Applications accepted through Idealist.org.

Great Works Regional Land Trust (GWRLT) seeks an Executive Director (ED) with a passion for the organization’s mission as well as demonstrated leadership skills, particularly in the areas of fundraising and development, financial management, and community relations.  GWRLT is engaged in a transition from its long, accomplished history of Board leadership to a future led by professional staff in all areas. The ideal candidate will be excited about playing a key part in this transition.

 GWRLT is a member-supported nonprofit that protects forests, farms, and water quality in six towns in southern Maine (Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, North Berwick, Wells, Ogunquit). Since 1986, our grassroots organization has worked to conserve over 7,000 acres of significant land, offering over 18 preserves with 30 miles of trails for vigorous hikes or gentle strolls. Our mission is to conserve the value of the area’s natural, historic, agricultural, forestry, scenic, and recreational resources. We pursue this mission by holding property and conservation easements where these values are present; managing and monitoring the lands we hold for protection; and promoting the importance of conservation through education and outreach. 

The ED will oversee a small but experienced and capable staff to provide collaborative leadership of all programs and activities. The ED will work closely with both the Board of Directors and staff to set strategy in order to accomplish the goals of the Trust. The ED is  chair of the Development Committee and will lead GWRLT’s fundraising activities. They are the face of the organization in our six communities and in several essential regional coalitions, representing the Trust at relevant meetings and events. The ED is a creative, flexible member of the staff team and the ideal candidate will demonstrate a collaborative leadership and management style. 

Priority Areas of Responsibility

Lead fundraising and development to secure the financial resources necessary to fulfill the Trust’s mission.

• Develop, implement, and monitor a creative, comprehensive fundraising and development plan. 
• Lead Development Committee review of fundraising plan and secure Board participation in key activities, together driving revenue to match the agreed upon operating and project budgets.
• Collaborate with staff to develop materials necessary to execute all development activities.
• Solicit major gifts individually and as part of a team.

Maintain an engaged, active, productive Board of Directors in collaboration with the Board President and Executive Committee.

• Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board. Attend monthly Board Meetings and key Board/Staff Committee meetings.
• Serve as liaison between Board and staff, leading the Board’s contribution to resolution of any concerns or challenges.
• Collaborate with the Board in creating and fulfilling the strategic plan and align staff work plans to achieve strategic goals. 
• Engage with the President and Board to identify and recruit Board candidates with the skills, attributes, and expertise needed to achieve the vision of the organization.

Create and maintain a presence in the six communities served by the Trust as well as numerous regional coalitions, becoming the face of GWRLT.

• Attend events and gatherings of GWRLT members, land owners, and stakeholders and assure representation at public events that spread knowledge of the Trust’s mission.
• Represent, and make decisions on behalf of, the Trust in regional coalitions such as the Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative and Branch Brook Community Conservation Coalition. 
• Represent the Trust (or delegate representation) as needed in key community meetings such as town councils and conservation committees when items relevant to the Trust are on the agenda.

Collaborate with Board Treasurer, staff, and contract bookkeeper to assure fluid, accurate financial management of the Trust’s resources.

• Lead development of the annual GWRLT operating budget, including soliciting input from all staff and Committees.
• With the Board Treasurer, prepare monthly financial reports for the Board meeting and present on the financial status of the organization, highlighting concerns that require Board action.
• Participate in meetings of the Finance Committee.
• Manage operating and project expenditures within budget and adjust financial processes as needed to assure accurate, clear tracking and reporting.

Maintain an inspired, productive team of staff, working collaboratively to advance all aspects of the Trust’s work.

• Support development of work plans and goals and conduct annual performance and compensation review process.
• Conduct collaborative hiring process to fill vacant positions and onboard new staff. 
• Address performance issues as needed with support from the Board.
• Review and approve bi-weekly timesheets and maintain accurate records of paid time off based on Personnel Policy.

Perform general administrative duties as demanded by the day-to-day operation of the organization.

 

Qualifications

The Trust seeks an individual who is committed to land conservation and energized by advocating for the value of conservation by engaging with funders, supporters, stakeholders, and the general public. While experience with land trusts will be beneficial, a variety of backgrounds could demonstrate the necessary leadership skills to perform successfully in the role. Prior experience in a nonprofit environment is highly advantageous. 

While no one candidate will possess every quality outlined for this position, a successful candidate will bring many of these professional experiences and personal attributes:

• Bachelors degree
• Five years demonstrated experience in a leadership role
• Experience directly related to fundraising and community engagement
• Exposure to all of the responsibilities listed above 
• A collaborative orientation to work with teams and leadership 
• A can-do attitude that motivates Board and staff by modeling the organization’s values
• Ability to solve problems and weigh difficult trade-offs in personnel, finance, stakeholder relations, and program arenas
• Experience with and orientation toward relationship building and networking
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in all forms and media
• A flexible schedule, as there are regular monthly evening meetings and occasional weekend events

The Executive Director reports to the Board President or a Board member designated by the President. The position is based at GWRLT’s Beach Plum Farm office in Ogunquit. Regular presence in the office is expected, but some work can be done remotely. Work schedule is flexible and includes attending meetings and events on some nights and weekends.

Compensation range: $75,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience; benefits include paid time off, holidays, sick time and a health care stipend. 

 

Applications will be reviewed as received, and interviews expedited with the most promising candidates, with the goal of a spring 2023 start date.

Great Works Regional Land Trust (GWRLT) understands that protecting and caring for lands requires intentional commitment to inclusive practices within the conservation movement. GWRLT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Disabilities will be considered only as they may relate to the candidate’s ability to fulfill job requirements.