The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a non-profit wildlife habitat conservation organization seeks an experienced individual to advance our growing Land Protection and Access Program. The ideal candidate will have vast experience with completing lands transactions and demonstrated strong interpersonal skills to manage team relations. This position will cultivate and complete realty transactions independently and in support of direct-reports and RMEF’s Development staff. This position will work closely with the Director of Lands on Program goals and targets and provide leadership to direct reports while implementing program strategy. Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field required. A minimum of five years of full-time professional experience in the real estate, wildlife conservation, land management or stewardship field or a combination of these areas is required. Background and experience in title commitment review, appraisal review, fee simple real estate transactions, conservation easements, project negotiation and supervisory experience is required. Position located in Missoula, MT. Email cover letter and resume to jobs@rmef.org by 11/21/18. RMEF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V
Job Summary:
The primary responsibility of the position is to advance the growing Land Protection and Access Program of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The ideal candidate has vast experience with completing lands transactions, mentorship, and demonstrates strong interpersonal skills to manage team relations. This position will cultivate and complete realty transactions (both conservation and non-conservation) independently and in support of direct reports and RMEF’s Development staff. The position will also undertake analyses and preparation of programmatic projects involving policy and procedures. Participating as a member of project fundraising strategy teams on nationally important projects will be expected. This position will work closely with the Director of Lands on Program goals and provide leadership to direct reports while implementing program strategy. This position may also work closely with Federal and State Agency partners and RMEF Development and Legal Staff in providing technical expertise..
Essential Functions:
1. Project Completion – Analyze, select, develop and complete RMEF land protection projects located around the country on an as needed basis from start to finish. Opportunities include working on land holding conveyances, providing technical assistance to Development staff on realty transactions, Conservation Easement amendments, access projects and land donations.
2. Management – Supervise direct reports as needed. Work closely with the Director of Lands on programmatic priorities. Provide coverage for the Director of Lands.
3. Partnerships – Effectively network with a variety of agencies, corporations, land trusts, conservation organizations, and individuals to seek opportunities to advance program goals. Create space and opportunity internally to advance communication between departments, including Legal and Development. Display depth of the Lands Program staff with partners.
4. Monitor and report on CEs and Land Holdings, as assigned, for compliance with the Deed and landowner relations. Be able to lead the CE Amendments process and address potential violations.
5. Funding Strategy – Work with RMEF’s Director of Lands, Grants Specialist and Development staff on opportunities to fund Lands and Conservation Programs and individual projects.
6. Public Relations – Seek opportunities to collaborate with RMEF Field Operations staff and volunteers to enhance knowledge and celebrate RMEF’s achievements. Preparing land project summaries, assisting in land project dedications, and traveling to speak at selected events or project tours will be necessary periodically to enhance RMEF’s visibility.
7. Budgets and Administration – Assist the Director of Lands in programmatic budgeting of dedicated funds while being responsible for preparing individual annual work plans and budgets. This position will assist in raising revenue for RMEF through negotiated opportunities related to lands transactions with an emphasis on assisting Development staff in donor cultivation.
Supervision of Others:
Supervises select lands staff. May oversee independent contractors as needed. The number of direct reports may vary.
Additional Responsibilities:
Attend appropriate training and organizational meetings as required. Manage various administrative requirements. Assist in other areas as determined by the Director of Lands and/or Chief Conservation Officer.
Education and Experience:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field. A minimum of five years of full-time professional experience in the real estate, wildlife conservation, land management or stewardship field or a combination of these areas is required. Background and experience in title commitment review, appraisal review, fee simple real estate transactions, conservation easements, and project negotiation. Supervisory experience is required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
1. Thorough knowledge of the RMEF’s mission, goals, organizational structure and activities.
2. Ability to effectively lead and manage a diverse and experienced group of staff members.
3. Sound grasp of basic lands transaction procedures, the legal requirements, documentation, tax implications, and the relationships between the parties involved.
4. Knowledge and comprehension of biology, habitat relationships, and basic principles of wildlife ecology. Knowledge of range and forest management is preferred.
5. Ability to identify funding sources, strategize and seek funding support.
6. Knowledge of the roles, authorities and responsibilities of federal, state and county governments and work-related experience dealing with local, state and/or federal governments.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
8. Ability to use office equipment and software. Ability to work with digital photography, GIS, and mapping skills is preferable. Ability to develop and manage a budget.
9. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills and the ability to work constructively with a wide variety of entities. Ability to interact and communicate with a diversity of private landowners and other individuals is critical.
10. Ability to perceive and establish long-term goals, to develop and implement programs that are cohesive, progressive and that are mission-oriented.
11. An understanding of the responsibilities and mission of public land management, organizations, public wildlife management organizations, and non-profit conservation organizations. Knowledge of conservation planning and working on landscape scales is preferable.
12. Ability to work as a team player, as well as lead a project, and strive to cooperatively accomplish a task.
13. Working knowledge of other fundraising techniques such as planned giving, estate planning and the ability to solicit gifts and steward donors.
14. Ability to prioritize work and handle conflicting deadlines. Ability to be flexible with changing priorities.
Physical Demands:
The incumbent will encounter both office and field conditions. Office work will require sitting or standing for long periods of time, frequent use of office equipment such as telephones and computers, and light lifting, bending and physical exertion. Frequent travel by automobile, airplane, horse, foot or mechanized ORV’s will be required. Walking, hiking, climbing and riding may all be required. Evening work or weekend work may be required.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements