Director of Conservation

About Midcoast Conservancy Midcoast Conservancy is an innovative conservation organization with a mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters. We achieve this mission through collaborative land, water, and community programming. Position OverviewThe Director of Conservation will unite and advance Midcoast Conservancy’s land and water conservation work, translating the organization’s landscape-scale conservation strategy and ensuring activities are coordinated across the service area, with particular emphasis on land conservation, conservation planning, water quality, watershed protection, and aquatic habitat. This role oversees 2 current FTEs in land and water conservation, and will work closely with the Director of Stewardship, to ensure conservation strategy and on-the-ground stewardship are coordinated. The role also leads community outreach efforts and fundraising for special projects in support of both land and water conservation. Reporting to the Co-Executive Director of Operations and Co-Executive Director of Engagement, this role is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring work activities are focused on the organization’s strategic priorities. Key ResponsibilitiesUnified Land and Water Conservation StrategiesRefine and implement Midcoast Conservancy's landscape-scale conservation strategy across the freshwater-to-marine continuum, integrating land and water priorities rather than pursuing them as separate tracksIdentify, evaluate, and help advance conservation opportunities (land acquisition, easements, water-related conservation activities on Damariscotta Lake, Sheepscot River, and Medomak River)Track and report on conservation outcomes and progress toward strategic goalsSupervise land and water conservation staff and support their annual work planningCoordinate with the Director of Stewardship so that conservation strategy and day-to-day stewardship operations are aligned; this role does not manage stewardship operationsGuide aquatic habitat restoration and connectivity projects, and oversee management of invasive aquatic speciesGuide implementation of Watershed Protection PlansOversee the land protection pipeline: intake, tracking, prioritization, and advancement of projects, and maintain and update processes as neededWork with municipalities, state and federal agencies, and regional partnersPractice and promote Midcoast Conservancy's shared leadership model and organizational culture, valuing collaboration, inclusiveness, and open communicationParticipate in organization-wide planning, budgeting, and effectiveness metrics as a member of senior leadership Community OutreachLead community outreach efforts on behalf of the organization's conservation work, representing both land and water priorities in public-facing engagementBuild and maintain relationships with community members, partner organizations, landowners, and other stakeholdersPlan and lead community conversations, meetings, and events related to conservation prioritiesAssist with strengthening partnerships with neighboring conservation organizations and regional and state coalitions Serve as a public-facing spokesperson for conservation strategy, in coordination with the Co-Executive Directors and other staff Fundraising for Special ProjectsIdentify and pursue fundraising opportunities for special conservation projects spanning land and water, including but not limited to land acquisitions, easement funding support, river restoration projects, and healthy watershed education and outreachDraft grant proposals and funding requests in support of conservation initiatives, in coordination with development staff where applicableBuild relationships with funders, donors, and grant-making organizations relevant to conservation prioritiesTrack special-project fundraising goals and report on progress to the Co-Executive Directors and Board QualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in a science-related or natural resource management field, and 7+ years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination); graduate degree preferredDemonstrated expertise and working knowledge of land conservation and management strategies Experience and understanding of water quality, watershed management, or aquatic resource protection Familiarity with land conservation transactions and Land Trust Alliance Standards and PracticesProven supervisory experience, with the ability to lead a team across distinct but related program areasExperience with local, state, and federal rules and regulations related to water resource and land conservation, including shoreland zoningExperience leading community outreach or public engagement effortsExperience with fundraising, grant writing, or donor relationsStrong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with community members, partners, and organizational leadershipAbility to work collaboratively with other department leads (e.g., Director of Stewardship) without direct authority over their operations Preferred qualities:Local knowledge of midcoast Maine, and watersheds of Damariscotta Lake, Sheepscot River, and Medomak RiverExperience with technical tools such as ArcGIS, GPS, and other statistical or analytical software ScheduleThis is a 40-hour-per-week position, Monday–Friday. LocationHybrid: up to two days per week in-office preferred (locations in Waldoboro and Jefferson, Maine); remaining time may be worked from a home office or another short-term location conducive to meeting goals productively. Salary$65,000-$70,000 annually depending on experience. Midcoast Conservancy offers a full suite of benefits, including group plan health insurance with an employer contribution, dental, and vision; retirement savings with employer match; generous holiday and paid time off; flexible work schedule; and professional development opportunities. How to Apply:Please send a resume and cover letter to info@midcoastconservancy.org with the subject line “Director of Conservation”. Please use the opportunity to tell us why you are interested in this role, Midcoast Conservancy, and conservation work.Midcoast Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.