Sonoma Land Trust

Director of Land Protection

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Sonoma Land Trust seeks a highly skilled land conservation leader for the position of Director of Land Protection. Fueled by a sense of urgency and motivated by a passion for conservation, the Director of Land Protection will play a central role in increasing the Land Trust’s scope and impact. 

Now in its fifth decade of protecting Sonoma County’s iconic landscapes and life-supporting habitats, Sonoma Land Trust is a nationally honored  leader in land conservation and restoration. They have established a powerful reputation for their fiscal responsibility, trustworthiness, expertise and problem solving. The organization has attracted passionate supporters, board members, community partners and volunteers and is an equitable crucial partner for county and state environmental agencies. 

Responding to profound lessons learned from the pandemic, the Land Trust developed a new strategic plan centered on the belief that our health and well-being depend on the actions, not of a few, but of all of us—and that we are only as safe as the most vulnerable among us. The Land Trust believes the same is true for protecting the health of the planet. Scientific research tells us that between now and 2030 is the last best chance to protect what we have left to sustain life for future generations. Sonoma Land Trust is responding to that urgency with a science-driven strategic plan to achieve their goals that produce clean air and water and buffer us from the worst effects of climate change. 

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the senior Leadership Team, the Director of Land Protection is responsible for overseeing and growing Sonoma Land Trust’s conservation real estate portfolio. Joining a group of accomplished and collaborative colleagues, the Director of Land Protection will build on a legacy of impressive projects. The Land Trust is seeking a technically skilled leader who will develop trust-based relationships with diverse landowners, work in partnership with individual and organizational stakeholders, and manage and grow a highly effective team. 

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned land conservation professional with experience negotiating diverse and complex real estate transactions in partnership with landowners, public agencies and funders. We are seeking not just a deal-maker, but a well-rounded leader who is skilled at managing and collaborating with others to achieve ambitious goals. 

Location 

The Sonoma Land Trust is located in the city of Santa Rosa, in the heart of California’s stunning Sonoma Valley. Staff is working in a hybrid model. 

Compensation  

A generous benefits package includes employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, employer contribution to a retirement plan after one year of employment, and paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and personal and parental leave. Salary starting at $135,000, commensurate with experience. 

Start Date 

Aug/Sep 2023

To Apply

Please select “Apply Here” below. Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role.

For More Information

For more information on this search or to nominate a candidate, please contact Leyna Bernstein at: SLTsearch@potrerogroup.com

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