Landscape Conservation Program Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Connecticut, +12 more states.

📋 Description

• Develop and continuously enhance ATC's strategy for landscape conservation and its long-term vision.

• Ensure alignment of staff, work plans, partnerships, and investments with the organization's priorities.

• Represent ATC's landscape conservation vision to leadership, the Board, partners, agencies, and funders.

• Strengthen organizational capacity and secure sustainable funding.

• Lead ATC's involvement in landscape-scale, regional, and place-based partnerships.

• Foster alignment among partners around common priorities and collaborative initiatives.

• Provide strategic direction for the A.T. Communities Program.

• Build partnerships that enhance ATC's position as a reliable convener and catalyst for meaningful impact.

• Oversee the strategic allocation of the Wild East Action Fund and related conservation investments.

• Direct the prioritization of high-value conservation opportunities through the use of science, GIS, and partner insights.

• Advocate for practical decision-support tools.

• Propel innovation via research partnerships.

• Supervise staff and set outcome-oriented performance metrics.

• Track performance and adjust strategies based on data and partner feedback.

• Communicate achievements to leadership, funders, and the Board.

• Report directly to the Vice President of Conservation and Government Relations.

• Travel periodically throughout ATC's 14-state service area and beyond for meetings, workshops, community events, and conferences.

• Assist in meetings, events, and partner engagement activities during occasional evenings and weekends.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, public administration, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 5–7 years of experience in managing collaborative conservation, land protection, or landscape-scale conservation initiatives.

• At least three (3) years of experience in leading staff, teams, programs, or significant cross-functional initiatives.

• Proven ability to establish priorities, enhance organizational capacity, and drive accountability for results.

• Understanding of landscape-scale conservation principles, land protection strategies, partnership development, and collaborative conservation methods.

• Capability to work effectively with public, private, nonprofit, and community stakeholders.

• Ability to provide strategic leadership across complex, multi-partner initiatives by influencing without direct authority.

• Skill in navigating competing interests, establishing shared priorities, and aligning diverse organizations and stakeholders to achieve measurable conservation outcomes.

• Experience in managing and developing grants, funding agreements, or conservation incentive programs, including tracking deliverables and compliance requirements.

• Strong leadership presence.

• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and facilitation skills.

• Ability to convey complex information, influence decision-making, and effectively represent the organization.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and database systems.

• Ability to leverage data, technology, and performance metrics for program management and organizational decision-making.

• Experience in grant writing, grant administration, regranting programs, grant reporting, and conservation finance.

• Knowledge of public and private conservation funding sources, including federal, state, philanthropic, and foundation grants.

• Experience collaborating with large-scale conservation partnerships, land trusts, government agencies, and regional conservation coalitions.

• Experience engaging with rural communities and municipalities, particularly in the Appalachian region.

• Proficiency with ESRI GIS applications and related data management and communication tools.

• Familiarity with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its cooperative management framework.

• Must reside in one of the 14 Trail states.

• Must maintain a home office equipped with reliable internet access.

• Ability to communicate effectively via virtual platforms, email, telephone, and in-person meetings.

• Capable of prolonged periods of computer and telephone use.

• Willingness to travel periodically throughout ATC's 14-state service area and beyond, approximately 10–15% of the time.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options available.

• Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance coverage.

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a match of up to 7% after one year of service.

• Ability to maintain a home office with reliable internet connectivity.

• Access to an ATC office may be available based on location and office capacity.

• Emphasis on collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with employees and volunteers.

• An inclusive organization dedicated to diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.