Title:Conservation Initiatives Manager, Southeast
Department:Land Program
Location:Coastal South Carolina, remote or hybrid
FLSA:Exempt
ReportsTo:Senior Vice President of Land, Southeast
DirectReports: n/a
The Open Space Institute (OSI) is a national leader in land protection and creating connections to nature and the outdoors for all people. Over the past five decades, OSI has protected more than 2.4 million at-risk, irreplaceable acres of forests, wetlands, and shorelines across the North American Eastern Seaboard. Expanding in both scope and size, OSI employs entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and expertise to protect the land that matters most – to preserve clean drinking water; improve the public’s access to parks, public trails, and greenways; save at-risk wildlife habitat; strengthen communities; and to combat climate change and mitigate its effects. OSI has an operating budget of $45 million, of which $32 million is derived through philanthropy, and is engaged in several multi-year campaigns and initiatives to support its mission.
PositionOverview
The SE Conservation Initiatives Manager will lead OSI’s Southeast office across three interconnected program areas:
1. Oversee, coordinate, and advance strategic regional land conservation, which includes managing public conservation funding initiatives and developing large-scale conservation plans.
2. Initiate and support individual land acquisition and protection projects.
3. Drive outreach efforts among all conservation stakeholders, including landowners, existing and potential supporters, foundation, and corporate partners.
The work of the Conservation Initiatives Manager will be overseen by OSI’s Senior Vice President of Land Southeast.
JobResponsibilities
- Lead and coordinate all phases of regional and local land protection initiatives including outreach strategies, landowner contact, project evaluation, strategic land protection planning. stakeholder engagement, communications and consultant coordination.
- Build and maintain relationships with partner agencies, organizations, local leaders and communities, landowners and supporters, foundation and corporate partners;
- Assist with community education and outreach pertaining to OSI’s wholistic conservation approach;
- Serve as OSI’s representative on task force groups, steering and planning committees and regional planning initiatives;
- Serve as the liaison, facilitator and coordinator between landowners and OSI to advance land protection projects;
- Coordinate with OSI’s Land, Parks, External Affairs, Communications, and Development staff in all aspects of the work;
- Assist OSI External Affairs staff with donor identification and solicitation including communications materials:
- Identify and approach possible funding partners;
- Coordinate research, priorities, and communication strategies;
- Develop relationships with key decision makers and stakeholders;
- Present proposals to new and established funding partners and stakeholders;
- Create, organize and attend opportunities/events to advance OSI’s profile in the southeast.
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.
Please note: If you do not wholly meet the above qualifications but believe you are otherwise well-suited to meet the needs of this position, we encourage you to apply.
Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Conservation, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in land conservation, environmental planning, or a related field.
- Proven track record in managing land acquisition and protection projects
- Deep understanding of land conservation techniques and strategies.
- Familiarity with public conservation funding sources and processes.
- Knowledge of regional conservation issues and priorities in the Southeast United States.
- Proficiency in using geographic information systems (GIS) for land conservation planning.
- Competence in using project management software and tools.
- Ability to travel as needed for site visits, meetings, and outreach activities. OSI’s regional office is located in Charleson, SC.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Commitment to OSI’s mission and values in land protection and conservation.
Location & Physical Requirements
- The position is required to be in close proximity to coastal South Carolina.
- Some evening and weekend hours may be required occasionally for events
- Frequently sits for long periods of time
- Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard
- May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, and bending
- Driving is required
Apply at https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/careers
Include a cover letter that states where you learned of the job posting along with your resume. Applications without a cover letter are not likely to be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 15, 2024. You will receive an acknowledgement once your application has been submitted.
OSI is committed to providing a competitive compensation package. The salary for this role ranges from $78,000 to $85,000 commensurate with candidate skill level and experience. The recruiting team is committed to sharing details regarding compensation based on the candidate's qualifications during the interview process. OSI offers a generous benefits package including: comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, life and disability insurances, retirement plan, professional development assistance, and other resources designed to support the passion, commitment and energy that is vital to our team members.
OSI is an equal opportunity employer and is actively recruiting a diverse workforce. Land conservation benefits all people. Our mission is best advanced by the contributions and leadership of people across varying identities, including racial, gender, spiritual, and cultural. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment that fosters belonging and we look for future team members who share that same value. We encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement.
We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, height, weight, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We consider qualified applicants witharrest/conviction records for employment.