Landscape Conservation Program Director

Job Description

• This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Landscape Conservation Program Director based in the United States. The Landscape Conservation Program Director will provide strategic leadership for a broad portfolio of landscape-scale conservation initiatives across a multi-state region. The role brings together partners, funding, science, policy, and community engagement to advance connected and lasting conservation outcomes. You will shape long-term strategy while translating organizational priorities into measurable programs, investments, and partnerships. The position offers significant influence across public, private, nonprofit, community, and conservation stakeholders. You will lead collaborative initiatives, guide conservation investments, and use data, GIS, and partner knowledge to prioritize high-value opportunities. As a senior leader, you will develop teams, strengthen organizational capacity, cultivate funding, and communicate impact to executives, boards, funders, and partners. This is a fully remote opportunity for an experienced conservation professional based in one of the designated states, with approximately 10–15% travel.
• Accountabilities Develop, implement, and continuously refine a landscape conservation strategy and long-term vision aligned with organizational priorities. Align staff, work plans, partnerships, investments, and resources around measurable conservation objectives. Represent the landscape conservation strategy with organizational leadership, board members, funders, government agencies, and external partners. Lead regional, landscape-scale, and place-based conservation partnerships, building alignment around shared priorities and collaborative initiatives. Provide strategic leadership for community engagement and recognition programs that strengthen grassroots participation and local conservation efforts. Cultivate relationships that position the organization as a trusted convener and effective driver of landscape-scale conservation impact. Direct the strategic deployment of conservation funds and related investments, prioritizing high-value opportunities based on science, GIS, partner expertise, and conservation priorities. Promote practical decision-support tools and advance innovative approaches through research and strategic partnerships. Manage grants, funding agreements, and conservation incentive programs, including deliverables, reporting, compliance, and performance tracking. Supervise and develop staff while establishing clear expectations, performance measures, priorities, and accountability for results. Monitor program performance using data, outcomes, and partner feedback, adapting strategies when necessary to improve impact. Communicate accomplishments, challenges, priorities, and measurable outcomes to senior leadership, board members, funders, and key stakeholders. Build organizational capacity and support sustainable funding strategies for long-term conservation initiatives. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, public administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. 5–7 years of experience managing collaborative conservation, land protection, or landscape-scale conservation programs and initiatives. At least 3 years of experience leading staff, teams, programs, or significant cross-functional initiatives, with demonstrated success establishing priorities and driving accountability. Strong knowledge of landscape-scale conservation principles, land protection strategies, partnership development, and collaborative conservation involving public, private, nonprofit, and community stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-partner initiatives through influence rather than direct authority, reconcile competing interests, establish shared priorities, and deliver measurable conservation outcomes. Experience managing grants, funding agreements, or conservation incentive programs, including deliverables, compliance requirements, and performance reporting. Strong leadership presence combined with excellent written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, facilitation, and stakeholder-management skills. Ability to communicate complex information clearly, influence decision-making, and represent an organization effectively with diverse internal and external audiences. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and database systems, with the ability to use data, technology, and performance measures to support effective program management. Preferred experience with grant writing, grant administration, regranting, grant reporting, and conservation finance. Familiarity with federal, state, philanthropic, and foundation conservation funding sources is advantageous. Experience working with large-scale conservation partnerships, land trusts, government agencies, or regional conservation coalitions is preferred. Experience engaging rural communities and municipalities, particularly within the Appalachian region, is a plus. Three or more years of experience supervising staff, interns, volunteers, or project teams is preferred. Proficiency with ESRI GIS applications and related data management and communication tools is desirable. Familiarity with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its cooperative management framework is advantageous. Must be able to maintain a reliable home office and communicate effectively through virtual platforms, email, telephone, and in-person meetings. Must be available for approximately 10–15% travel throughout a 14-state service area and beyond, with occasional evening or weekend commitments for meetings, events, and partner engagement. Residence must be in one of the following states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. Benefits Competitive salary: Annual salary range of $90,000–$110,000. Remote work: Fully remote position with the flexibility to work from an approved home office. Healthcare: Health, dental, and vision insurance available. Insurance protection: Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance. Retirement savings: 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 7% employer match after one year of service. Meaningful impact: Opportunity to lead conservation initiatives with regional and long-term environmental impact. Leadership exposure: Work directly with senior leadership, board members, funders, government agencies, conservation organizations, and community partners. Professional collaboration: Engage with multidisciplinary partners and stakeholders across a broad geographic region. Work flexibility: Remote-first environment supported by virtual communication and collaboration tools. Travel opportunities: Periodic travel for conservation meetings, workshops, community events, conferences, and partner engagement. Inclusive workplace: A culture focused on collaboration, flexibility, fairness, and diverse perspectives.
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