Executive Director

Working in the Upper Delaware River region of Pennsylvania and New York, the accredited Delaware Highlands Conservancy protects working farms and forests, clean waters, and wildlife habitat for present and future generations. Established in 1994, the Conservancy has grown to a nine-member professional staff with an annual operating budget of $1 million and has helped protect more than 19,000 acres in Pike and Wayne Counties, Pennsylvania and Sullivan and Delaware Counties, New York. The Conservancy operates the 144-acre Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania, which also serves as its headquarters and the site of extensive educational programming demonstrating sustainable land management practices and informed environmental stewardship.

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and reports directly to its Board of Directors. The Executive Director works closely with this active volunteer Board, provides support and supervision of staff, and fosters and maintains strong partnerships in the field and within the region. The Executive Director is responsible for all operations and programs of the Conservancy, with particular focus on land conservation initiatives, including conservation easements and long-term stewardship of protected lands, membership development and fundraising for operations and special projects, educational program development and implementation, and fiscal probity. The position requires maintaining the Conservancy’s accreditation by the upholding of the standards of the Land Trust Alliance in all aspects of the running of the organization including administration and financial management; hiring and supervision of staff; recruitment and assignment of volunteers; and community outreach and public relations.

Qualifications: Five years’ non-profit leadership experience in the conservation field. BA/BS in a related field; graduate degree or postgraduate training related to land conservation/ecology, fundraising, community planning, real estate, or nonprofit management a plus.

• Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of land conservation practices, protection of open space, and commitment to providing quality service.
• Exemplary relationship building and partnership skills: ability to effectively work with diverse groups including landowners, community members, business and civic leaders, federal, county, state, and municipal officials, volunteers, peer conservation organizations, and foundation and private donors.
• Experience leading, mentoring, motivating, and directing a team of specialized, dedicated, educated professionals.
• Proven success in effective communications and fund development, including donor relations, operating, capital and endowment fundraising, high-profile donor recruitment and overall revenue generation.
• Strategic planning and implementation track record that demonstrates creativity, flexibility, and inspiration.
• Strong business management skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, QuickBooks, donor and data management systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for frequent travel.
• A willingness to reside in the region we serve.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions made with respect to hiring are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or disability. Decisions are made solely upon the basis of qualifications as related to the requirements of the position.

For more information, please visit www.DelawareHighlands.org.