Director of Land Protection

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Director of Land Protection can work from TNC’s office in Harrisburg, PA, or remotely within central or eastern Pennsylvania.

The Director of Land Protection will lead a team of land protection professionals and is responsible for the overall planning, coordination and implementation of a comprehensive program to protect natural areas in Pennsylvania and Delaware in support of TNC’s conservation strategies. They use the full range of protection tools, including gift, easement, purchase, lease registry, conservation brokerage and cooperative projects with federal, state, and local government, conservation organizations and other partners as appropriate.

The Director of Land Protection 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 advisory committees. They work closely and coordinate with a wide variety of Nature Conservancy staff, private individuals, public entities and corporations in support of conservation goals. They solicit and monitor government funding for land acquisition, assist with speaking engagements, lead donor field trips, and assist in private fund raising as necessary. The Director is an expert in protection techniques and resources and advises the land protection staff and government partners on the application of these tools for conservation advancement. They solicit and manage grants, engage key partners, and support the capacity of our land trust partners through financial and technical assistance.

We’re Looking for You:

By joining our Pennsylvania and Delaware team, you will become part of a dedicated group of conservation leaders who bring bold strategy and on-the-ground action together to achieve lasting results. Pennsylvania contains some of the most significant landscapes in the eastern United States, playing a critical role in the integrity and connectivity of the entire Appalachian Mountain chain. As Director of Land Protection, you will lead a high-performing team advancing priority conservation projects that protect resilient lands and secure more than 200 miles of critical climate corridors, the interconnected natural pathways that enable wildlife and plant species to move, adapt, and thrive in the face of a changing climate. Your work will safeguard some of the region's most important lands and waters for generations to come.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and at least 5 years’ experience in land conservation, real estate, law, business or related field.
• Experience working with a wide range of people, such as landowners, corporate executives and government officials.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience in developing and managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Experience working with computers, including database management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and evaluating projects.

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. 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 $103,445 - $113,900 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.