Kentucky Director of Protection

What We Can Achieve Together :

The Director of Protection coordinates and implements a comprehensive program to protect priority lands and waters using the full range of protection tools, including gifts, easements, purchases, conservation brokerage and cooperative projects with federal, state, and local governments, conservation organizations and other partners as appropriate. This position is responsible for implementing and achieving the Conservancy's internal conservation priorities by overseeing and representing the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with government agencies and other partners. They lead efforts to secure public and private funds for land protection, research land ownership information for priority tracts, conduct due diligence necessary for real estate transactions, and prepare documents for internal approvals. They respond to protection inquiries, screen potential protection projects, and work with other conservation staff on strategic planning for new project identification. They will work across Kentucky, with a heavy focus on the eastern part of the state, and they will work with other TNC business units as needed and assigned. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We're Looking for You

The Director of Protection is responsible for leading land protection work for Kentucky and cooperating with larger teams within the Appalachians Program and Southern U.S. Division to advance our land protection goals. This position will oversee all stages of protection (origination, preparation of project abstracts, internal approvals, financing, issue resolution, closing). The Director of Protection will work closely with the Kentucky Director of Conservation to ensure strategic alignment of priority projects and will represent the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with non-profit partners, government agencies and other key partners. This role will work closely and coordinate with a wide variety of Nature Conservancy staff, private individuals, public entities and corporations in support of land conservation goals.

This role is responsible for identifying and developing funding opportunities for land protection, including soliciting and monitoring government grant funding for land acquisition, market-based funding evaluations, private fundraising, and other creative approaches. The Director of Protection is an expert in protection techniques and resources and advises staff at partner agencies and organizations on the application of these tools for conservation advancement.

This position will maintain records related to land transactions, supervise staff as needed, and will periodically assist with speaking engagements, leading donor field trips, and other duties as assigned.

Establishing a protection culture of creativity, problem-solving and collaboration is a critical function of this role. Large land deals in this landscape require the ability to trouble shoot complex issues, including mineral interests, heir and surface ownership issues, active and abandoned coal permits, questions of legal and reputational risk and communicating the risks related to these complex issues to others within TNC and externally where appropriate.

What You'll Bring :

• BA / BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and 3 years of related work experience in conservation, real estate, fundraising or other related experience.
• Real estate experience (including title work, appraisals, surveys, documentation, and closing).
• Experience in managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government).
• Critical thinking and active approach to find innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Experience working with computers, including database management.
• Experience identifying and securing funding for land protection.
• Supervisory experience.

Desired Qualifications :

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program . Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned / leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information :

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $80,000 - $90,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are :

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

What We Bring :

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.