The Land Protection Manager leads key strategies towards making TNC in MA’s greatest contribution to the organization’s 2030 goals of tackling climate change and conserving healthy lands and waters. The role serves as the Chapter’s land protection expert and collaborates with conservation staff. They represent the Conservancy on multi-disciplinary/multi-partner project teams and collaborates and builds partnerships with federal and state agencies, towns, regional and local land trusts, as well as private landowners. They work on regional projects and with programs throughout the Conservancy. They employ a full range of protection tools to acquire and/or convey varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC initiatives for freshwater, coastal and terrestrial habitat protection and management, as well as climate mitigation and adaptation. They provide technical and project management expertise in complying with legal requirements and internal policies for TNC real estate interests (including fee-owned properties, conservation easements, and partner Assists). The Land Protection Manager works closely with TNC legal and stewardship staff and other colleagues at many levels in multiple functions and departments to coordinate resolutions of legal issues on fee-owned lands and easement violations. They maintain positive relationships with local donors, supporters, community groups and partner agencies. They will advance equity in conservation in relationships and projects.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in being a part of a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by working in a strategic role that works closely with colleagues and partners to create lasting change. Specific responsibilities include:

Build strategy, manage and implement key land protection strategies for greatest impact to TNC in MA’s 2030 protected land and freshwater acre goals in collaboration with MA Director of Rivers & Lands, MA Chapter staff, and cross state TNC staff on regional initiatives.
Manage all aspects of real estate transactions: screen potential projects; communicate with property owners; conduct property inspections; negotiate, track and record project progress; contract for due diligence; prepare and present project packages and updates to project committee; collaborate with TNC Legal, Finance, Development, and Stewardship Programs, and obtain TNC corporate project approvals.
Collaborate with local, state and federal government and partners on various conservation projects that advance and leverage TNC priorities.
Provide real estate and project management assistance to conservation program staff working toward the achievement of program goals.
Assist relevant communities to implement land acquisition as a Nature Based Solution, through planning and technical assistance, to help address climate resilience and emergency management planning.
Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets. .
Partner with Development staff to fundraise for projects: cultivate corporate, foundation and individual prospects, and solicit public funding for projects through grants.
May manage interns or staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You'll Bring

BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with real estate and land acquisition and ability to structure and negotiate complex deals and agreements.
Experience building relationships and communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Project management experience.
Experience staying organized and driven while working independently.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Must have valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly within Massachusetts and regionally, as needed.
Comfort working in variable weather conditions and at remote locations as necessary.