The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust dedicated to conserving healthy watersheds, thriving biodiversity and vibrant human communities across central New Hampshire. With nearly 30,000 acres conserved, a talented staff, and a growing community of supporters, LRCT has built a strong record of conservation success and is well-positioned for continued growth.

The Senior Director of Conservation is a leadership role responsible for translating LRCT's strategic vision into an effective, collaborative, and high-performing conservation program. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position oversees the two teams - Lands Acquisition and Stewardship - that encapsulate the full lands project lifecycle from initial landowner communication to property monitoring and management in perpetuity.  The successful candidate will work with the teams to ensure conservation programs are well resourced, aligned, and positioned to meet the organization's conservation goals.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Senior Director helps carry out organizational priorities by developing staff, strengthening systems, coordinating resources, and building collaboration across departments. The role serves as an advisor to the Executive Director on conservation matters while giving department leaders room to lead their own areas. The Senior Director also carries an active portfolio of program work, including complex conservation projects, stewardship activities, and landowner engagement.

Principal Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a member of LRCT's leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, budgeting, and implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Advise the Executive Director on conservation program performance, emerging opportunities, operational challenges, and organizational capacity.
• Partner with development, communications, finance, and operations staff to align departmental work with broader organizational goals.
• Act on behalf of the Executive Director in a leadership capacity when delegated.

Program Management and Delivery

• Direct implementation of conservation priorities and the annual work plan, ensuring effective coordination between land acquisition and stewardship across the full conservation lifecycle.
• Build and improve departmental systems, policies, and workflows that increase efficiency, consistency, and organizational resilience.
• Lead regular project review meetings to identify risks, remove barriers, allocate resources, and keep work on schedule.
• Resolve complex project issues, regulatory questions, and partnership challenges alongside staff.
• Monitor departmental performance and resource allocation; recommend improvements that strengthen conservation outcomes.
• Lead and maintain an active portfolio of conservation work, including land and conservation easement acquisitions, conveyances, and stewardship.
• Pursue and manage project funding, including external grants, internal budgets, and stewardship contributions.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor a growing conservation team (3 direct reports, 1 indirect report, and seasonal staff).
• Build a collaborative, mission-driven team culture grounded in clear communication, mutual accountability, and continuous learning.
• Provide staff support for conservation-related Board initiatives and policy development.

External Relations

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with municipalities, conservation organizations, public agencies, and community partners.
• Manage and coordinate contractors and vendors alongside staff.
• Support the Executive Director in cultivating strategic partnerships that advance LRCT's mission.
• Represent LRCT in regional conservation initiatives, collaborative efforts, and professional organizations as assigned.
• Support landowner cultivation efforts and funding partnerships.

Qualifications and Skills:

We are seeking an experienced leader who excels at building collaborative relationships and translating strategic vision into effective conservation outcomes. If that describes you, we encourage you to apply even if your background doesn't match every item on this list.

• Enthusiasm for and commitment to LRCT’s conservation mission.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 7+ years of experience in land conservation, natural resources, or related experience
• Demonstrated experience managing land transactions and/or stewardship programs
• Experience managing professional staff in a nonprofit, government or comparable setting
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Strong interpersonal, listening, communication and relationship-building skills
• Deep knowledge of conservation easements, real estate and land protection tools
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the Lakes Region (mileage reimbursed)

Preferred

• Experience with New Hampshire conservation law, land use policy and relevant state and federal programs (NRCS, LCHIP, etc.)
• Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance accreditation requirements
• Experience with GIS, land management databases or program management software
• Experience with fee land management, timber or agricultural conservation programs
• Knowledge of the Lakes Region and its communities
• Background in land trust, conservation, or environmental nonprofit contexts

Compensation and details

This is a full-time position based in Center Harbor, NH. Salary range is $90,000-105,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required. We are flexible and family-friendly in how we structure the workday.