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Executive Director, Lula Lake Land Trust
In it’s 24 years as a private, non-profit Land Trust located in Lookout Mountain Georgia, Lula Lake has protected 8,000 acres of land, constructed nearly 60 miles of recreational trails, sees 1200+ EE students per year, and 20,000+ visitors per year. LLLT seeks a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to move the organization to new heights. This multifaceted individual will balance time working on the core tenants of conservation, environmental education, and minimum impact recreation on Lookout Mountain. The ED is the face of the organization and must enjoy being part of the community and working directly with partner organizations. As the chief fundraiser, the ED will have a keen understanding of and proven fundraising and development abilities. Lula LLLT is located just outside the vibrant city of Chattanooga, TN. This is a full time position with salary and benefits. Serious, qualified interest only.
LULA LAKE LAND TRUST (LLLT) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lookout Mountain, Georgia
About the Organization
The Lula Lake Land Trust was established by Helen and Robert Davenport in January of 1994. The Lula Lake Land Trust preserves the natural and historic landscapes surrounding Rock Creek and Bear Creek, and their tributaries, through conservation, education, and low impact recreation. In furtherance of this core mission, LLLT continues to acquire and, in partnership with others, create a network of conservation properties within its watersheds. In its 24-year existence, the Land Trust has increased its protected areas from approximately 1,200 acres to over 8,000 acres today and has constructed a network of over 60 miles of trails on Lookout Mountain. We promote sound land conservation principles and practices by establishing long-term biological monitoring, encouraging basic and advanced scientific research and inquiry, creating informative educational offerings, and works closely with neighboring landowners and the surrounding community to protect the rural and natural character of Lookout Mountain. The Land Trust is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that receives support from individual and corporate contributions and through foundations with project-specific grants. For more information about the LLLT and its programs, visit www.lulalake.org.
In the next 5-10 years, LLLT seeks to become operationally sustainable through expansion of the endowment and reliable grants. We seek a leader who can guide the organization to the next level in our three core tenets of land conservation, education, and recreation.
Executive Director, Job Description
The Executive Director is a full-time position that reports to the Board of Directors and specifically to the Board Chair. As the chief executive officer of LLLT, the Executive Director will provide professional oversight of the organization and its professional staff of three: full-time Land Manager, full time Development Director, Contract Bookkeeper and numerous part time staff, volunteers and interns.
As the lead fundraiser for the organization, the Executive Director (in conjunction with the Development Director) will develop, sustain, cultivate, and identify new sources of philanthropic support, including major gifts, foundation support, individual support and business donations. The Executive Director will oversee the fiscal operations of the Land Trust.
This new hire must be able to provide leadership, identity and increased visibility in our region. He or she must be an excellent communicator, effective speaker, motivator and team builder, and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times. In collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff, he or she will be able to articulate and convey a vision for the future of the LLLT and translate strategic goals into achievable objectives.
The position requires knowledge of land trust principles, functions and systems, as well as ingenuity and leadership skills. Duties of this position include:
Land Conservation
Design, implement, and manage (new and existing) land conservation programs in conjunction with the Board, the Land Manager, and our collaborative partners. Maintain information about the status of all Land Trust projects and coordinate project activities. Assist the Board with negotiations, contracts, and due diligence. Should have experience in complex real estate transactions.
Fundraising and Donor Relations
With the Board and the Development Director, meet with, oversee, cultivate and maintain relationships with donors. Work with the Development Director to maintain complete records of all donation activities. In conjunction with the Board and the Development Director, initiate, develop and implement fundraising strategies and coordinate fundraising events. Explore new potential grants and fundraising sources.
Communications
Champion and advocate for LLLT’s mission, achievements and goals to broad and diverse audiences both locally and beyond. Through enhanced outreach and marketing, create and promote a strong organizational identity that clearly conveys the mission and goals of the Land Trust to inspire and galvanize internal and external stakeholder support. Work with the Development Director to produce a bi-annual newsletter with wide circulation to our donors, stakeholders, private and public partners and advocates. The ED will further the organization’s IT capacity encouraging organizational use of GIS, communications software, AI and other apps to aid in smooth operations.
