President and Chief Executive Officer
Position Summary
The President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") is a strong leader and advocate, overseeing all internal operations of Lowcountry Land Trust (“the Land Trust”) as well as actively interfacing with the Board of Trustees ("Board"), wide-ranging community stakeholders, including landowners. This executive is passionate about the Land Trust’s mission and legacy, committed to long-standing standards of excellence, supportive of its culture, and strategic about future direction and growth. As a leading voice in conservation, the CEO is responsible for the pursuit and execution of strategic goals consistent with the Land Trust’s vision and mission, including its primary objectives in land protection and stewardship of its land interests, as well as community-centered conservation, public policy, community relations, fundraising and effective communications. The CEO, along with the Board, is committed to and actively in pursuit of the achievement of financial and programmatic objectives that meet the current and future funding needs of the Land Trust. The CEO ensures that the Land Trust’s conservation, fiscal, operational, fundraising, marketing, human resources, technological, and programmatic strategies are consistently and effectively implemented throughout the organization. This position reports to the Land Trust Board for all matters pertaining to the duties of the President and Chief Executive Officer, as described below.
The new President and CEO will be stepping into a highly functioning organization and will be supported by a stable and accomplished staff of 18. The staff has expertise in all aspects of the organization. Through its history, the Land Trust has protected over 160,000 acres in over 500 easements, establishing itself as a leading land trust in the SC and nationwide. The Land Trust is engaged in a variety of high visibility projects including the development of the land surrounding the iconic Angel Oak and completing its Center for Conservation, which will serve as a focal point for conservation activities in the region.
Essential Functions
As the leader of Lowcountry Land Trust, the President and Chief Executive Officer retains the authority, responsibility, and accountability for the following:
Leadership and Program Management
- Develop and articulate the Strategic Plan in conjunction with the Board and reflecting the Board’s, priorities with a focused pursuit of land conservation;
- Manage effective operations consistent with the strategic direction; and inform the Board in a timely manner of the progress, achievement of, or material deviations from the strategic goals as outlined in the Strategic Plan;
- Complete the “It Can’t Wait Campaign” and all associated public launches;
- Oversee the completion of the Lowcountry Center for Conservation and leverage it for optimal support and utility, including programming and other strategic advancement opportunities;
- Oversee the completion of the Angel Oak Preserve and develop a long-term strategy for the property with direction from the Board;
- Manage the senior leadership of the staff, ensuring that the Strategic Plan, major initiatives and departmental work plans are executed throughout the year;
- Oversee the development and engagement of various councils and committees of the Land Trust, adjusting as needed;
- Inform the Board, in a timely manner, of all relevant Land Trust activities and information necessary for each Board member to perform his/her duties;
- Provide leadership in local and statewide efforts to organize, innovate, strategize, and advocate for land protection on a larger scale;
- Oversee the direction and performance of the Land Trust's main program area, land protection; and, along with the Board, identify high value conservation opportunities and ensure diligent pursuit of these identified properties;
- Ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance Accreditation requirements;
- Accountable for the development and implementation of the annual budget as approved by the Board;
- Identify and participate in regular professional development opportunities beneficial to the growth and advancement of the organization; and
- Employ best practices and maintain the highest ethical standards.
Relationships and Communications
- Oversee comprehensive fundraising, marketing, branding and development, and partnership strategies that align with the Strategic Plan and increase revenue from major donors, foundations, government agencies, and corporations;
- Identify, cultivate, and nurture relationships and connections that result in major gifts and external professional relationships in order to achieve the Land Trust’s mission and further the success of the organization;
- Maintain and expand a portfolio of top-level donors, to include donor relations and stewardship;
- Respond to community engagement and partnership opportunities as they arise; and
- Elevate and amplify the Land Trust as a thought leader through regular media exposure and multiple communications platforms.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education
- Ten (10) years of progressive career experience in a conservation or related field
- Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a dedicated and competent staff; experience leading people with differing skills, scopes of work, and capabilities
- Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex responsibilities and develop and inspire team members to meet and exceed expectations
- Significant experience in developing, launching and leading effective strategic plans
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, necessary to interact with the Board, staff, conservation partners, landowners, environmental advocates and policy leaders, and governmental officials
- In-depth understanding of budgets and financial reports
- Residence in or relocate to Lowcountry with local travel required
Preferred:
- Advanced degree or relevant professional certification
- Executive level achievement in the fields of conservation, environmental education, fundraising, advocacy, policy, law, and/or related fields
- Experience in real estate transactions
- Proven experience leading successful board development, fundraising, marketing/branding, and fiscal management
- Demonstrated success in fundraising activities (or other means of maintaining financial stability) and portfolio management
- Experience in capital campaigns, which includes goal setting, planning and implementing strategies, identifying new donors, and soliciting gifts
BENEFITS
Salary Range:
$125,000 to $180,000 (with potential for bonuses) commensurate with experience
Insurance:
- Health Insurance - 95% Employer Paid for Employee
- Dental Insurance – 100% Employer Paid for Employee
- Basic Life Insurance with AD&D ($25,000) – 100% Employer Paid for
- Employee Long Term Disability - 100% Employer Paid for Employee
- Short Term Disability - 100% Employer Paid for Employee
- Optional benefits available – Paid by Employee:
- Health FSA & Dependent Care FSA
- Accident Insurance
- Critical Illness Coverage
- Vision Care
- Voluntary Life Insurance
Financial & Retirement:
- 403(b) - Immediate eligibility
- Up to 6% match toward retirement account after 6 months of employment
Family & Parenting:
- Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave
Paid Time Off:
- Self-managed PTO
- 1 Paid Holidays
Perks:
- Partial Mobile Phone Reimbursement
- Health & Wellness Positive Environment
HOW TO APPLY
Submit resume and cover letter to:
Lowcountry Land Trust Search Committee
c/o Sarah Evans Sprinkle
sarah@ssphilanthropy.com
(864) 314-9772