The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) seeks a full-time Project Director to lead its Hemlock to High Tor Initiative–an ambitious effort to create a corridor of conserved lands connecting the western Finger Lakes, extending from Hemlock Lake to Canandaigua Lake in Ontario County. The Project Director will be based at a location in the western Finger Lakes to be determined, including the possibility of a home office in this area.

The Hemlock to High Tor Initiative is focused on conserving one of the largest areas of intact forest remaining in the Finger Lakes region, while also prioritizing those lands that are of particular significance for water quality. Resources located within this focus area include the only two Finger Lakes with undeveloped shoreline; thousands of acres of existing public conservation land; and a variety of recreational resources including a branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.

The Project Director reports to the President and will lead a multi-disciplinary team of staff and volunteers to advance the Initiative. The Project Director will work closely with the FLLT’s Director of Conservation and Director of Development & Communications to achieve program and funding goals associated with the project.

As with other FLLT projects, the Initiative will be based on a collaborative approach to conservation and will involve focused outreach to landowners and local community leaders. An initial goal of the Initiative will be to develop a long-term conservation plan based on input from key stakeholders and a systematic assessment of this landscape. Implementation will involve the acquisition and stewardship of conservation land; the use of conservation easements on land that will remain in private ownership; and the implementation of watershed and wildlife habitat improvement projects.

Responsibilities

The Project Director is responsible for serving as the FLLT point person for this project and has primary responsibility for engaging landowners, public officials, and other stakeholders. They will build support for the project through public presentations, one-on-one meetings, and other means. The Project Director will identify conservation opportunities and then will work with other FLLT staff to implement conservation strategies. The Project Director will collaborate with the President and the Director of Development & Communications to ensure ongoing funding for the Initiative.

Responsibilities include:

• Project Development and Management: Work in close coordination with FLLT leadership and program staff, leading the development of a strategic conservation plan for the FLLT’s land and water conservation efforts within the Hemlock to High Tor focus area. Coordinate day-to-day implementation of Initiative.
• Outreach: Represent the FLLT through public presentations, and meetings with landowners, public officials, funders, and other stakeholders; develop broad-based support for the Initiative and the FLLT.
• Land Protection Projects: Initiate land protection projects through outreach to landowners and then coordinate implementation by the FLLT Land Conservation Specialist while assisting with the completion of the project as needed.
• Water Quality Mitigation Projects: Identify prospective water quality mitigation projects through outreach to landowners and partner organizations. Coordinate implementation of feasible projects by FLLT and partner organizations.
• Educational Programs: Coordinate occasional educational workshops for landowners and the public that are designed to provide technical assistance on topics such as water quality, invasive species, and land management options.
• Fundraising: Prepare grant proposals and reports with support from FLLT development staff. Cultivate relationships with new and existing donors through guidance from the President and Director of Development & Communications. Attend fundraising events when needed.
• Other Activities: Assist with other programmatic, development, and outreach activities within the western Finger Lakes region as needed on an occasional basis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, a related field, OR a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and demonstrated experience in land or water conservation.
• A minimum of four (4) years experience working in natural resource management, land and water conservation, land use planning, or a related field. Experience with non-profit organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated success in project management; demonstrated budget and grant management preferred.
• Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Ability to work effectively both independently without close supervision and as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to manage complex projects and maintain accurate records with great attention to detail.
• Possess and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license and be available for frequent travel around the region. Mileage reimbursement is provided.
• Proven record cultivating and maintaining relationships with diverse partners.
• A strong commitment to conservation.

Compensation

Competitive salary and benefits package ranging from $65,000 to $75,000, commensurate with experience. The FLLT offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical and retirement benefits.

Contact

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to:

Kait Marrin, Executive Coordinator
Finger Lakes Land Trust
202 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850

or by e-mail to kaitmarrin@fllt.org

This position is open until filled.

The mission of the Finger Lakes Land Trust is to conserve forever the lands and waters of the Finger Lakes Region, ensuring scenic vistas, local foods, clean water, and wild places for everyone.

To date, the organization has collaborated with landowners and local communities to protect more than 34,000 acres of the region’s undeveloped shoreline, rugged gorges, majestic forest, and scenic farmland. The work of the FLLT is carried out by 20 staff and an extensive network of volunteers.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.