Community Outreach and Education
Working with Staff, Board, volunteers and others, oversee and coordinate outreach to landowner partners, organizational partners, local and state governments, the media, donors, and the public at large. Support and grow the LLLT’s effective collaborations with landowner partners, organizational partners, public agencies, local and state governments, media, donors and others to connect the public and key decision makers to our land conservation and stewardship initiatives. Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities. Communicate with other land trusts on policy legislation, education and issues of common interest.
Financial Management
Working with the Board Treasurer, Board Chair and Contract Bookkeeper, prepare annual budget for Board approval and monitor activities to meet the budget. Coordinate financial audits and work with Contract Bookkeeper and CPA to file all necessary tax filings. Maintain complete records of all financial activities. With Board Treasurer and Board Chair, make regular financial reports to the Board.
Legal Compliance
Oversee and ensure compliance with state and federal non-profit corporation requirements, including 501(c)(3) issues. Ensure required returns and reports are timely filed and taxes are paid when due. Observe bylaws and alert the Board when changes may be necessary.
Strategic and Policy Planning and Development.
Work with the Board and Staff, develop for Board review and approval the annual work plan and budget for a multi-year strategic plan.
Position Qualifications
The following are preferred qualifications for the position:
A 4-year degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field
At least 5 years experience in land use and conservation
Demonstrated leadership skills, including collaborative management and supervisory skills and experience working with a non-profit board of directors
Experience with fund and membership development and grant writing
A passion for the natural environment and knowledge of environmental issues
Excellent writing and public speaking skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Experience with office computer applications
Experience managing projects and budgets
Ability to work independently
A self-starter, motivated by a job well done rather than an order taker
Ability to work with and motivate people
Due to our small staff size, the ED must be able to change uniforms quickly to move from coat and tie to Carharts to aid in event set up, trail construction, or morph into other positions in the event of unforeseen absences. This individual must be willing to do it all - if necessary.
Compensation
LLLT offers a salary commensurate with experience and skill set plus benefits. Salary is tied closely to the regional averages as noted in the LTA.org 2017 salary survey. The successful candidate will be expected to reside in or near Lookout Mountain, GA.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to mike@lulalake.com.
Application deadline: October 15, 2018. Expected starting date between Dec.15, 2018 and Feb.15, 2019
Executive Director, Lula Lake Land Trust
In it’s 24 years as a private, non-profit Land Trust located in Lookout Mountain Georgia, Lula Lake has protected 8,000 acres of land, constructed nearly 60 miles of recreational trails, sees 1200+ EE students per year, and 20,000+ visitors per year. LLLT seeks a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to move the organization to new heights. This multifaceted individual will balance time working on the core tenants of conservation, environmental education, and minimum impact recreation on Lookout Mountain. The ED is the face of the organization and must enjoy being part of the community and working directly with partner organizations. As the chief fundraiser, the ED will have a keen understanding of and proven fundraising and development abilities. Lula LLLT is located just outside the vibrant city of Chattanooga, TN. This is a full time position with salary and benefits. Serious, qualified interest only.
LULA LAKE LAND TRUST (LLLT) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lookout Mountain, Georgia
About the Organization
The Lula Lake Land Trust was established by Helen and Robert Davenport in January of 1994. The Lula Lake Land Trust preserves the natural and historic landscapes surrounding Rock Creek and Bear Creek, and their tributaries, through conservation, education, and low impact recreation. In furtherance of this core mission, LLLT continues to acquire and, in partnership with others, create a network of conservation properties within its watersheds. In its 24-year existence, the Land Trust has increased its protected areas from approximately 1,200 acres to over 8,000 acres today and has constructed a network of over 60 miles of trails on Lookout Mountain. We promote sound land conservation principles and practices by establishing long-term biological monitoring, encouraging basic and advanced scientific research and inquiry, creating informative educational offerings, and works closely with neighboring landowners and the surrounding community to protect the rural and natural character of Lookout Mountain. The Land Trust is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that receives support from individual and corporate contributions and through foundations with project-specific grants. For more information about the LLLT and its programs, visit www.lulalake.org.
In the next 5-10 years, LLLT seeks to become operationally sustainable through expansion of the endowment and reliable grants. We seek a leader who can guide the organization to the next level in our three core tenets of land conservation, education, and recreation.
