Director, Conservation Programs

Job Description

Job Description

Salary :

MALT is a nonprofit land trust created in 1980 by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to permanently protect Marin County farmland. Some of the Bay Areas most highly acclaimed dairy and cheese products, grass-fed meats, and organic crops are produced on farmland protected by MALTs 98 agricultural conservation easements.

As an innovative agricultural land trust, MALT operates at the intersection of agriculture and conservation. Our mission is to permanently protect Marin Countys agricultural land for agricultural use. Our commitment is to the long-term health of the land itself, as well as to the farmers and ranchers who work on the land. The Director of Conservation Programs will be part of a dynamic team working to permanently protect Marins agricultural land for agricultural use in ways that benefit healthy communities, clean water and air, diverse habitats, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and climate resiliency.

MALT has permanently protected over 58,917 acres of West Marins diverse mosaic of coastal grasslands, oak woodlands, rangelands, and pastoral open space. MALT is committed to supporting sustainable management, climate-beneficial and regenerative agriculture in Marin County, including farming and grazing practices that rebuild soil organic matter and improve soil biodiversity to draw down carbon and improve the water cycle.

We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to permanently protect Marins agricultural land for agricultural use. MALT is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in which everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported. We are a team that works together to achieve our goals. We recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We invite you to join the MALT teama dynamic and passionate staff who care deeply about our mission and one another.

THE POSITION

The Director of Conservation Programs is a senior-level position, responsible for developing and implementing strategies that will build resilient and durable land management solutions to help preserve agriculture, protect biodiversity, and build climate resilience on agricultural working lands in Marin County.

The Director of Conservation Programs reports directly to the Executive Director and will manage a team of one (1) to three (3) staff as well as mentor and collaborate with non-direct reports to strengthen the organization as a whole. This is a full-time, exempt position with a flexible schedule that accommodates in-person and remote-work schedules, requiring weekly presence in MALTs office in Point Reyes Station, and in the West Marin community.

ABOUT YOU

• BA / BS degree in related field and a minimum of 10 years of successful experience in conservation practice or related field, preferably nonprofit, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience managing and implementing complex and multiple projects, including managing budgets, grant programs (ideally including grants in and out), coordinating the work of colleagues and partners to ensure a unified, organization-wide approach to strategy.
• Experience in partnership development and project management with non-profit partners, community groups, and government agencies.
• Highly collaborative leader with demonstrated standing in the conservation and land trust communities and a strong track record of achieving results.
• Demonstrated experience tracking, applying for, and managing public and private funding sources, including managing finances and coordinating the work of colleagues and partners.
• Ability to gain confidence in and work with agriculturalists and the agricultural community.
• Able to lead through uncertainty and adapt to change.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated proficiency in Google Workspace, Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), preferred experience with Monday.com and Slack.
• Must be able to hike up to 5 miles per day over steep and rugged terrain, and be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (additional physical requirements attached).
• Experience driving an off-road vehicle on steep and rugged terrain is preferred.
• Reliable transportation and a valid drivers license required with acceptable DMV record and automobile liability insurance.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

Leadership

Management

Partnerships

Program Implementation

MALTs growing grant programs - including the Stewardship Assistance Program and small grants program - which grants approximately $600,000 annually.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with a flexible schedule that accommodates in-person and work-from-home schedules, requiring regular weekly presence in MALTs office in Point Reyes Station, the West Marin community and some in-person collaboration with stakeholder groups including donors, agriculturalists, partners, and community members.

Salary Range : $135,000 - $147,000

Benefits :