Illinois State Director - THE CONSERVATION FUND : Job Details

Position Description

TITLE: Illinois State Director

LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION: Conservation Acquisitions/Midwest Region

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Great Lakes Region

NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: 1

LOCATION: Illinois

POSITION SUMMARY

The Illinois State Director is responsible for the Funds land conservation program in Illinois, consisting predominantly of conservation real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and fundraising for project completion. These responsibilities require the individual to develop and manage partner relationships with state, local, federal conservation agencies and with public and private funders to support this work.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead the Funds land conservation efforts.
• Provide leadership, coordination, and assistance with all aspects of conservation land acquisitions and conservation easements.
• Deliver conservation real estate projects.
• Ensure the disposition of the conservation acquisitions to partner organizations - primarily to public agencies.
• Lead the team in developing a vision to enhance the existing land conservation programs while seeking and developing new conservation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with non-profit organizations, State and Federal agency representatives and Congressional delegations.
• Generate funding for land conservation projects and operations through private and public fundraising. This may include state and federal lobbying efforts.
• Work with the Funds Marketing and Communications, Development, Legal, Government Relations, and Finance teams to coordinate all program-related efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily workflow of the Illinois Conservation Acquisition staff.
• Lead the Illinois team in annual planning, goal setting and budgeting.
• Support the organizations Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
• Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations, as applicable.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new staff.
• Manage contractors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 10 years of experience in land conservation real estate; proficiency in all aspects of conservation real estate including fee simple, conservation easements, partial interests, oil/gas reservations, minerals, timber, gift lands, and conservation buyers.
• Negotiating skills and transactional real estate experience.
• 10 years of experience and proven background in project and operations fundraising including a demonstrated ability to lead and successfully complete major project fundraising efforts.
• Experience in a supervisory position.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork within an entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public presentations.
• Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with a wide range of individuals and organizations with diverse backgrounds.
• Computer skills including word processing, e-mail, PowerPoint and spreadsheets.
• Attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to travel in order to reach various field locations.
• Commitment to the mission and goals of The Conservation Fund.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in a related field such as planning, environmental sciences, biology, natural resources management, forestry, political science, and/or natural resource economics. Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working with State & Local Governments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in office and/or conference or similar meeting spaces.
• Some lifting and carrying will be necessary up to 20 pounds.
• Work is performed in both an office setting and in outdoor settings in all weather conditions.
• When visiting conservation sites, the ability to traverse all terrain in outdoor/all weather conditions will be necessary.
• Willingness to travel as necessary to carry out duties, often with short notice and in inclement weather over long distances.
• Estimated travel 15% per month, with additional day travel required.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $130,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation. The Fund offers a highly competitive package of benefits including employer contributions for health care, paid holidays, vacation and personal/sick leave, retirement plan and more. Please note: Salary range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. The final salary offer will be determined accordingly.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

***Please submit cover letter and resume with application***

Apply at

To learn more about The Conservation Fund, visit

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.

The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.

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