Senior Land Transactions Manager

About the role

The Senior Land Transaction Manager plays a lead role in the implementation of Sempervirens Fund’s land transaction projects, which are foundational to achieving our conservation goals. They are responsible for developing, managing, and executing a portfolio of real estate transactions that increase the pace and scale of redwood forest conservation in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement real estate strategies to acquire, or in other ways preserve, conservation lands and convey these properties to government agencies or other permanent stewards.
• Lead negotiations with landowners and other relevant stakeholders; oversee tasks necessary to process and close acquisition agreements.

External Partnerships

• Build and sustain relationships with private landowners to identify immediate transaction opportunities, cultivate long-term prospects, and maintain a pipeline of projects.
• Collaborate with the organization’s development team, grant writer, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Government Relations to design and pursue public and funding strategies to support land transactions.

Internal Team Coordination

• Engage the organization’s stewardship team to evaluate long-term costs and land management needs for any property considered for protection.
• Collaborate with the organization’s development team, grant writer, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Government Relations to design and pursue public and funding strategies to support land transactions.
• Supervision and mentorship of FTE Land Transactions Manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of professional experience in land acquisition or easements, real estate law, finance, or appraisals, preferably with responsibility for the purchase of forests or other conservation lands.
• Has been primarily responsible for completing at least ten land transactions from start to finish, including initial negotiations, opening escrow, completion of due diligence, fundraising, and closing.
• At least three years in a managerial or leadership level position in this field, involving strategy-setting and coordination of a team.
• Expertise in real estate transaction-based conservation tools and a solid understanding of land planning, real property and tax law, relevant public policies and incentives, and conservation funding opportunities.
• Demonstrated success leading negotiations resulting in complex agreements and closing real estate deals.
• History of strong relationships and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including landowners, businesses, conservation organizations, and government officials.
• Experience supervising and/or mentoring full-time staff.
• Creative, out-of-the-box thinker willing to innovate and experiment, strategic problem solver.
• Superior communications skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail; highly organized; able to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
• Valid California driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365 Suite.
• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting while using a computer.
• Ability to hike and drive across rugged terrains.