Overview

Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) is a nationally accredited land trust dedicated to conserving and stewarding the distinctive landscapes, waters, wildlife habitat, and communities of Downeast Maine. Based in Machias, Maine, DCC works collaboratively with landowners, communities, volunteers, and partner organizations to protect and care for ecologically significant lands throughout Washington County.

DCC is seeking a collaborative, mission-driven Executive Director to guide the organization through its next chapter of organizational leadership and strategic growth. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as DCC’s chief executive leader, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, leading and supporting staff, strengthening organizational operations, leading resource development efforts, building community relationships, and partnering closely with the Board on governance and long-term strategy.

Key Leadership Priorities

The next Executive Director will help:

• Demonstrate authentic passion for conservation, stewardship, and the future of Downeast Maine
• Lead and support a collaborative and mission-driven staff team
• Advance resource development, donor engagement, and community relationships
• Ensure strong financial management and organizational sustainability
• Help DCC clarify and implement long-term strategic priorities
• Balance conservation, stewardship, outreach, and organizational growth priorities
• Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for DCC throughout the region
• Strengthen communication, organizational alignment, and operational systems
• Support healthy governance practices and a strong Board partnership

Ideal Candidate

DCC recognizes that strong nonprofit leadership can come from a variety of professional backgrounds. While conservation and land trust experience is valued, the organization is equally interested in candidates who bring strong leadership, management, fundraising, and relationship-building skills.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate many of the following:

• Nonprofit leadership or senior management experience
• Public speaking, written communication, and relationship-building skills
• Resource development and donor engagement experience
• Financial management and budgeting experience
• Strategic thinking and organizational planning skills
• Collaborative relationships with boards of directors and volunteers
• Staff supervision and organizational leadership experience
• Commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and organizational culture
• Passion for conservation, community, and DCC’s mission

DCC understands that no candidate will bring every experience or qualification listed above. We encourage candidates who feel inspired by the mission and believe they can contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience
• 100% employer-paid health and vision insurance for single subscriber coverage
• IRA retirement plan with employer match up to 3%
• 15 paid vacation days annually
• 12 paid sick days annually
• 14 paid federal holidays annually
• Dental insurance at employee cost
• Additional voluntary employee benefit offerings

About Downeast Maine

Washington County offers an extraordinary quality of life for individuals who value community, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and meaningful connection to place. Downeast Maine is known for its rugged coastline, forests, and welcoming communities, with unparalleled access to hiking, paddling, wildlife, and conserved lands. This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of conservation while living and working in one of Maine’s most distinctive regions.