Senior Director of Land Conservation

Potomac Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and clean water leader in the Potomac River region. We’re committed to restoring the Potomac to full health for the five million people who rely on the river for drinking water and outdoor enjoyment. By protecting and restoring natural areas, we reduce water pollution, stop reckless deforestation/habitat destruction, and strengthen our community’s defenses against the climate crisis. Our impassioned base of over 42,000 supporters empowers us to conserve and expand streamside forests, pass water protection laws, and restore habitat and shorelines.

Position Overview The Senior Director of Land Conservation leads Potomac Conservancy’s land protection work in the headwaters of the Potomac River. This role manages the Lands Team, drives complex conservation transactions, and builds strong relationships with landowners, partners, and funders. The Senior Director also serves on the Strategic Leadership Working Group, the DEIJ Working Group, leads the Board Land Conservation Committee, and plays a key role in annual budgeting and program planning.

Responsibilities Lead Conservation Program (50%)

Drive purchased easement acquisition in the Back Creek watershed and manage landowner relationships

Develop conservation strategies for priority geographies and maintain a strong project pipeline

With fundraising staff, secure funding for land and easement projects

Ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards and practices

Internal Leadership & Strategy (30%)

Supervise Lands Team staff and contractors

Lead annual planning, budgeting, and monthly progress tracking

Lead Board Land Conservation Committee and contribute to organizational strategy

Regional Collaboration (10%)

Represent Potomac Conservancy in regional collaboratives

Support joint planning, grants, and landowner outreach with partners

Develop proposals and manage grants for conservation projects

Engage funders and support donor communications

Qualifications

Minimum of 7 years’ experience managing land conservation programs and closing conservation easements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of study or equivalent experience. Master’s degree or equivalent experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Deep knowledge of land protection practices, real estate processes, and public funding sources (federal, state, local)

Strong ability to navigate landowner and partner relationships, anticipate needs, and resolve conflict

Strategic, long-term thinker with creative, practical problem-solving skills

Clear, effective communicator across audiences, with strong awareness of how language shapes outcomes

Proven fundraiser with experience securing public and private funding, including grant writing

Experienced team leader able to manage staff, contractors, and partners toward shared goals

Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices and accreditation requirements

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities independently

Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

GIS experience is preferred

Able to travel locally and work occasional evenings and weekends

Compensation and Benefits Starting salary range: $85,000-90,000

This is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week position. Candidates located in or willing to relocate to Northern Shenandoah Valley or West Virginia Panhandle are preferred. Candidates from across the Potomac Watershed with the ability to travel to our priority locations will be considered.

Largely remote work with site visits throughout the Potomac Watershed and occasional meetings in or near our Winchester, VA office. Options are available for a hybrid work schedule out of our Winchester or Bethesda offices.

Benefits include medical coverage, with 80% of premiums covered by the Conservancy;

Competitive rates on dental and vision coverage

18 days paid time off, 11 holidays, and 3 floating personal holidays per year with leave increasing over tenure;

Half-day Fridays in July and August and one week ‘end-of-year' break;

Flexible work schedule that reflects Potomac Conservancy’s commitment to a healthy work/life balance;

403 (b) matching, with no vesting period and flex spending accounts;

Working with bright, fun coworkers; and interacting with a supportive board of directors.

Potomac Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer.

Note: This posting does not include application-process information. Applications are handled electronically and the position will remain open until filled.

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