The ED is expected to identify and implement short and long-term strategic goals, and to be accountable to the Board of Directors for achieving those goals. In concert with the development director, the ED leads all fundraising activities—including annual campaigns, one-time appeals, membership relations and promotion, solicitation of grants, and the development and implementation of special events—with an emphasis on major and planned gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Created to ensure that the natural wealth of the wild and working lands of our region endures forever, SOLC’s mission is to protect and enhance precious lands in the Rogue River region to benefit our human and natural communities. We are an accredited land trust founded in 1978 and a nonprofit organization based in Ashland, Oregon with an engaged 12-member Board, a Trustee Council, five standing committees, and more than 1,000 members and volunteers supporting our conservation work. SOLC serves Josephine and Jackson Counties in southwestern Oregon, and our work impacts partners and stakeholders throughout the state. SOLC has seen rapid growth and recognition in recent years, and our efforts have resulted in 67 conserved properties and three fee-owned properties currently comprising a total of 11,760 acres.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Organization Management and Financial Responsibility

Develop and monitor the annual operating budget, special project budgets, and provide overall management of fiscal operations in cooperation with the Board Treasurer and the Finance Committee.

Ensure the preparation of cash flow projections.

Perform regular evaluation and reporting of budget results.

Assure that systems are in place for effective financial management, fundraising management, and conservation management.

Verify Board and staff compliance with internal policies and procedures, legal requirements, and financial standards.

Lead efforts to maintain accreditation with Land Trust Alliance.

Staff and Board Leadership

Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors, including preparation of materials for meetings, staffing Board committees, and assisting with special projects.

With the Leadership Committee, recruit, orient, train, motivate, evaluate, and recognize Board members and Trustees for their service.

Lead a team of conservation professionals and administrative personnel.

Recruit, train, motivate, and evaluate staff.

Ensure professional development opportunities for staff to increase their effectiveness and keep them informed of new developments in their respective fields.

Create a positive working environment.

Planning and Monitoring

Assist the Board in setting the organization’s strategic direction through development and implementation of a strategic plan, fundraising plan, outreach and communications plan, and conservation plan.

Work with staff and the Board to establish goals and strategies.

Coordinate staff to develop multi-year and annual work plans.

Monitor trends and organizational capabilities to ensure the strategic plan is current and accurate.

Monitor, track, and report progress toward plan benchmarks.

Fundraising and Resource Development

Cultivate and steward major donor prospects, including individuals, corporations, and private family foundations.

Maintain a portfolio of individual major gifts prospects and donors.

Support gift solicitations by Board and staff members.

Support the Board in the cultivation of major donors.

Provide staff support and direction to Board development committee.

With development director, research, locate, and apply for appropriate grants.

Oversee fundraising and annual campaigns.

Conservation and Land Protection

Ensure that the organization achieves its conservation mission in a highly strategic and focused manner.

Assist the conservation and stewardship team in efforts to build and nurture relationships with landowners, key stakeholders, and agency partners.

Oversee management of SOLC’s conservation easements and fee lands.

Ensure compliance with the standards and practices of the Land Trust Alliance.

Assist in the development of conservation plans that guide future work.

Community Outreach and Education

Oversee communication and outreach efforts.

Collaborate with development director and staff on the creation and production of communication materials, including newsletters, marketing materials, and news releases.

Establish and maintain strong, positive working relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

Represent SOLC on the Coalition of Oregon Land Trust board of directors.

Represent SOLC to a variety of audiences, including volunteers, members, government agencies and officials, community leaders, and other partners.

Communicate SOLC’s vision and exemplify its core values.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated successful organizational leadership experience.

Demonstrated commitment to conservation values.

Evidence of fundraising experience.

Understanding that the ED works flexibly, sometimes beyond the normal workday, including weekends, as necessary, during deadline periods.

POSITION PREFERENCES

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical and time-management skills.

Strong communication skills with an outgoing, friendly personality; ability to effectively communicate externally and internally.

Strong financial skills, including the ability to develop and manage budgets and present reports that present a clear financial picture of the organization.

Solid fundraising experience with proven success in the areas of individual giving, major donor cultivation, and planned giving. Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and expand a development program that generates at least $500,000 annually.

Experience with land trusts and conservation easements.

Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Experience with underrepresented populations.

Demonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit organization of comparable or larger size. Experience leading and motivating staff, boards, and volunteers.

Successful experience in grant research, writing, and administration.

Strong public presence—articulate, optimistic, and energetic—with the ability to motivate and inspire people at all levels. Demonstrated community outreach experience.

An advanced degree (or equivalent work experience) in non-profit management, business, law, natural-resource management, or related field. Familiarity with ecology and natural resources of the Pacific Northwest.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000 DOE, with benefits, including healthcare plan, a SIMPLE IRA with employer 3% match, travel reimbursement, training opportunities, paid-time off for holidays, sick leave, personal days, and vacation.

SOLC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment. Application by members of underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.

TO APPLY

The position is open until filled. The Search Committee will begin screening candidates July 6, 2020 and priority will be given to applications received by then.

Send completed application via electronic mail in PDF format to: jobapplicants@landconserve.org.

Please format the subject line as follows: [Last name] SOLC ED Application.

Your application should include the following:

Cover letter describing how you meet the position requirements and preferences

Résumé

Three references

Please visit our website at landconserve.org for more comprehensive look at our organization.