The Conservation Capital Program (CCP) of the Open Space Institute (OSI) seeks to facilitate protection of priority landscapes in the eastern United States by making available grant and loan capital to the region’s land trusts, public agencies and others entities for land transactions, with a focus on climate change and watershed protection; and by conducting research and providing planning assistance that complement and enhance CCP’s capital investments and elevate the importance of land protection as a response to climate change and threats to water quality.

The Program is currently active with capital regrant initiatives in select states in New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine); the Middle Atlantic (New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey); and the southeast (North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia), and planning grants and outreach available across the Eastern United States.

Position Summary

The Vice President of the Conservation Capital Program (CCP) will oversee all aspects of OSI’s conservation capital program, including capital regrants, loan underwriting, education and outreach activities, communications, strategic planning, and fundraising. 

Responsibilities & Duties

Oversee management and strategic expansion, as feasible, of the CCP. Specific tasks include:

• Hone program’s mission, objectives and activities and oversee development and implement of its workplan in accordance with OSI’s Strategic Plan.
• Develop program memos for Committee and Board, liaise with Committee Chair and represent the CCP on Senior Staff.
• Oversee the CCP’s key capital regrant funds, the Delaware Watershed Protection Fund, and the Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund. Investigate, as feasible, the establishment of new capital funds.
• Review loan underwriting criteria and processes to ensure strategic and cost-efficient loan-making.
• Oversee and support the CCP’s education and outreach program, including research, regrants for planning and technical assistance to conservation organizations and public agencies.
• Oversee work of CCP Team, including Field Coordinators, research staff and the Program Associate. 
• Establish and monitor program performance against key benchmarks.
• Coordinate with the Communications department to maintain regular communication with funders, land trusts, the broader environmental community and other key stakeholders on key issues, trends, and CCP initiatives through newsletters, Focus on Climate and Water publications and other marketing materials.
• Coordinate with the Development department to maintain and increase funds for CCP programs, including preparation of concept papers and proposals, and communications/visits/pitches with current and prospective funders.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelors and/or Graduate degree in environmental studies, public policy, business, finance, science, or related area
• 15+ years of relevant work experience with nonprofit or for-profit organization with a focus on land conservation 
• Experience executing land and/or loan transactions and/or overseeing grant or loan fund
• Availability to travel periodically (2 – 3 days a month)
• Experience managing a multidisciplinary team

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel independently to rural areas
• Frequently sits for long periods of time
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and uses a computer keyboard 
• May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending 

Note: This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.

Benefits: Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, paid time off, and paid holidays.

How to Apply

• Follow the link and then include a cover letter that includes where you learned of the job posting along with your resume.
• Apply at https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/careers
• Applications without a cover letter are not likely to be considered. This job requires working onsite in NYC 3 days per week, on average.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through February 15, 2023. You will receive an acknowledgement once your application has been submitted.

OSI is an equal opportunity employer and is actively recruiting a diverse workforce. Land conservation benefits all people. Our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all genders, diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.