Executive Director, Coastside Land Trust

The Coastside Land Trust (CLT) seeks a committed, experienced and visionary Executive Director. CLT is dedicated to the preservation, protection and enhancement of the open space environment including the natural, scenic, recreational, cultural, historical, and agricultural resources of Half Moon Bay and the San Mateo County coast for present and future generations. Founded in 1997, CLT now owns more than 400 parcels of land, comprising more than 176 acres. Our office is at 788 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, California. For more information about CLT, please visit our website: www.coastsidelandtrust.org.

The Executive Director is the public face of CLT and represents the organization to donors, government, and the community. The Executive Director has overall accountability for the organization’s daily operations, supported by a part-time staff of four. Following the retirement of our current, highly successful Executive Director, the new Executive Director will lead an organization with a significant reputation, substantial assets, and a pipeline of important projects.

Principal Responsibilities

• Acquire land and conservation easements. Solicit donations of land and easements and explore possible purchases.
• Continue to extend the Coastal Trail in Half Moon Bay. Raise additional funds from private and government sources, then execute construction.
• Support the Junior Land Stewards Program. Expand CLT’s program to connect students with local open spaces, teach them environmental literacy, and inspire them to become life-long stewards of open space.
• Raise money. Actively solicit private donations and government grants. In coordination with the Board, cultivate personal relationships with individual donors, foundations, and other funding partners.
• Engage the community. With the support of staff, organize and attend at least 10 public events each year, such as Volunteer Workdays, Wildflower Workshops, webinars and an annual celebratory dinner.
• Maintain CLT’s properties. Record titles, pay taxes, coordinate maintenance, respond to neighbors and regulators.
• Manage the organization. Oversee daily operations including financial management and reporting, facilities, hiring, and developing staff. Coordinate meetings of the Board of Directors and ensure clear communication between the Board and staff.

Principal Qualifications

• Land conservation experience. A track record of significant support for land conservation. Familiarity with the legal, tax and stewardship requirements of land ownership. Experience with land trusts preferred.
• Charismatic leadership. An exceptional leader who can build strong relationships inside and outside the organization, foster collaboration, and inspire staff and supporters to achieve lofty goals.
• Successful fundraising. Driven to expand support through direct engagement with funding sources and to develop creative ideas about new opportunities.
• Seasoned people manager. A minimum of 5 years of people management experience and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to build nonprofit organizational capacity. Familiarity with best practices in nonprofit governance, preferably gained through experience working with or serving on a nonprofit Board of Directors.
• Proficient with modern computer applications. Experience with word processing, spreadsheets and financial software, as well as online tools for research, meetings and communications.
• Ability to walk on rugged terrain, lift and carry supplies, and utilize equipment during all seasons
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, business administration or related field.

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a full-time salaried position. It requires a willingness to work some evenings and weekends. Substantial presence in Half Moon Bay is required; however, some remote work may be allowed.
• The expected annual salary range is $90,000 to $100,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Compensation includes 20 days of paid time off per year, which may be used for holidays or vacation. CLT does not currently offer medical, dental or vision insurance. CLT provides sick and family leave as required by law.