Executive Director

Steep Rock Association Inc is a non profit organization management company based out of P.O. Box 279, Washington Depot, Connecticut, United States.

Steep Rock is actively searching for an Executive Director to lead the organization in the next phase of its growth. The ideal candidate will have a natural passion for conserving land. In addition, he or she will have a commitment to promoting the biodiversity of the preserves through best management practices as laid out in the strategic plan. Excellent communication skills are a must, both in interacting with members, trustees, town/state officials and leaders of other land trusts, and importantly, in building strong relationships with the wide and diverse member base that is the life blood of the organization. The ability to manage a number of projects at once is also critical. To the extent that any candidate fulfills most but not all of the above criteria, Steep Rock is willing to work with an individual who demonstrates an ability and willingness to round out their skill set as necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to manage all aspects of a healthy and vibrant conservation organization with the support of an experienced staff, active and sophisticated volunteers, and state and local officials. Pay will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. **Major Responsibilities** * Implementing the strategic plan adopted by the Land Trust in 2015. * Communicating the distinctive values and vision of the organization to the community and public officials and integrating these values into all the activities of the Land Trust. * Managing the staff and motivating and supervising the activities of the Board of Trustees, committees, volunteers and others in pursuit of the goals of the organization. * Cultivating donors to fund the operational and capital needs of the organization, for contributions of land and easements to the Land Trust and for grants from foundations and other financial resources. * In coordination with appropriate Trustee committees, developing and tracking budgets, investments and expenditures. **Duties** **Land Management Duties:** * In conjunction with the Land Manager and Stewardship Committees, maintain, update and revise the Stewardship annual management plans. * Oversee execution of all projects contained within the annual and strategic plans. * Oversee performance of all scheduled maintenance. * Ensure compliance with provisions of various government and NGO grants * Maintain first-hand familiarity with Steep Rock land holdings and easements to ensure that projects and maintenance are appropriate and successfully implemented. * Ensure that easement monitoring and all other stewardship activities conform to LTA approved practices. * Property Acquisition and Management Duties: * Work with the Preservation Committee and its chair on the evaluation of land proposed for ownership or for easements. * Become familiar with and revise our Strategic Land Conservation Plan. * Work with the Preservation Committee and landowners to negotiate terms of donations and amendments to easements. * Work with Master Gardener on community garden. **Fundraising Duties:** * Develop fundraising plans and funding sources. * Coordinate and supervise board and advisory fundraising activities and efforts. * Create timelines for logistics and planning issues for all events and activities. * Write grants for acquisition, maintenance, and operational funding. * Attend meetings of community organizations. * Solicit donors **Administrative Duties:** * Maintain principal office and manage staff including stewardship personnel and office manager. * Manage all phases of land conservation planning and transactional work, including staff and consultant management, schedule and budget management. * Promote SR and its mission through presentations, publications, personal contacts, and other outreach activities. * Meetings & Events, many of which are held on Saturdays (with compensating flex time). * Coordinate and attend board and committee meetings. * Coordinate and oversee events such as the annual picnic, donor dinners and cocktail parties. * Assist board with fundraising activities and recruitment of volunteers and * Participate in a variety of education programs * Coordinate with the Treasurer to create annual budget and keep all accounts current. * Coordinate with Steep Rock’s accounting firm and Audit Committee with respect to annual financial statements and IRS filings. * Keep an active and engaged Board informed on relevant/appropriate issues. * Oversee the maintenance of databases and lists of trustees, members, donors, volunteers, properties, management schedules. * Prepare The Steep Rock VISTA, a semi-annual newsletter of the Land Trust.

* Demonstrated interest in land conservation. * Experience in natural resources management, community relations, business management and/or land use planning management. * Strong organizational and administrative skills. * Fund raising capabilities and experience with donations and easements. * Staff management, supervision, and team-building capabilities, including team adherence to goals, schedule, and budget. * Positive and professional communication style. * Strong and proven skills in community relations, collaboration and consensus building. * Skill and comfort in making presentations to, or participating constructively in, groups of varying size, backgrounds and opinions. * Flexibility and strong diplomacy and communication skills.