Executive Director

Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 by residents of Grand Lake Stream, Maine. DLLT owns and manages a 57,703-acre Community Forest for wildlife habitat, public recreation, and a sustainable forest economy. With an annual operating budget over $1,500,000, DLLT is an exemplary and innovative land trust, with a trailblazing mission to further both the economic and environmental well-being of Downeast Maine. DLLT has raised over $60 million for easements and land purchases and developed the first California registered carbon offset project in Maine.

Location: The position is based in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. This is a small, rural community (winter pop. 100) with a traditional natural resource-based economy focused on outdoor recreational tourism and the timber products industry. 

Executive Director Job Overview

Essential Functions

The Executive Director (ED) leads a dynamic community-based organization headquartered in Grand Lake Stream, Maine with a staff of five full-time positions including Administration Manager, Development & Outreach Manager, Natural Resources Manager, and Education & Volunteer Coordinator. In addition, DLLT employs one part-time Forestry Technician and two to four seasonal positions.

The ED is a full-time, year-round position reporting to the Board of Directors. The ED is very much a hands-on position and the ED should know the property intimately and use this knowledge to improve the trust’s lands for enjoyment by local and visiting outdoors people, exemplary wildlife habitat, and traditional forestry harvesting. Primary responsibilities include:

• Implementation of board-approved strategic plans.
• Ensuring sound financial management and governmental compliance.
• Overseeing day-to-day operations and managing staff.
• Working with an engaged and committed Board of Directors though Board Committees.
• Fundraising for annual operations and capital campaigns.
• Representing DLLT to the community, supporters, donors, grant makers, agencies, partners and contractors.
• Overseeing Community Forest management and ensuring compliance with DLLT plans, policies, carbon offset projects, conservation easements, other legal requirements, and forest management certifications.

Basic Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be able to leverage the existing governance, mission and assets while using enthusiasm, experience and hard work to take DLLT to its next level. Qualifications include:

• Commitment to natural resource conservation, forest stewardship, wildlife habitat, education, outdoor recreation, and supporting long term economic growth of a natural resource based rural economy. Enthusiasm for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, birding, canoeing, hunting and fishing a plus.
• Strong organizational leadership, program oversight and personnel management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and enhance cooperative partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills across all mediums and comfort with public speaking to a wide range of audiences.
• Fundraising ability in the full range of sources available to conservation organizations, including grant writing and relationship building.
• Demonstrated commitment to sound financial management.
• Ability to develop and administer contracts and bidding processes.
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in a natural resource or environmental science field preferred.

Compensation

DLLT offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications as well as benefits including health insurance, HSA, retirement, generous paid leave, flexible hours, and remote work options. Please state salary requirements in your application materials. 

To Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references in a single document by email to [email protected], ATTN: Executive Director. For more information on the Downeast Lakes Land Trust, see www.downeastlakes.org. DLLT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Applications will be reviewed beginning Friday, March 31, 2023. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.