Conservation Transactions Director

About the role

The Washington Conservation Transactions Director leads the Conservation Transactions Team in planning, coordinating and implementing real estate and other conservation transactions for The Nature Conservancy's Washington Business Unit and supporting transactions in the Western U.S. and Canada Division. The role uses the full range of protection tools (gift, easement, purchase, lease registry, conservation brokerage and cooperative projects) with public and private partners to build and maintain conservation area systems that are ecologically representative, climate resilient, effectively managed and inclusive of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. It is a senior conservation manager position based in Seattle, Washington.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and execute conservation transactions: design, coordinate and run complex transactions across program areas, and act as principal project manager and/or lead negotiator with government agencies, conservation organizations, Tribes and private parties.
• Advise conservation staff and partners on applying transactional tools, and work with conservation, legal, finance, government relations, marketing, philanthropy and science teams.
• Help secure public and private funds for land protection, including donor engagement, meetings, proposals and public grant proposals and reports.
• Research land ownership for potential acquisitions, screen projects, and help approve and complete real estate projects and transactions.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and partners, including Tribes, and partner with Community Relations Managers on local community support.
• Manage a team of 2-3 professional staff, including performance management, training and career development, and oversee the team workflow and budget.
• Coordinate with other Washington and Divisional protection teams, adaptively manage the project pipeline, and resolve complex problems independently.

Required profile

• BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or a related field, with at least 5 years' experience in land conservation, real estate, law, business or a related field.
• Experience working with landowners, corporate executives and government officials, negotiating complex agreements, supervising staff, and managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Desired: grant writing and funding experience, real estate tools (easements, fee-title acquisitions, deed restrictions, land leases), understanding of Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, multilingual skills, advanced degree, and knowledge of conservation trends.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with the Auto Safety Program; the position requires regular onsite presence in the Seattle office (2-4 times per month) and up to 20% travel.

Required skills

• Database management
• Negotiation of complex agreements
• Project management and team leadership

What we offer

• Starting pay range of $98,000 - $128,000 for USA-based candidates.
• Health care, flexible spending account, 401(k) with 8% employer match, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance and disability coverage.