Land Protection Director - Land Conservancy of West Michigan

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM), an accredited land trust dedicated to the permanent conservation of West Michigan's beautiful landscapes, is seeking a Land Protection Director.

We are located in Grand Rapids, a growing and vibrant mid-sized city, surrounded by the natural splendor of the Lake Michigan coast and interior woodlands. The mission of the LCWM is to help people protect, enjoy, and care for natural land in West Michigan. A non-profit organization, the LCWM is dedicated to the permanent conservation of natural areas in West Michigan in an eight-county region (Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Newaygo, Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, and Lake). Since its inception over 45 years ago, the Land Conservancy has protected more than 12,000 acres through nature preserves, conservation easements, and partnering with local communities. We are dedicated to effective land stewardship, focusing on restoring ecological integrity, diversity, and health to the land. Learn more about our projects, preserves, and Strategic Conservation Plan at: www.naturenearby.org

The Opportunity

As Land Protection Director you have a central role in executing our proactive, climate-responsive Strategic Conservation Plan. Through a process combining science, advanced mapping, and extensive community input, we have identified three primary areas in our region that we are laser-focused on conserving: Lake Michigan Shoreline, Big Forests and Wild Rivers, and the Eastern Glacial Corridor.

From inception to completion, you will lead and manage the acquisition of fee properties and conservation easements, including assisting local government or other conservation groups in their efforts to acquire natural land. In partnership with the with Land Conservancy staff and committees, you will identify and prioritize lands and partners in alignment with strategic plans, and present recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Reporting to the Conservation Director, you are responsible for leading and engaging the Land Protection and Conservation Easement Specialists. You will also direct the work of administrative professionals, contractors and legal consultants.  

LCWM is growing and this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference for future generations as we work to preserve natural space.

Key Objectives:

Land Protection Planning

• Engage in organization strategic planning processes and collaborate with others to set land protection goals.
• Proactively identify strategic land protection projects in partnership with team.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with relevant land protection community and government organizations.
• As part of a cross-functional team write, secure, and manage grants to support land or easement acquisitions and land protection operations.

Land Protection Project Development and Management

• Ensure compliance of the land protection program with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices, Land Trust Accreditation Commission requirements, and IRC 501(c)3 and 170(h) requirements to secure and maintain accreditation and non-profit status of the Land Conservancy.
• Keep current on land protection issues and trends, including state and federal policy, real estate, tax, and conservation defense issues.
• Develop, manage, and ensure successful completion of land protection projects with private landowners, governmental agencies, partners, and organizations.
• Lead the Project Review Committees and act as liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Consult with attorneys for legal review and oversight of all land protection projects.

Conservation Easement Stewardship

• Secure support from landowners for the Conservation Easement Stewardship Fund and other project related funds.

• Oversee the work of the Conservation Easement Stewardship Specialist on conservation easement violations, enforcement and associated documentation.
• Work with the Conservation Easement Stewardship Specialist to interpret easement restrictions and permitted uses and approvals.  Ensures adherence to existing organizational policies and LTA standards and practices. Drives process improvements, as needed.
• Responsible for managing conservation easement amendments.

Policy and Legislative Outreach

• Monitor and analyze proposed policy or legislation affecting the organization’s mission.

• Coordinating with the Executive Director, serve as the organization’s representative for outreach to legislators and policymakers.

What We Need From You

Qualified persons will be intelligent and effective communicators, planners and organizers, must demonstrate mature judgment, and be knowledgeable and experienced with the acquisition of land. The successful candidate will also demonstrate knowledge and experience in working with conservation easement amendments, protection and enforcement.  

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced training or degree in natural resource policy, environmental or real estate law, real estate, or related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in natural land protection or land acquisition work. Understanding of land trusts and their conservation mission strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written and oral presentation skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and/or Office 365
• Demonstrated knowledge of real estate transactions including but not limited to, appraisals, title work, environmental due diligence reports, surveys, maps, aerial photos, zoning, tax, and policy issues.
• Demonstrated comfort with and ability to supervise staff.
• Strong track record of collaboration and partnership with varying stakeholders to develop successful conservation projects.
• Solid work ethic, able to take initiative and work effectively alone or in groups.
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage time and competing priorities.
• Flexible and adaptive approach to work and hours, including weekends, and attendance at a variety of meetings and functions.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Responsive to supervision, eager to learn, and committed to development on the job.
• Strong interpersonal skills, friendly and considerate, effective at collaboration and working with a team.
• Enthusiasm for the Land Conservancy’s mission.

EEO/Diversity

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

EEO Statement

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan does not discriminate in its employment practices. All employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, discipline, training, and any other opportunities, will be made on the basis of individual abilities and qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, height, weight, handicap, genetic information, gender orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected category.

***Interested candidates will submit a job-specific cover letter and detailed resume as part of the application process. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.***

LCWM is committed to competitive compensation and benefits for our staff. The salary range for this position is $62,000 to $70,000. The actual salary offered will be commensurate with experience of the candidate.

LCWM offers a hybrid onsite/virtual work to best meet organizational and individual needs. In addition to medical, 401(K), paid holidays and vacation, we have an education reimbursement program.

Learn more about all that West Michigan has to offer at: https://hellowestmichigan.com/why-westmichigan/