Southwest Conservation Services Director (Job #970A)

The Southwest Conservation Services Director collaborates with both the Associate National Director of Conservation Finance and the National Research team to foster new sources of land conservation funding at the state and local government level in the Western United States. The position is responsible for developing and conducting community outreach to: (1) foster new sources of government funding for parks and land conservation at the state and local government level through ballot measures and legislative action, and (2) help communities develop a common vision for taking action to expand park systems or protect open space. The position will primarily work in the Western states. The Southwest Director markets these services, develops proposals for services, designs feasibility and public opinion research, negotiates contracts, and manages a team of internal and external experts in planning, GIS, public finance research, public opinion surveys, and campaigns. The job requires coordination with field staff based in many different offices and collaboration with legal, finance, development, GIS and government relations staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide Conservation Finance services, including assisting communities in evaluating the feasibility of ballot and legislative measures through research and analysis of voter demographics, election history, public opinion, legal constraints, internal capability, and likelihood of support from agencies, elected officials and partner organizations. Support the development and implementation of specific measures, including:
  • evaluation of alternative legal and financing structures of measures
  • polling and message development
  • recommending measure timing and dollar amount
  • choice of ballot language
  • campaign fund raising
  • advice on campaign contributions and
  • building campaign organizations.
• Manage research and survey projects from start to finish, including scoping project parameters, development of project scheduling and facilitating regular communication with internal and external sources of information.
• Market and promote TPL's Conservation Vision and Conservation Finance programs, including presenting these services to local governments and project partners.
• Build and manage teams of regional staff, national staff, and outside consultants to deliver program services.
• Develop and manage relationships and fee-for-service contracts with special district, municipal, county, and state government entities, elected officials, and key staff.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Other duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills with demonstrated ability to develop strategic approaches to stakeholder involvement and meeting facilitation.
• Proven ability to successfully manage election campaigns, ballot initiatives or other measures brought before voters.
• Experience working with state and local governments, including upper-level agency staff and elected officials.
• Knowledge of park and open space issues, growth management, urban planning and development, or a related field.
• Familiarity with regional land use issues, communities, land trusts and governments.
• Familiarity with public finance field, including government budgeting, state and local revenue sources, and bonding procedures.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout the West.
• Minimum 5 years related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines and work with minimal supervision.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Bachelor's degree in planning, land use, political science, public administration, or related field required; masters degree preferred.

HOW TO APPLY:

The position is available immediately and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please send a cover letter and resume to joyce.williams@tpl.org (e-mail preferred).

 You may also mail your application to:

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