Director of Stewardship

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is seeking a Director of Stewardship to oversee the management of over 45,000 acres across its preserves and conservation easements. This leadership role involves shaping the organization's strategic direction, managing a stewardship team, and collaborating with the President & CEO. The position is flexible and can be based in either the Topsham or Mount Desert Island offices, indicating remote work options.
• Are you interested in a career with an organization whose mission aligns with your passion of protecting and caring for vital lands on the coast and contributing to community well-being in Maine?
• Are you a leader that believes in fostering an environment that supports new ideas, encourages learning, and embraces productive debate?
• Are you excited to play a role in shaping the strategic direction and vision for the organization, in collaboration with members of the leadership team?
• Do you dive into your work with a sense of enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination?

If you possess the skills, qualities and passion that allowed you to answer yes to these questions, you could be a good fit for the Director of Stewardship, and we would love to hear from you.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Stewardship is responsible for setting the direction for and overseeing the care and management of more than 45,000 acres across MCHT’s 150+ preserves and 320+ conservation easements across the state. A key member of MCHT’s leadership team, the Director of Stewardship also helps to shape the strategic direction and vision for the organization, sustaining MCHT’s overall organizational health and ensuring its management, operations, strategy, and culture are aligned. MCHT has offices in Topsham, MDI, Rockport, and Whiting, Maine. The location of this position is flexible and could be in our Topsham or Mount Desert Island offices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Shapes the strategic direction and vision for the organization, in collaboration with the President & CEO and the other members of the leadership team
• Establishes high-level direction and expectations for preserve and CE stewardship, developing and rolling out stewardship policies and practices in collaboration with relevant Board committees, the MCHT leadership team, and stewardship management staff
• Oversees the development of and monitors the annual stewardship budget, including capital expenditures, in collaboration with stewardship management staff
• Oversees and manages Stewardship team managers across all office locations, setting and communicating clear goals and objectives, actively partnering with staff to identify and address challenges, and ensuring stewardship responsibilities are carried out in an effective and timely manner
• Oversees the development of and reviews preserve management plans, conservation easements, and department job descriptions
• Manages legal and politically sensitive issues related to stewardship as needed or requested by the President & CEO or stewardship management staff, such as easement violations, trespassing, theft, lawsuits, and tax issues
• Develops and / or oversees relationships with partners utilizing MCHT lands for scientific research and cultural and recreational activities
• Represents MCHT and the work of the stewardship team in communities and at the state and national levels, at conferences and other public venues, and on various committees and working groups, staying attuned to trends and emerging issues
• Works closely with the other members of the MCHT leadership team to define organizational priorities, develop the organization’s annual workplan and budget proposal for Board review and approval, and ensure collaboration and coordination across departments
• Staffs the Board Stewardship Policy Committee and works in collaboration with the Committee Chair to set agendas and recruit, onboard, engage, and strengthen relationships with Stewardship Committee members
• Develops Board agendas and presentations in collaboration with the President & CEO and other members of the leadership team, communicating regularly with the Board regarding stewardship activities and needs
• Works closely with Development, Finance, and Communications staff to identify needs, cultivate program funding, and support and increase awareness of MCHT among key audiences
• Acts as a role model and ambassador for MCHT, demonstrating its values internally and externally and leading by example
• Takes on special projects and other duties as required or assigned by the President & CEO

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The Stewardship Director is responsible for setting the tone for the Stewardship department, fostering an environment that supports new ideas, encourages learning, embraces productive debate, and invests in the evolution and health of the organization and its people. Direct reports include multiple Associate Directors and an Executive Assistant. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing and hiring, onboarding, training and development, performance management, and teambuilding.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Eight to ten years of experience in conservation practice such as natural resources management, land stewardship and restoration, with proven senior-level management skills and deep knowledge of relationship development with government and non-profit partners, community groups, and other key audiences.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment.

Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, on both land and sea, and involves climbing, walking, bending, and lifting. May operate paddle, motor, and lobster boats, boat trailer, car and truck, chain saw, and hand tools. Frequent travel is required.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance (no cost for employee coverage), generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan, with a salary range of $118,000 to $133,000 depending upon experience.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to search@mcht.org with “Stew Director” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is April 12, 2024.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer, as the employer's needs and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission.