Executive Director

The Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) seeks a passionate, effective, experienced, and inspiring executive director. Founded in 1996 and based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, KLT is nationally accredited by the Land Trust Alliance and permanently protects over 8,000 acres and nearly 10 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The organization’s mission is to serve as a community partner protecting land, water, and quality of life through conservation, stewardship, and nature connections. 

Position Summary

The incoming executive director will lead a well-respected, growing organization, with five part-time staff members, an engaged board of directors, and a dedicated group of volunteers. The annual operating budget is currently ~ $200,000 and assets total over $10 million. The board has set five year growth targets that include a 60% increase in staffing hours and a 100% increase in total salary budget. The executive director is responsible for implementing the Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices and policies adopted by the Board to fulfill KLT’s mission and for day-to-day supervision, management, and direction of KLT staff, fundraising, and organizational operations. The executive director reports to the board following KLT’s policy governance framework as described in the KLT policy manual. 

The position is housed at the new KLT office in Hancock, MI, close to Lake Superior (this is not a remote position). Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is important to KLT. While no candidate will offer every desired skill and characteristic, if you meet a substantial number of the listed qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. More details on ED responsibilities are available here and the KLT current strategic plan is available here.

Compensation: ​This part-time, in-person position offers a salary range between $42,000 to $47,000 for 30 hours/week, commensurate with experience. Limited evening and weekend work will be necessary; local travel will also be required. Benefits are negotiable and include a flexible schedule, paid time off, and family leave. As the Keweenaw Land Trust grows under the new executive director, the position has the potential to become full-time. 

Responsibilities

• As KLT’s chief executive and financial officer, the executive director:
• Administration and Staff Leadership: Directs staff and programs; oversees financial management and budgets; coordinates annual audits; strives to maintain land trust accreditation status; oversees financial management, budgets, and annual audits (~35% of position);
• Fundraising: Plans and coordinates the fundraising and development activities (~35% of position); 
• Board relationships: Works with the board to conduct strategic planning, and to ensure projects and programs align with KLT mission, vision, and conservation priority themes (~15% of position);
• Public engagement: Serves as the public face of the organization; works with our partners and communities to advance our mission (~15% of position).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A passion for environmental protection and the outdoors;
• Fiscal management and fundraising experience;
• Project and/or program management and leadership experience;
• An effective communicator who can inspire, build, and maintain strong relationships with staff, local partners, and the community;
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to inclusive practices within the conservation movement and KLT;
• A minimum four-year degree (or equivalent experience) and at least three years of relevant work experience (additional education may be substituted for up to 2 years of work experience).

Preferred Qualifications:

• A track record of nonprofit organizational and operational management, including: building, supporting, and developing a staff team; developing balanced annual budgets; HR management; and working successfully with a committed board of directors;
• Experience with fundraising, including individual stewardship of major gift leaders, writing grant proposals, training in fundraising, or willingness to take training;
• Experience with Quickbooks, Microsoft Office 365, and Little Green Light;
• Experience within the land trust community;
• Familiarity with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or other rural communities.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. The application file should include:

• A detailed letter of interest (1 to 2 pages) that describes:
  • the candidate’s qualifications for the position;
  • how the candidate's experiences will contribute to their success as executive director;
  • the candidate’s vision for ways they can help KLT achieve its mission.
• A resume with the names, affiliations, emails, and phone numbers of 3 references.

Applications must be submitted electronically to https://www.dropbox.com/request/r6hlHzDjpQZ73xZcMDfC as a single PDF file with the file name “ApplicantLastName_KLT_ED.” This position will remain open until filled, but priority will be given to applications submitted by  July 15, 2024. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the search committee co-chair Stan Vitton at  vitton@mtu.edu with the subject line “KLT ED search.” We envision that the position will begin in January 2025, but an earlier start may be possible.

KLT is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disabilities will be considered only as they may relate to a candidate’s ability to fulfill job requirements. KLT is committed to the premise that protecting and caring for lands requires an intentional commitment to inclusive practices within the conservation movement.