Executive Director

Overview

The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) is looking for a full-time strategic, relationship-driven Executive Director with experience in leadership and conservation and a deep passion for preserving the environment for future generations.

Background on ACLT

ACLT was founded in 1986 with the preservation of an initial 436-acre wooded parcel in the Parkers Creek watershed adjacent to the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, MD. Today, ACLT directly manages over 3,000 acres of land with 26 miles of trails covering the woodlands, wetlands and meadows in the Parkers Creek and Governors Run watersheds. Together with its partners, ACLT has been instrumental in conserving over 4,000 acres and actively works to promote land conservation throughout Southern Maryland. From the start, ACLT has pursued a balanced growth approach to land and cultural preservation in our region for the benefit of this and future generations.

Now approaching its 40th anniversary, ACLT is widely recognized as one of Maryland’s most successful and well-respected land conservation organizations. With four full-time staff, plus currently two full-time grant supported positions and two Chesapeake Conservation Corps interns along with over 175 highly engaged and dedicated volunteers, ACLT’s mission is to provide “environmentally sustainable public access to managed properties for educational, scientific, recreational, and cultural purposes.”  ACLT is fully-accredited by the Land Trust Alliance and is a founding member of the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance.

The organization has an annual operating budget of approximately $560,000. Currently about 40 percent of the budget comes from donor contributions and membership, 17 percent from grants, 12 percent from events and fundraisers and 23 percent from endowments. Thanks to ACLT’s commitment to providing public access to its property and its significant outreach efforts, the organization has a strong donor base, active community engagement and broad support.

ACLT has a 21-member Board that meets bi-monthly and, along with staff support, helps to guide the organization’s committees for Land Preservation, Land Management, Outreach and Membership, Community Heritage, Donor Relations, Budget and Finance, Facilities and Science.

Calvert County is known as Southern Maryland’s “Pleasant Peninsula,” with the Chesapeake Bay to the east and the Patuxent River to the west. It has 165 miles of shoreline and a rich history in agriculture, fishing and oystering. Calvert County is a safe place to live, has highly rated schools, an excellent library system and passion for the natural environment. Learn more here: https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/31/Residents

 Responsibilities of the Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) will oversee and provide strategic direction to all aspects of ACLT’s operations, including land conservation initiatives, land management, financial management, fundraising and community outreach.  The ED will provide leadership and supervision of all staff as well as work closely with local government, partners, volunteers, donors, grantors and ACLT’s committees. Together with the Board, the ED develops the organization’s strategic plan and then has lead responsibility for executing and reporting on the plan. A detailed job description of the Executive Director’s position is available here: ACLT Executive Director Position Description

Attributes and Qualifications

The organization seeks a candidate who demonstrates:

• Senior level leadership and experience in a wide range of strategies to conserve land, including land acquisition.
• Capacity to effectively engage with local landowners, state and local government officials, partner organizations and other stakeholders to achieve the organization’s goals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Creative and active strategic leadership in grant development and fundraising initiatives.
• Engagement with and motivation of volunteers and committee members.
• Experience managing, supervising and motivating staff.
• A strong working understanding of basic financial statements.
• Experience producing and operating under a budget and managing the finances of an organization.
• A working understanding of environmental science matters and their application to the organization’s mission.
• A recognition and respect for the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of conserved land and the diverse communities it has served in both the past and present.
• Vision and experience in developing a strategic plan for advancing the organization’s goals

Note: If you meet more than 75% of the qualifications of this job description, we encourage you to submit an application.

Application Submission

Applicants are encouraged to submit resume, a minimum of 3 professional references, and a meaningful cover letter, promptly.  Position will remain open until filled. Submit your information here.

Salary, Benefits and Location Expectation

Starting salary is $80,000 to $100,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time position with medical and dental benefits, a Simple IRA plan, 10 paid holidays, sick and personal leave and paid vacation. The position is also covered by worker’s compensation and unemployment compensation insurance. The incumbent is expected to live in Calvert County or an adjacent Southern Maryland county, or be willing to relocate.