VP of Conservation Programs

Northeast Wilderness Trust’s (the Organization) mission is to conserve forever-wild landscapes for Nature and people. We safeguard over 93,000 wild acres across New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Northeast Wilderness Trust is the only regional land trust focused exclusively on rewilding through forever-wild conservation. We believe in the immense value of wilderness, both for its intrinsic value and for its unique role to reverse the biodiversity crisis, mitigate climate change, and provide solace to the human spirit.

The Opportunity:

With a deep commitment to wilderness and the value of such places in the modern context, the VP of Conservation Programs has overall responsibility for leading the Organization’s Land Conservation, Stewardship, and Wildlands Ecology programs. Working as a collaborative leader who ties these critical programs together, the VP of Conservation Programs is responsible for managing a staff of three direct reports and overseeing 11 total staff, with the potential to grow. This position is based at our Montpelier, VT office. 

The VP of Conservation Programs collaborates with the President and CEO, and the Executive Team to develop and implement the Organization’s strategic plan. In doing so, the VP of Conservation Programs provides leadership and direction for the success of the Organization’s core programs by establishing, maintaining, and evaluating long range objectives and strategies for accomplishing those objectives.

Program Leadership & Management:

• Provide direction and oversee the Land Conservation, Stewardship, and Wildlands Ecology programs.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Directors within Conservation Programs, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance.
• Attract and retain high-performance team members to advance the work of the Conservation Programs.
• Provide leadership in developing and fostering inter-team communication and cohesiveness.
• Work with program staff to develop and document systems to ensure consistent, high-quality project management.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Team.
• Support the CEO in board management and relations including staffing relevant board committees.
• Enhance and implement the Organization’s vision as established in the Strategic Plan.
• With a focus on Staff Values and First Principles, strive to maintain continuity through the current growth phase.

External Relationships:

• Serve as an exemplary champion for wilderness across New England and New York.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders and constituencies, including, but not limited to philanthropists, private foundations, government agencies, and other organizations.

Knowledge Management:

• Develop and oversee systems, processes, tools, and written procedures to facilitate the collection, organization, and sharing of knowledge generated by Conservation Programs and the Organization.
• Maintain a deep understanding of all aspects of the Conservation Programs, including its goals, strategies, outcomes, and challenges, to effectively support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Ensure key project outcomes are evaluated and leveraged to maximize organizational impact consistent with Strategic Plan.

What You Will Bring:

• At least 10 years of successful experience managing multiple teams across an organization at a land trust or conservation organization.
• A passionate commitment to wild Nature and a deep understanding of wilderness values.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with a variety of staff and partners.
• A commitment to candid and transparent communications.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and team-oriented work environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines and be self-starting.
• Adaptability and openness to evolving a dynamic and growing organization.
• Willingness to work outside of position’s prime focus and collaborate with staff on other organizational priorities.

To view the full job announcement, including details on salary and benefits and instructions on how to apply, please visit our website.