Executive Director, Job Description
The Executive Director is a full-time position that reports to the Board of Directors and specifically to the Board Chair. As the chief executive officer of LLLT, the Executive Director will provide professional oversight of the organization and its professional staff of three: full-time Land Manager, full time Development Director, Contract Bookkeeper and numerous part time staff, volunteers and interns.
As the lead fundraiser for the organization, the Executive Director (in conjunction with the Development Director) will develop, sustain, cultivate, and identify new sources of philanthropic support, including major gifts, foundation support, individual support and business donations. The Executive Director will oversee the fiscal operations of the Land Trust.
This new hire must be able to provide leadership, identity and increased visibility in our region. He or she must be an excellent communicator, effective speaker, motivator and team builder, and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times. In collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff, he or she will be able to articulate and convey a vision for the future of the LLLT and translate strategic goals into achievable objectives.
The position requires knowledge of land trust principles, functions and systems, as well as ingenuity and leadership skills. Duties of this position include:
Land Conservation
Design, implement, and manage (new and existing) land conservation programs in conjunction with the Board, the Land Manager, and our collaborative partners. Maintain information about the status of all Land Trust projects and coordinate project activities. Assist the Board with negotiations, contracts, and due diligence. Should have experience in complex real estate transactions.
Fundraising and Donor Relations
With the Board and the Development Director, meet with, oversee, cultivate and maintain relationships with donors. Work with the Development Director to maintain complete records of all donation activities. In conjunction with the Board and the Development Director, initiate, develop and implement fundraising strategies and coordinate fundraising events. Explore new potential grants and fundraising sources.
Communications
Champion and advocate for LLLT’s mission, achievements and goals to broad and diverse audiences both locally and beyond. Through enhanced outreach and marketing, create and promote a strong organizational identity that clearly conveys the mission and goals of the Land Trust to inspire and galvanize internal and external stakeholder support. Work with the Development Director to produce a bi-annual newsletter with wide circulation to our donors, stakeholders, private and public partners and advocates. The ED will further the organization’s IT capacity encouraging organizational use of GIS, communications software, AI and other apps to aid in smooth operations.
Community Outreach and Education
Working with Staff, Board, volunteers and others, oversee and coordinate outreach to landowner partners, organizational partners, local and state governments, the media, donors, and the public at large. Support and grow the LLLT’s effective collaborations with landowner partners, organizational partners, public agencies, local and state governments, media, donors and others to connect the public and key decision makers to our land conservation and stewardship initiatives. Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities. Communicate with other land trusts on policy legislation, education and issues of common interest.
Financial Management
Working with the Board Treasurer, Board Chair and Contract Bookkeeper, prepare annual budget for Board approval and monitor activities to meet the budget. Coordinate financial audits and work with Contract Bookkeeper and CPA to file all necessary tax filings. Maintain complete records of all financial activities. With Board Treasurer and Board Chair, make regular financial reports to the Board.
Legal Compliance
Oversee and ensure compliance with state and federal non-profit corporation requirements, including 501(c)(3) issues. Ensure required returns and reports are timely filed and taxes are paid when due. Observe bylaws and alert the Board when changes may be necessary.
Strategic and Policy Planning and Development.
Work with the Board and Staff, develop for Board review and approval the annual work plan and budget for a multi-year strategic plan.
Position Qualifications
The following are preferred qualifications for the position:
A 4-year degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field
At least 5 years experience in land use and conservation
Demonstrated leadership skills, including collaborative management and supervisory skills and experience working with a non-profit board of directors
Experience with fund and membership development and grant writing
A passion for the natural environment and knowledge of environmental issues
Excellent writing and public speaking skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Experience with office computer applications
Experience managing projects and budgets
Ability to work independently
A self-starter, motivated by a job well done rather than an order taker
Ability to work with and motivate people
Due to our small staff size, the ED must be able to change uniforms quickly to move from coat and tie to Carharts to aid in event set up, trail construction, or morph into other positions in the event of unforeseen absences. This individual must be willing to do it all - if necessary.
Compensation
LLLT offers a salary commensurate with experience and skill set plus benefits. Salary is tied closely to the regional averages as noted in the LTA.org 2017 salary survey. The successful candidate will be expected to reside in or near Lookout Mountain, GA.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to mike@lulalake.com.
Application deadline: October 15, 2018. Expected starting date between Dec.15, 2018 and Feb.15, 2019
