Jefferson Land Trust Executive Director

The Executive Director will provide organizational leadership by guiding strategy, supporting a talented and empowered staff team, maintaining strong board relations, stewarding donor and community relationships, and serving as a face and voice of Jefferson Land Trust across the Olympic Peninsula and beyond.

The position calls for someone who leads from humility — a connector and convener who brings people together around a shared love of place. The Executive Director will understand that the organization’s culture of collaboration, kindness, and consensus is not just how Jefferson Land Trust works, but why it works. They will step into a high-functioning team and see their role as a partner and an empowerer.

The Executive Director will embrace the opportunity to reach people across the Olympic Peninsula who may not yet know Jefferson Land Trust, turning curious neighbors into lifelong supporters while deepening relationships with the landowners, tribal partners, farmers, funders, and organizations that already make this work possible.

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Direction

• Collaborate with staff and the Board of Directors to develop, refine, and implement long-term strategic plans and annual work plans that reflect the organization’s mission and values
• Provide visionary leadership that honors the organization’s culture of collaboration, consensus, and inclusive decision making
• Translate strategic goals into achievable objectives, working in genuine partnership with staff, board, and community
• Ensure that programs and activities are developed, executed, and evaluated to maximize mission impact
• Participate with the Land Trust Alliance, Washington Association of Land Trusts, and peer organizations on policy, accreditation, and issues of shared interest

Community Engagement and Relationship Building

• Lead Jefferson Land Trust’s staff and board to be ambassadors and representatives across the Olympic Peninsula — connecting with landowners, community members, local and state officials, media, tribal partners, and the broader public
• Actively reach out to people across the Olympic Peninsula who may be unfamiliar with Jefferson Land Trust, building bridges and expanding the community of supporters and believers
• Sustain and deepen the organization’s collaborative partnerships with local and regional organizations, including Indigenous tribal nations, small-scale farmers, government agencies, funders, and conservation allies
• Ensure that organizational culture and programming actively welcome volunteers and community participation
• Oversee outreach, communications, and events that build connection and belonging
• Serve as a board member of the Clallam County-based North Olympic Land Trust

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Lead fundraising and development efforts with energy, warmth, and authenticity, sharing Jefferson Land Trust’s story and building genuine relationships with donors and prospective supporters
• Work alongside the Board of Directors and Director of Philanthropy to develop and implement fundraising strategies, including major gifts, campaign giving, planned giving, and grants
• Cultivate deep, long-term relationships with donors and partners rooted in mutual interest and investment in conservation and appreciation of place

Board Relations and Governance

• Support board member recruitment, orientation, and ongoing education on land trust issues and organizational governance
• Keep board members informed of Jefferson Land Trust activities and provide organizational support to officers and committees
• Provide data and resources that support the board in strategic decision making and engage the board in strategic conversations that support a consensus-based culture
• Serve as liaison between board and staff, ensuring productive and trusting relationships across the organization
• Manage growing complexities of the organization, including subsidiary LLCs: Chimacum Ridge Community Forest, JLT Resources, and Olympic Wildland Burial Grounds

Administration and Financial Stewardship

• Ensure financial compliance, strong practices, and fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, annual audit, and tax filings
• Recruit, develop, and support staff, conducting evaluations, providing coaching, and fostering high morale and a sense of shared ownership
• Maintain administrative and communication systems that support efficient, mission-aligned operations
• Oversee compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and Land Trust standards and practices requirements, including accreditation

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range is $120,000–$140,000, commensurate with experience.

A comprehensive benefits package will be provided and includes health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits appropriate to the role and organization. A relocation package is negotiable for out-of-area applicants.

LOCATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Stretching from the Salish Sea across the Olympic Peninsula to the Pacific Ocean, Jefferson County, Washington, is a place where extraordinary natural beauty meets deeply engaged, values-driven communities. Residents care fiercely about their land, waters, wildlife, arts, local economy, and one another — and show up through volunteerism, civic participation, and collaborative problem-solving. It’s a county where visionary leadership is welcomed, partnerships thrive, and people believe that together they can shape a resilient, inclusive future.

The Executive Director will be based at Jefferson Land Trust’s offices in Port Townsend, Washington, with regular travel throughout Jefferson County and the broader Olympic Peninsula and region. The position requires a regular in-person presence to build and sustain strong relationships with staff, board members, landowners, community partners, and donors.

The role requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for events, community programs, and organizational activities.

TO APPLY

Please visit potrerogroup.com/jlt and select “Apply Here.” Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role.

Interested candidates should apply by April 13th for priority consideration.

START DATE July 2026

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More information on Jefferson Land Trust can be found at saveland.org.

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Daniel Student, Managing Director and Search Lead at Potrero Group, at

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