Northern New England State Director

The Northern New England State Director is responsible for developing and managing The Trust for Public Land’s programmatic activities for Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. The Trust for Public Land’s work in Northern New England encompasses a broad spectrum of work. The Director will have responsibility for developing a 3- to 5-year strategic plan that identifies future opportunities, programs, and projects for the region.

In all of this work, the State Director manages and mentors the operations staff and works in close collaboration with the State Directors of Philanthropy to raise funding to support the region’s programs and operating costs. The State Director is also responsible for working with public/non-profit partners, major donors, the local Advisory Board, and others within the TPL organization to enhance opportunities for success of the office and its program. The individual must demonstrate a proven track record working with key individuals in the philanthropic community.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

35% Philanthropy: Funding support for Northern New England and the programs it carries out is derived primarily from private philanthropic dollars. The State Director will work in close coordination with the local and national TPL philanthropy staff to cultivate and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. S/he will work in partnership with philanthropy staff to create and implement a fundraising plan. Working with local philanthropy staff leadership, the State Director will manage the local Advisory Boards, and serve as the primary face of TPL in the donor community.

25% Program Development and Management: The State Director will be responsible for directing staff and working with program partners, both public and private, to complete existing projects and to develop new ones, specifically those that are region-specific. This includes evaluating new project and program opportunities in conservation vision, conservation finance, conservation real estate, park design and development, and national programs like Climate Smart Cities, green infrastructure, and health among others. In all of this work, the development and maintenance of positive relationships with key public and non-profit partners, as well as major donors will be paramount. This position collaborates with senior leadership, finance and volunteer leaders in developing and implementing strategies that achieve mission delivery goals, and are compelling and financially viable.

15% Management/Administration: The State Director is responsible for supervising staff who report to her/him, and for creating a positive working environment for the entire office, strong staff morale and a culture of teamwork and mutual support among all staff, including philanthropy staff who do not report to the Director. The State Director is responsible for working with the finance team to develop the office budgets and taking necessary actions to meet or exceed the targets and maintain a work climate which attracts, retains and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

25% External Relations: The State Director will be expected to represent The Trust for Public Land and build the organization’s visibility in the Northern New England market. This includes establishing sound working relationships with public officials and staff civic leaders, partner non-profits, the media, the donor community and others.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Within the first year, the successful candidate will have:

• Mastered a learning curve of the Trust for Public Land to effectively assume management of the future of the Northern New England offices. This includes an understanding of our core practice areas (PLAN, FUND, PROTECT, and CREATE), as well as national programs, and embracing a role in fundraising.
• Built external relationships with our partners, especially members of the Advisory Boards, civic organizations, and governmental entities
• In partnership with Directors of Philanthropy, develop a top 10-20 list of major donors in each market with a strong emphasis on individuals. The State Director will be the natural partner for these donors.
• Lead the development of a 3-5 year strategic plan
• Become proficient in organizational financial systems to ensure a sustainable model for the Northern New England offices
• Working with the Area Program Director, begun to identify new program and project opportunities for Northern New England
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the advisory councils and volunteer leaders – providing all information necessary for the council to function properly and to inspire their active engagement and support of local and national activities.
• Responsive for maintaining and enhancing our image by being active and visible in the communities

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban studies, landscape architecture or related fields. An advanced degree preferred
• ​At least 5 years’ experience in an organization focused on public urban work and/or land protection
• ​At least 8 years of relevant non-profit work experience or the equivalent, including at least 5 years of staff management experience. Experience serving as an Executive Director preferred.
• Experience with interfacing with and effectively engaging diverse groups (staff, volunteers, stakeholders, politicians, agency partners, etc.)
• Extensive experience working with fund raisers, raising mission support from public and private sources
• Experience with public finance techniques, government funding practices and procedures, the foundation community, fundraising, marketing practices, best management practices and budgeting practices.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, initiative, energy, the capacity to lead, mentor and inspire others, the capacity to be both a high performer and a team player, common sense and a sense of humor.
• Excellent communication skills including writing and public speaking.
• An ability and willingness to travel as required and to work flexible hours outside a 9-5 schedule.
• A passionate commitment to The Trust for Public Land’s mission of creating parks and protecting land for people.