EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Fairfield, CA
May 1, 2008

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Solano Land Trust, a nonprofit land conservation organization protecting agricultural and open space lands in Solano County, is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as its EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The executive director will provide the vision, leadership, strategy, and management to move the organization forward into its third decade of work preserving rural and natural landscapes. The Executive Director will work with a broad coalition of ranchers, farmers, open space advocates, scientists, private land owners and public sector leaders to preserve farmlands, ranchlands and open space in Solano County.

ABOUT SOLANO LAND TRUST
Solano Land Trust is a private non-profit organization whose mission is the preservation of agricultural lands, open space, and resources through the acquisition of land and conservation easements, education, and land management.
Founded in 1986 as the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation, the group changed its name in 2004 to the Solano Land Trust. The Solano Land Trust was established as a result of litigation involving open space advocates, land developers and a municipal government. This unusual genesis created a board that reflects all sides of land-use issues united in the mission to preserve the agricultural lands and natural landscapes of Solano County. Using innovative, non-confrontational techniques, SLT has permanently protected 19,403 acres of natural areas and agricultural lands to date.
Our anchor properties at Jepson Prairie Preserve, King-Swett Ranches, Lynch Canyon and Rush Ranch represent the rich and varied landscape that makes Solano County unique. From rare vernal pools to tidal marsh wetlands to rolling serpentine grasslands, our properties serve an important role in preserving these habitats for residents in the local community, the Greater Bay Area and all of California.

Working in close partnership with landowners, state and federal agencies, the UC Natural Reserve System, National Estuarine Research Reserve System, livestock operators, nonprofits and our many dedicated volunteers, Solano Land Trust protects and preserves Solano County’s farmland, ranchland, and open space for future generations SLT owns over 10,000 acres of land in Solano County and has placed conservation easements on more than 8,000 acres. The operating budget and staff have grown significantly in recent years. The organization has an annual operating budget of $2-3 million, staff of eleven, 13 member board of directors and over 140 dedicated volunteers.

Numerous new conservation easement and land acquisitions projects are in various stages of development. SLT has just opened a nature center at our Rush Ranch open space in the Suisun Marsh. We have plans either approved or underway for management of habitat and public access on our properties. We are in year-one of a three-year agreement with Solano County to manage public access at our 1,038-acre Lynch Canyon Open Space. Our updated website won a 2007 Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Web Marketing Association. To learn more about SLT, visit www.solanolandtrust.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the land trust, and provides the inspiration, leadership and direction to achieve ambitious organizational goals in a complex environment. The executive director maximizes the organization’s strengths, increases its visibility, builds and stewards strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and ensures the financial integrity and sustainability of the organization. The executive director oversees all land trust programs, including acquisition of conservation easements, land stewardship, open space access and education.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision and Strategy
The Executive Director provides leadership to the board, staff, volunteers, docents and other stakeholders in implementing the vision and mission of the land trust. The Executive Director partners with the board in developing, implementing and monitoring a long range strategic plan for the organization.

Resource Development and Stakeholder Relations
The Executive Director works closely with the development director, board members and volunteers to leverage connections, maximize fund development and diversify funding sources. S/he serves as a role model for reaching out to and working collaboratively with staff, the Board of Directors and its many subcommittees, volunteers and docents, partners, the farming and business communities and the general public. S/he staffs the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee as well as attends/supports the Investment Committee, the Audit Committee, the Ag Conservation Easement Committee, the Fundraising Committee, and the Habitat and Open Space Transactions Committee.

Financial Management
The Executive Director ensures the long-term financial health and stability of the land trust by actively guiding fund-raising and legacy programs, grant-writing, grazing license, endowment and other revenue-generating activities. The Executive Director also oversees preparation and monitoring of annual budgets and writes the accompanying annual budget narrative.

Human Resource Management
The Executive Director supports staff and sustains an organizational culture of accountability, opportunity and professional development. S/he develops personnel policies and compensation strategies, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. S/he regularly assesses and refines the organization’s structure and staffing model to ensure program effectiveness and operational capacity. S/he supports volunteer recruitment, recognition and retention.

Organizational Management
The Executive Director ensures that programs, operations, and professional image are supported by sufficient technology, field and business infrastructure. S/he ensures that the organization meets and exceeds all regulations and reporting requirements from government entities and other stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to and passion for the preservation of agricultural and open space land and the valuable resources they hold. S/he will be a proven leader with experience managing staff and growing revenue in a complex organization.

The successful candidate could come from the nonprofit, government, agricultural or business sector, but must demonstrate a deep knowledge of nonprofit structures and practices. This person must also have an affinity for complex negotiations and business transactions, and the proven ability to forge strong partnerships with people and organizations with opposing views or priorities.

Specific skills and experience include:

• Significant experience as an executive director or senior manager in a non-profit, governmental or for-profit organization is required.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams of diverse individuals in a variety of settings is required.
• Knowledge or experience with agriculture, rangeland management or land stewardship is highly desired.
• Experience with real estate transactions and/or complex legal transactions is preferred.
• Ability to successfully raise money from individuals, corporations and foundations is required.
• Competency in performing and reviewing complex writing assignments, such as grant applications, policies, strategic plans, contracts and studies is required.
• Proven public speaking and motivational skills are required.
• Personal knowledge of and relationships within Solano County are highly desired.


Interested parties should contact Leyna Bernstein, The CBO Center
(510) 381-4356 or leyna@cbocenter.org by May 30