Executive Director

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Founded in 1977, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) has spent nearly five decades serving as Monmouth County’s comprehensive land trust, advancing conservation transactions and stewardship work that require legal precision, disciplined governance, and long-horizon accountability. MCF serves as a vital facilitator and partner among public and private entities to preserve open space, farmland, and critical natural habitats. Accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, MCF has orchestrated major conservation initiatives—from the 1,200-acre Flemer Entities preservation to creating parks in underserved neighborhoods like Springwood Avenue Park in Asbury Park—demonstrating both ambitious scale and intentional commitment to environmental justice and equitable access to green space in a state where open space is dwindling rapidly.

Mission

Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s purpose is to acquire and preserve open space and farmland and conserve natural habitats throughout Monmouth County in support of outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability.

Vision

To lead conservation and education efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment, so all individuals and communities have access to and can benefit from open space and nature for generations to come.

This work takes place in Monmouth County, New Jersey – a region where natural beauty and quality of life are closely linked. Stretching along 40 miles of Atlantic coastline, Monmouth County encompasses diverse landscapes from beaches and barrier islands to working farmland and forests. Home to vibrant communities, acclaimed schools, thriving downtowns, and rich cultural amenities, the county offers residents and visitors alike access to both natural spaces and urban conveniences. With its proximity to major metropolitan areas yet distinct coastal character, Monmouth County represents a place where conservation work directly shapes community wellbeing. As a champion and advocate for the county, MCF works to ensure that land conservation and stewardship remain central to Monmouth County’s identity and future.

Today

After a long history of conservation leadership, MCF now stands at a transformative inflection point—one that deepens and expands the organization’s core mission while pioneering new approaches to land stewardship and community engagement.

As development pressures continue to mount on the remaining 20,000 acres of undeveloped land in Monmouth County, MCF is executing an ambitious three-year strategic plan focused on three core priorities:

• Core Mission-Driven Work: work assertively to preserve remaining, eligible undeveloped land in Monmouth County and effectively steward both existing and future easements.
• Educational Outreach: establish a hands-on education and outreach plan to reach Monmouth County residents of all ages focused on environmental sustainability and quality of life related to MCF’s mission.
• Fundraising & Communications: strengthen MCF’s image and identity, and build capacity through communications, marketing, engagement, and fundraising.

In April 2024, MCF achieved a historic milestone by becoming a landowner for the first time through the acquisition of the 90-acre Scudder Preserve in Middletown Township. This nature sanctuary, which began as a wildlife haven when the Scudder Family donated conservation easements in 1983, represents bold expansion of MCF’s capacity to fulfill its mission. Thanks to a $1 million anonymous donation and a $500,000 five-year commitment from New Jersey Resources, the Preserve is being transformed into a living laboratory for education, research, and conservation.

The Scudder Preserve anchors MCF’s educational vision, providing a space where educators, students, and conservationists can engage directly with the natural world while advancing the Foundation’s mission of land conservation and its commitment to protection of open space.

MCF intends for the Scudder Preserve to function not only as a conserved landscape, but as a strategic engine for the organization. As MCF’s first owned property, Scudder expands institutional capacity by anchoring education partnerships, research collaborations, donor cultivation, and long-term underwriting. It provides a visible, credible platform through which conservation outcomes, public benefit, and philanthropic investment can be aligned and scaled over time.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation seeks a visionary and strategic Executive Director to lead the organization through an important inflection point. Forty-nine years into its history, MCF has grown and adapted in response to ever-changing external circumstances without losing sight of its mission of preserving and protecting open space and natural habitats throughout Monmouth County. The Executive Director will be responsible for guiding the successful completion of MCF’s current three-year strategic plan while positioning the organization for its next chapter of growth and impact.

The Executive Director will lead all aspects of MCF’s work, including land acquisition, education programming, organizational leadership, business operations, fundraising, and external relations. This role requires maintaining focus on the urgent work of identifying opportunities and cultivation of diverse funding streams for the remaining 20,000 acres of undeveloped land in Monmouth County while supporting broader public engagement, improved stewardship of open space, and building the Foundation’s long-term capacity through educational innovation and the stewardship of the Scudder Preserve.

The Executive Director will serve as MCF’s principal external ambassador, strengthening philanthropic support while reinforcing trust with landowners, public partners, and community stakeholders. This person will supervise and provide thoughtful leadership to a deeply dedicated, talented team of five professionals and work closely with a Board of 29 dedicated and active trustees and 7 ex officio trustees.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will reflect strong leadership skills and be deeply passionate about conservation and the importance of protecting open space for the well‑being of communities and natural habitats. While deep technical experience in land transactions is not required, candidates should bring an understanding of land protections and stewardship methods, tools, and practices. A connection to Monmouth County and New Jersey is preferred, but not required.

Strategic and Results Oriented Leadership

• A pragmatic, outcome-focused leadership style with decisiveness and follow through.
• Ability to lead through complex, multi-party decisions.
• Experience articulating and executing ambitious, measurable strategies.
• Ability to inspire trust, create clarity, and lead with integrity.
• Experience leading skilled teams with values of listening, respect, and transparency.

Operational and Financial Management Skills

• Experience managing complex nonprofit organizations.
• Comfort governing sophisticated transactions and restricted resources.
• Strong project management and financial planning skills.
• Experience partnering with Boards to drive decision-making.

Effective Communicator and Relationship Builder

• Ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
• Comfort with public speaking and written communications.
• Skill navigating political and stakeholder dynamics.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Competency with Fundraising and Development

• Track record of personal involvement in fundraising.
• Experience identifying and securing diverse funding sources.
• Campaign and development operations experience a plus.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000.

Duties are performed in the office and the field. Travel is required to various locations in the county or Trenton. Evening and weekend work may be required.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

About DSG | Koya

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