Landscape Conservation Program Director

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Landscape Conservation Program Director advancing Appalachian Trail Conservancy protection and connected landscapes. Leading partnerships, conservation investments, funding, and measurable outcomes across the Appalachian Trail region.

Posted 8/9/2026full-timeRemote • Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $90,000 - $110,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in landscape-scale conservation strategies, partnership development, and organizational capacity building. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve measurable conservation outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Landscape-Scale ConservationPartnership DevelopmentGrant ManagementStrategic LeadershipGIS Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Conservation PrinciplesLand Protection StrategiesProgram ManagementData AnalysisGrant WritingPerformance MeasurementFunding ComplianceCollaboration TechniquesCommunity EngagementNegotiation Skills

Soft Skills

Leadership PresenceCommunication SkillsInfluencing Without AuthorityFacilitation SkillsAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeDatabase SystemsESRI GIS ApplicationsVirtual Communication Platforms

Industry Keywords

Environmental ScienceNatural Resource ManagementPublic AdministrationConservation FinanceAppalachian National Scenic TrailRural Community EngagementMulti-Partner InitiativesConservation Incentive Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Establish and continually refine ATC's landscape conservation strategy and long-term vision
Align staff, work plans, partnerships, and investments with organizational priorities
Represent ATC's landscape conservation vision with leadership, the Board, partners, agencies, and funders
Build organizational capacity and sustainable funding
Lead ATC's engagement in landscape-scale, regional, and place-based partnerships
Align partners around shared priorities and collaborative initiatives
Provide strategic leadership for the A.T. Communities Program
Cultivate partnerships that reinforce ATC's role as a trusted convener and driver of meaningful impact
Direct strategic deployment of the Wild East Action Fund and related conservation investments
Guide prioritization of high-value conservation opportunities using science, GIS, and partner knowledge
Promote practical decision-support tools
Advance innovation through research partnerships
Supervise staff and establish outcome-focused performance measures
Monitor performance and adapt strategies using data and partner feedback
Communicate accomplishments to leadership, funders, and the Board
Report to the Vice President, Conservation and Government Relations
Periodically travel throughout ATC's 14-state service area and beyond for meetings, workshops, community events, and conferences
Support meetings, events, and partner engagement activities during occasional evenings and weekends

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
5–7 years of experience managing collaborative conservation, land protection, or landscape-scale conservation initiatives
Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading staff, teams, programs, or significant crossfunctional initiatives
Ability to establish priorities, develop organizational capacity, and drive accountability for results
Knowledge of landscape-scale conservation principles, land protection strategies, partnership development, and collaborative conservation approaches
Ability to work with public, private, nonprofit, and community stakeholders
Ability to provide strategic leadership across complex, multi-partner initiatives by influencing without direct authority
Ability to navigate competing interests, establish shared priorities, and align diverse organizations and stakeholders to achieve measurable conservation outcomes
Experience managing and developing grants, funding agreements, or conservation incentive programs, including tracking deliverables and compliance requirements
Strong leadership presence
Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and facilitation skills
Ability to communicate complex information, influence decision-making, and represent the organization effectively
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and database systems
Ability to use data, technology, and performance measures for program management and organizational decision-making
Experience with grant writing, grant administration, regranting programs, grant reporting, and conservation finance
Knowledge of public and private conservation funding sources, including federal, state, philanthropic, and foundation grants
Experience working with large-scale conservation partnerships, land trusts, government agencies, and regional conservation coalitions
Experience engaging in rural communities and municipalities, particularly within the Appalachian region
Proficiency with ESRI GIS applications and related data management and communication tools
Familiarity with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its cooperative management framework
Residence in one of the 14 Trail states
Ability to maintain a home office with reliable internet access
Ability to communicate effectively through virtual platforms, email, telephone, and in-person meetings
Prolonged periods of computer and telephone use
Periodic travel throughout ATC's 14-state service area and beyond, approximately 10–15%
Occasional evening and weekend work required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, dental, and vision insurance available
Company paid long-term disability and life insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service
Ability to maintain a home office with reliable internet access
Access to an ATC office may be available based on location and office capacity
Collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with employees and volunteers
Inclusive organization committed to broad perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds