Los Angeles Program Director
Location: Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Program Director is expected to be a leader, internally and externally, and an effective manager, and must have successful project management and Real Estate transactions experience. S/he is responsible for oversight of local and appropriate state government relations; public finance strategies and implementation; coordinating the acquisition of real estate for conservation purposes and its conveyance to public agencies, or other nonprofit organizations; and managing the implementation of the Los Angeles Parks for People Program.
The Los Angeles Program Director has the primary responsibility for managing the LA office. S/he should be particularly skilled at developing and maintaining relationships for the benefit of TPL with local leaders in the following sectors: philanthropic institutions and individuals; government; land and resource-related businesses; the environmental/conservation communities and the media. The Program Director has the primary responsibility within Los Angeles for the coordination of marketing TPL and prospecting for new programmatic investments and philanthropic opportunities.
Essential Functions
20% Management/Administration
- The Los Angeles Program Director will supervise the Los Angeles project, program and administrative team. More specifically, s/he will supervise and manage both the "natural lands" transaction work and the "urban program" (neighborhood parks, fitness zones, green alleys). S/he is ultimately responsible for the Los Angeles budget. The LA Program Director will work with appropriate philanthropy staff to establish and accomplish the annual philanthropy budget in Los Angeles. S/he is responsible for creating a positive working environment, strong staff morale and a culture of teamwork and mutual support.
- The Los Angeles Program Director is responsible for managing and growing an operation that currently has approximately two direct reports in an office of six full time staff.
30% Philanthropy
- Working in close coordination with the divisional philanthropy staff and the CA State Director, the LA Program Director will lead in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. S/he will actively assist philanthropy staff in the creation and implementation of a Los Angeles Fundraising Plan. The LA Program Director will cultivate and expand existing network of volunteers and supporters, for TPL's work in Los Angeles and across California. S/he, in collaboration with the CA State Director, will participate in the management and stewardship of the LA representatives on the CA Advisory Board. In conjunction with the CA State Director and philanthropy staff, develop and support an appropriate volunteer structure, and enhance the role of advisory council and volunteers. S/he will work with project, program and philanthropy staff in the formation of Gift Opportunities, and ensure coordination between communications, philanthropy, project and government affairs functions.
30% External Relations/Marketing
- The LA Program Director is responsible for establishing and stewarding key political relationships within the program area with both political and civic leaders. A fluent understanding of the political dynamics of the regional, county, and local level is critical. Working with national and regional public affairs staff, the LA Program Director has a primary role in establishing broad name appeal in representing TPL throughout the greater LA area. The LA Program Director works closely with federal and state governmental affairs staff and the LA project and program team to help coordinate TPL LA's federal, state and local government affairs strategy, and help TPL to cultivate relations with key elected officials and their staff.
20% Conservation Strategy
- The LA Program Director is responsible, in collaboration with other appropriate staff, for developing, integrating and implementing program conservation strategies in collaboration with the CA State Director and the CA State Vision. S/he will be responsible for maintaining and updating TPL's LA Strategic objectives. The LA Program Director, in collaboration with the CA State Director, LA project and program staff, other key functional leaders (Philanthropy, Government Relations, Marketing, Legal, Finance) and the CA Advisory Board, would lead an ongoing process to assess the best organizational structure, critical areas of focus and allocation of resources in order to maximize TPL's effectiveness in Los Angeles.
- The LA Program Director works with the CA and LA team to evaluate and pursue new business opportunities, programs and markets. Examples could include a cohesive and strategic approach to climate change, water, urban work, green printing, and working landscapes within the program area.
Qualifications
- A college education and preferably an advanced degree.
- At least 8 years of relevant non-profit work experience including not less than 5 years of demonstrably successful management experience in Los Angeles.
- Extensive fundraising experience.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- Familiarity with conservation real estate practices, land conservation policy issues, public finance techniques, government funding practices and procedures, the foundation community, fundraising, marketing practices, best management practices and budgeting practices.
- An entrepreneurial spirit, initiative, energy, the capacity to lead, mentor and inspire others, the capacity to be both a high performer and a team player, common sense and a sense of humor.
- A willingness to work flexible hours outside a 9-5 schedule.
- A passionate commitment to our mission of conserving land for people.
Compensation and Benefits
- The compensation for the position is open, within an established range, depending upon qualifications and experience. The Trust for Public Land provides an excellent benefits package and provides ample training and career development opportunities for its staff.
How to Apply:
Please apply online.
The Trust for Public Land is an equal opportunity employer.
Posted: February 7, 2013
