: Working as part of the leadership team and with the board of directors, lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for land protection and conservation projects, specifically regarding current and future grant deliverables and the 2020 Strategic Land Protection Plan. Examples of this might be leading and reviewing the easement processes, identifying new or untapped areas within NWALT’s priority areas, approaching landowners, and working with local political subdivisions and partner organizations.

• Grant Management: Identify and apply for grant funding from federal, state, private, and other entities keeping in line with NWALT’s mission and land protection goals. Manage awarded grants, ensuring compliance with funding conditions, reporting requirements, and timelines.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to develop and implement land protection projects.

• Financial Oversight: Monitor grant budgets, track expenditures, and ensure proper financial reporting.

• Legal Compliance: Working with the NWALT CEO, NWALT staff, board of directors and outside legal counsel as needed, to ensure all land protection activities comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and Land Trust Accreditation Standards. Stay updated on changes in environmental and land protection laws and advise the organization on legal matters related to land protection.

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of grant applications, awards, and project progress. Prepare regular reports for funders and internal stakeholders.

• Community Engagement: Along with other staff, engage with local communities to promote land conservation and encourage participation in land protection projects.

• Training and Support: Provide technical assistance and training to staff on grant writing, application processes, and compliance requirements.

• Policy Development: Develop and update policies and procedures related to land protection and grant management in accordance with Land Trust Accreditation standards

• Review of Conservation Easement Drafts: Review drafts of conservation easements prepared by Conservation Easement Manager and consult with outside counsel as needed to ensure compliance with the law and Land Trust Accreditation standards.

• Supervision: Supervise and oversee the work of the Conservation Easement Manager, providing guidance when needed and setting program priorities.

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OTHER DUTIES:

• Uphold NWALT’s organizational core values and staff core values at all times.  

• Effectively manage, lead, and inspire any direct reports, including support staff, interns, or volunteers to achieve stated objectives.  

• Participate in annual staff or organizational reviews, surveys, and planning retreats.  

• Help prepare the program's annual budget as requested by the Executive Director/CEO.  

• Track monthly expenses in keeping with annual budget for core programs and grant-specific items.  

• Track time regularly and accurately in NWALT’s online time tracking software.  

• Become familiar with Land Trust Accreditation Commission Standards and Practices and other laws/regulations or best practices, particularly as related to land protection; assist with Accreditation renewal as needed.  

• Be familiar with NWALT policies and ensure adherence to those policies and procedures.  

• Ensure all program files (including hard and electronic) are organized, complete, and accurate, in keeping with NWALT’s policies.  

• Recommend, develop and/or update NWALT’s policies, practices, and systems where relevant to continually improve effectiveness in core job functions.  

• Take initiative to stay current on changes in the profession/field that impact the organization; regularly seek opportunities for professional development.  

• Be a responsible steward of resources, both environmental and organizational; support NWALT’s sustainability values.  

• Assist with other land trust needs or events and support other staff and other programs as requested.  

   

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Law, or a related field. A Master's degree or Juris Doctor (JD) is preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience (graduate work may count toward experience) in land protection, grant management, or a related field. Experience in legal compliance or environmental law is a plus.

• Skills: Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Excellent organizational and time management abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn grant management software.

• Knowledge: Understanding of environmental conservation, land protection, sustainable practices, and relevant legal frameworks. This knowledge can come in many different forms based on life experience, education and desire to work in conservation.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with funders, stakeholders, and legal experts.

• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays.

• At times, there may be a significant fieldwork component to this position - must be able to traverse varied terrain while carrying program equipment.

 

Applicants who do not demonstrate the above required qualifications will not be considered.

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Pay and Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills - range $55,000 - $65,000.

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal leave

• Health and retirement benefits to be decided

• Professional memberships and training encouraged and paid for by the Land Trust

 

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