Job Announcement
Director of Public Programs and Education Sonoma Land Trust is looking for an experienced, creative person to fill the new position of Director of Public Programs and Education.
The Organization – Sonoma Land Trust
Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) is a well-established, successful nonprofit organization that protects the scenic, natural, agricultural and open landscapes of Sonoma County. Based in Santa Rosa, California, SLT has protected more than 25,000 acres since its founding in 1976. Landscapes where the Trust has had a big impact include the Sonoma Baylands along Highway 37, the Sonoma Coast where the organization recently acquired the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands and the Sonoma Valley. The Trust owns a number of “anchor preserves” throughout Sonoma County, including several historic ranches and places of great botanical and geologic interest. Thousands of acres of open space are protected with conservation easements held by SLT.
Sonoma Land Trust has a staff of 16 people, an 11-member Board of Directors, and numerous volunteers, and maintains close working partnerships with conservation organizations throughout the county and beyond. The Sonoma Land Trust is a spirited, tolerant and inclusive workplace and an equal opportunity employer.
The Opportunity
TheDirector of Public Programs and Education is a new position that will lead SLT’s efforts to connect people with the land and foster a sense of place and a land ethic within Sonoma County. The position is charged with (1) building new and expanded efforts to connect people with the land and, in particular, properties owned by SLT, (2) growing and developing SLT’s volunteer network and partner relationships, and (3) coordinating existing outreach activities, such as member hikes, public hikes, volunteer work parties and other activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
* Building a new program to celebrate, interpret, make more accessible
and put to greater use for recreation, research and education the anchor
preserves and other properties owned by SLT throughout Sonoma County.
* Strengthening, managing and supporting an extensive and motivated corps
of volunteers.
* Developing and maintaining productive, cooperative, mutually supportive
relationships with a wide network of public agencies and nonprofit partner
organizations throughout Sonoma County and beyond.
* Managing and continually improving systems for creating, scheduling,
promoting, supporting, executing and following up on activities that
connect people of all ages with Sonoma Land Trust protected lands — in
other words, getting people on the land.
* Leading outdoor activities, such as hikes, tours and volunteer work
projects.
* Serving as a key ambassador for the Sonoma Land Trust in identifying
and cultivating relationships with individual supporters.
Qualifications and Requirements
The ideal candidate will be an experienced naturalist and seasoned program manager with strong organizational, communication and leadership skills, and an
enthusiasm for connecting people with Sonoma County landscapes.
* Proven leadership skills that will help attract and motivate volunteers.
* Substantial experience managing educational or recreational programs designed to engage and build relationships with adults and/or youth for an environmental, educational or cultural organization.
* Effective writing and presentation skills.
* Proficiency with computer applications and office systems.
* Ability to work well with a diverse range of individuals, and to build
and maintain partnerships with a wide variety of organizations.
* A college degree, preferably in a field related to field science,
environmental education, natural resource management or land conservation.
* Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
* Driver’s license, insurance and access to a car that can be driven on
SLT business.
* Capacity for hiking and vigorous outdoor activities.
Compensation
This is a regular full-time position. Sonoma Land Trust offers competitive salaries and benefits. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Leyna Bernstein Consulting, a Bay Area consulting firm specializing in leadership change, is conducting this search on behalf of Sonoma Land Trust.
Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to leyna@leynabernstein.com.
Please include Sonoma Land Trust in the subject line.
The position will remain open until filled.