Oregon State Director
Location: Portland
Position Summary
Based in Portland, the Oregon State Director is responsible for representing The Trust for Public Land and carrying out the mission of the organization in an effective, visionary and financially sound way throughout the state of Oregon. The position is both broad and deep, calling for competencies and vision to execute all aspects of The Trust for Public Land’s work, cultivate and maintain relationships with local and state leaders in philanthropy, government, land and resource-related businesses, the environmental/conservation communities and the media.
Our ideal candidate is a passionate, experienced Director committed to our mission. Under the direction of the West Division Director and in close coordination with the Oregon State Advisory Council, the State Director will continue to guide the organization through the current economic environment demonstrating an entrepreneurial and creative approach in order to maintain a plentiful pipeline of future projects and build successful conservation programs. The person recruited for this position will report to the West Division Director, and will manage and mentor four Project Mangers/Senior Project Managers in the Bend and Portland offices, and work in close collaboration with the Western Program Director (Bend) and Associate Director of Philanthropy.
This unique opportunity will require proven experience in public finance strategies and implementation; coordination of the acquisition of real estate for conservation purposes in the state and its conveyance to public agencies, or other nonprofit organizations. Guided by the organization’s mission and values, the Oregon State Director will support the Oregon State team in the cultivation of new, innovative projects and will establish the organizational mechanisms for their implementation. In addition, the State Director has the primary responsibility within Oregon for the coordination of The Trust for Public Land marketing, as well as prospecting for new programmatic investments and philanthropic opportunities.
Essential Functions
Relationship Management
- The new State Director must spend the time necessary to form and foster working relationships with a wide variety of constituencies including Board Members, local project staff/direct reports, Regional and National staff, statewide partners in conservation, political leaders at the local, county, state and federal levels, and corporate and philanthropic leaders.
Oregon Advisory Board
- Each state program within The Trust for Public Land has a volunteer Advisory Board that works with the staff in the areas of fundraising, community relations, project development, and marketing. The new State Director will work with current Board members and Division leadership to support these volunteers in their on-going efforts on behalf of TPL. This will include identifying additional Board members to augment the current roster and expand the impact of the group.
Fund Development
- The Trust for Public Land has a diverse revenue stream including landowner donations, traditional philanthropy and fee for service. As the state leader, the new Director will be pivotal in establishing, fostering, and stewarding relationships with donors on behalf of The Trust for Public Land. This will include participating in sponsored events, meeting with individual donors, delivering presentations to groups, and generally serving as a resource to answer donors’ questions and discuss The Trust for Public Land’s statewide work.
Brand Awareness/Visibility
- The new Director will work in collaboration with Division leaders in marketing and communication to continue to raise the Oregon State office’s visibility and brand awareness for The Trust for Public Land in the community.
On-going Projects/Future Projects
- The Oregon State office is involved in a number of large, complex ongoing projects. The new Director must quickly get up to speed on each project, and then work with the Project Management staff to bring these projects to completion. In addition, the new Director will play a leadership role in helping identify and pursue new projects around the state.
Management
- The ideal candidate is a natural networker and a strong financial and people manager. S/he must be a diplomat with critical thinking and sound judgment abilities. In addition, the individual must possess initiative, energy, and the capacity to lead, mentor and inspire others.
Qualifications
Commitment to Mission and Values:
- Passion for The Trust for Public Land's mission to conserve land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, and ensuring livable communities for generations to come.
- Experience in philanthropy and/or fundraising.
- Connection to Oregon region that TPL supports.
Leadership/Management
- Demonstrated senior level leadership with a hybrid background in business and philanthropy.
- Demonstrated experience in conservation real estate practices, land conservation policy issues, public finance techniques, government funding practices and procedures, the foundation community, fundraising, marketing practices and budgeting practices.
- Transparent and consistent communicator across the organization.
- Excellent project management skills and strong financial acumen.
- Sophisticated management ability; authentic connector with all levels of staff, providing direction, vision, innovation, and inspiration.
- A track record of effective relationship management both internally and externally.
Strategy/Innovation
- Align and develop synergy across the organization in successful transition to a more comprehensive philanthropic business model.
- Help develop a future vision and inspiring innovation across the Oregon State offices.
General Requirements
- A minimum of eight years relevant experience, including five years of managerial experience, fund-raising experience, familiarity with conservation real estate, land conservation policy issues, public finance techniques, philanthropy and the foundation community; and an ability to travel and work flexible hours.
- Experience in land conservation and real estate strongly preferred.
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
How to Apply:
Please address a cover letter and resume to Ed Rogen at search@waldronhr.com.
The Trust for Public Land is an equal opportunity employer.
Posted: February 28, 2013
