Executive Director Job Opening
Vinalhaven Land Trust has begun a search to replace its long-time Executive Director, who will be leaving in March 2011. Incorporated as a non-profit in 1986, VLT holds 35 easements on 1176 acres, and has 24 fee properties covering 750 acres.
The new director will be expected to continue the tradition of strong relationships with landowners, the town, donors and partnering organizations such as Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Qualifications for the job include dedication to land conservation, diplomacy, communication skills, management and relevant experience. Knowledge of Vinalhaven or a similar island community is strongly preferred.
Office Entrance
Vinalhaven Land Trust
Executive Director
Job Description
Overview of Vinalhaven, Maine
Vinalhaven, Maine is a town situated 12 miles offshore in Penobscot Bay and accessible by a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Rockland, Maine. Settled in 1766, descendents of many of the first families still reside on the island. In the 1800’s, Vinalhaven was the hub of a booming granite industry. Today, it is the unofficial capital of Maine’s lobster industry, and most of Vinalhaven’s 1,260 residents are connected to the fisheries in some way. The island has a beautiful, new K-12 school, which is a focal point for this close knit community. Our medical center provides coverage around the clock.
General Description of Position
Vinalhaven Land Trust “promotes the conservation of our island’s significant plant and wildlife habitat, our water resources, and scenic or historic spaces in order to preserve the traditional character of the community for generations to come”. Incorporated as a non-profit in 1986, VLT holds 35 easements on 1176 acres, and has 24 fee properties covering 750 acres, with trails throughout.
The successful candidate will fit in with the island community, understand conservation transactions, have a natural resource background or avocation and management and development experience. Information technology skills are expected, and GIS mapping, would be a desirable asset.
Primary responsibilities, whether personally implemented or managed by staff and contractors, include management of land transactions, stewardship of properties owned in fee, or for which conservation easements are held, fundraising and development, partnering with the school in developing environmental programs, and overall administration.
This is a 22 to 32 hours per week position, depending on the candidate and the needs and resources of the organization.
Duties and Responsibilities
Land Transactions
Responsible for initiating, evaluating and managing land transactions, including coordination with the Board and Board committees, and relationships with landowners, the town and partner organizations
Stewardship
Responsible for ensuring the monitoring and management of easement and fee properties, development of natural resource assessments and ensuring legally and environmentally sustainable practices
Development
Serve as the primary spokesperson for communicating the vision and mission of the land trust, assist the Development Committee in identifying and securing gifts, and identify grant opportunities
Education
Work with the school to develop environmental education programs and oversee staff and volunteers in the development of after school projects
Administration
Assist in the preparation of and conformance to an annual budget, oversee part-time staff of three, work closely with the President, Executive Committee and committee chairs, ensure compliance with laws and regulations including Standards and Practices/Accreditation and generally represent the organization
Other points of interest:
- The Executive Director works under the direction of the President and Executive Committee, in consultation with the Board of Directors and the board committees.
- Vinalhaven Land Trust is filing an application for accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance for the spring of 2011. The work involved in preparation will be complete before the current Executive Director leaves.
- Current staff includes a stewardship coordinator, bookkeeper-administrative assistant, and office assistant. A temporary accreditation coordinator also works for the Director.