VCC Seeks Executive Director
Valley Conservation Council (VCC) seeks an ambitious, experienced, and enthusiastic Executive Director to lead the next chapter of our organization’s history. As a nonprofit land trust serving an 11-county region in and around Virginia’s famous Shenandoah Valley, VCC is proud to celebrate 30 years of conservation success. Throughout its history, VCC has helped to protect tens of thousands of acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, open spaces, and historic battlefields and landmarks.
In the past two years, VCC has:
- Doubled the amount of land the organization is directly responsible for stewarding (now about 2,800 acres on 52 properties).
Received the gift of a 400-acre farm, which the organization will use to host events and educational programs, while simultaneously protecting its ecological resources. - Completed its application for accreditation with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (final announcement expected in August 2019).
- Cultivated and expanded relationships with other nonprofits and state entities.
VCC’s new Executive Director will build upon this momentum and help accelerate the pace of land protection, foster relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, and develop innovative programs to inspire the next generation of land stewards.
Our Region
VCC’s service area includes the world-famous Shenandoah Valley, as well as the headwaters of both the James and Potomac Rivers and the incomparable Allegheny Highlands.
The Shenandoah Valley has a vibrant agricultural and recreational economy and an abundance of public lands. Four of Virginia’s most productive agricultural counties are located in the valley. Surrounded by Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and Monongahela National Forest, the region also offers abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Responsibilities
- Provide strong organizational leadership that values the roles of staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners to achieve VCC’s mission.
- Engage in short-term and long-term strategic planning to ensure stability and growth.
- Cultivate relationships with members and donors and foster a culture of philanthropy, as well as support from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and civic organizations.
- Be a public face of the organization, and work with diverse stakeholders to communicate goals and successes through in-person meetings, events, and print, electronic and social media.
- Work with partner organizations to achieve strategic landscape-level conservation.
- Manage VCC’s operations and staff.
Required Qualifications
- Passion for conservation
- Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree will receive additional consideration)
- Demonstrated success managing an organization or large project
- Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers with diplomacy and mutual trust
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in fundraising, marketing, or sales
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working for a land trust or conservation organization
- Experience working for a Board of Directors
- Familiarity with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
- Familiarity with donor development databases
- Experience preparing grant proposals and managing grant funds
- Experience managing a fundraising drive
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications & generous leave policy.
To Apply
Send a cover letter, resumé, and three references to employment@valleyconservation.org.
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