Senior Director of Land Conservation

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Potomac Conservancy

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Winchester, VA, United States

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About Potomac Conservancy

Potomac Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and clean water leader in the Potomac River region. We’re committed to restoring the Potomac to full health for the five million people who rely on the river for drinking water and outdoor enjoyment. By protecting and restoring natural areas, we reduce water pollution, stop reckless deforestation/habitat destruction, and strengthen our community’s defenses against the climate crisis. Our impassioned base of over 42,000 supporters empowers us to conserve and expand streamside forests, pass water protection laws, and restore habitat and shorelines.


Position Overview

The Senior Director of Land Conservation leads Potomac Conservancy’s land protection work in the headwaters of the Potomac River. This role manages the Lands Team, drives complex conservation transactions, and builds strong relationships with landowners, partners, and funders. The Senior Director also serves on the Strategic Leadership Working Group, the DEIJ Working Group, leads the Board Land Conservation Committee, and plays a key role in annual budgeting and program planning

Specific Duties:

Lead Conservation Program (50%)

  • Drive purchased easement acquisition in the Back Creek watershed and manage landowner relationships
  • Develop conservation strategies for priority geographies and maintain a strong project pipeline
  • With fundraising staff, secure funding for land and easement projects
  • Ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards and practices

Internal Leadership & Strategy (30%)

  • Supervise Lands Team staff and contractors
  • Lead annual planning, budgeting, and monthly progress tracking
  • Lead Board Land Conservation Committee and contribute to organizational strategy

Regional Collaboration (10%)

  • Represent Potomac Conservancy in regional collaboratives
  • Support joint planning, grants, and landowner outreach with partners

Fundraising & Grant Management (10%)

  • Develop proposals and manage grants for conservation projects
  • Engage funders and support donor communications


Qualifications

· Minimum of 7 years’ experience managing land conservation programs and closing conservation easements

· Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of study or equivalent experience. Master’s degree or equivalent experience a plus.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

· Deep knowledge of land protection practices, real estate processes, and public funding sources (federal, state, local)

· Strong ability to navigate landowner and partner relationships, anticipate needs, and resolve conflict

· Strategic, long-term thinker with creative, practical problem-solving skills

· Clear, effective communicator across audiences, with strong awareness of how language shapes outcomes

· Proven fundraiser with experience securing public and private funding, including grant writing

· Experienced team leader able to manage staff, contractors, and partners toward shared goals

· Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices and accreditation requirements

· Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities independently

· Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

· GIS experience is preferred

· Able to travel locally and work occasional evenings and weekends


*This position uses a wide variety of skills. We encourage you to apply if you think you would be a good fit, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

 

Compensation and Benefits

· Starting salary range: $85,000-90,000

· This is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week position. Candidates located in or willing to relocate to Northern Shenandoah Valley or West Virginia Panhandle are preferred. Candidates from across the Potomac Watershed with the ability to travel to our priority locations will be considered.

  • Largely remote work with site visits throughout the Potomac Watershed and occasional meetings in or near our Winchester, VA office. Options are available for a hybrid work schedule out of our Winchester or Bethesda offices.

· Benefits include medical coverage, with 80% of premiums covered by the Conservancy;

· Competitive rates on dental and vision coverage

· 18 days paid time off, 11 holidays, and 3 floating personal holidays per year with leave increasing over tenure; 

· Half-day Fridays in July and August and one week ‘end-of-year' break;

· Flexible work schedule that reflects Potomac Conservancy’s commitment to a healthy work/life balance;

· 403 (b) matching, with no vesting period and flex spending accounts;

· Working with bright, fun coworkers; and interacting with a supportive board of directors.

 

To Apply

  • All candidates must submit their cover letter and resume through Idealist by May 15, 2026. Applications are only accepted electronically. The position will remain open until filled. Applications submitted before May 1, 2026, will be given first consideration. Potomac Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer.