Avalonia Land Conservancy
Executive Director
Job Title: Avalonia Land Conservancy Executive Director (ED)- (Full-time exempt)
Opening posted: 07/31/2026 | Expires: 10/31/2026 or until position is filled.
The Organization: Avalonia Land Conservancy (ALC) is a non-profit land trust currently working to protect open space in the 22-town Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (Avalonia Mission) area. Our activities also include educational, stewardship, and recreational activities. We are seeking to optimize our working procedures, expand our funding base, and more fully serve our working area. Membership growth through wider public knowledge and participation is critical.
The Mission:
We preserve natural habitats in southeastern Connecticut by acquiring and protecting lands and communicating the value of these irreplaceable resources.
Executive Director Position:
Working closely with the Board of Directors (Board), the Executive Director (ED) will provide organizational leadership to grow programs across all mission area towns, accomplish strategic priorities and goals, build systems and processes for greater impact and effectiveness, enhance the land trust’s internal and external outreach and engagement, and passionately communicate the ALC mission and accomplishments to internal and external stakeholders.
The organization’s ED will have responsibility for:
ALC programmatic and administrative activities, aligning the organization’s funding sources with its ambitions, developing opportunities for collaborative partnerships in pursuit of ALC’s vision.
● The Executive Director reports to the Avalonia President and the Board of Directors, oversees volunteer committees, donor relations and ongoing organizational operations.
● Works with the Board to develop staff and board work plans to achieve programmatic and fundraising goals. Works with the Board to develop clear and achievable strategic priorities to accomplish ALC’s mission and vision.
● Coordinates efforts of the Board of Directors and Committees, including policy, planning, governance, fundraising, and fiduciary oversight. Prepares the annual budget in partnership with the appropriate Board committee; oversees the implementation and adjustment of budgets pursuant to Board policies.
● Oversees and manages staff, including current and future staff. Fosters a culture of learning, appreciation, shared leadership, and cohesion between staff and Board.
● Supports and grows ALC’s effective collaborations with public agencies, local governments, and other organizations.
● Identifies and cultivates new partnership opportunities. Attends local, regional, statewide and periodically national gatherings to represent the land trust and provide learning opportunities for Board and staff.
● Develops strategies and opportunities to continue to grow ALC’s stewardship and conservation abilities in partnership with the Board and related committees.
● Develops and promotes a strong organizational identity that conveys the vision, mission and strategic priorities of the ALC through enhanced outreach and marketing. Oversees the enhancement and updating of the organization’s website, publications, email, and social media.
● Identifies and pursues new opportunities for development and fundraising. Leads policy development and refinement. Oversees the organization’s annual community gathering (annual membership meeting), in partnership with the Board.
Experience and Qualifications:
● The ideal candidate will be a leader who is proficient at both fundraising and managing a 501(c)3.
● Experience working with a land trust or other environmental organization preferred, combined with a passion for ALC’s mission is essential.
● Team player, able to lead from behind as well as be the face of the organization. Ability to multitask and address changing opportunities with good humor.
● Comfortable using, and learning, technology and social media, including file sharing programs (BOX), membership database (Little Green Light), PowerPoint, and Landscape (land management Software)
● A commitment to a strong culture of appreciation, commitment to learning and inspiring others, experience in working with boards, committees, and teams.
● A penchant to think big and accomplish challenging, important objectives.
● Ability to communicate and inspire, influence, and engage people.
● Flexibility and openness to fresh ideas; a demonstrated learner who can also translate information to others in ways they can understand.
● A strategic, organized approach to planning, prioritizing, and moving the right things forward in partnership with the board, staff, funders, and community members.
● Strong writing and editing skills preferred with the ability to produce materials designed to connect with various audiences and serve different purposes (land protection, membership, community engagement, etc.). The land trust anticipates hiring professional designers for key publications.
● Knowledge of Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (Avalonia Mission) area preferred.
Job Details:
● The start date will be mutually agreeable, with a start date ideally within one month of hiring.
● Salary for full time exempt position is between $70,000-$75,000 commensurate with experience.
● Hours can be flexible and some work can be done remotely.
● Wages will be paid bi-weekly, with direct deposit payment.
● Attendance to the standing monthly Board meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.; other evening committee meetings; special meetings; and community gatherings (including the members annual meeting), are required.
● The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
● Work will take place in the office and in the field. Must be able to move on uneven ground for community events and site visits, and remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
● The organization will provide a laptop, printer/scanner for professional use.
Avalonia is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
How to Apply: Send a letter of interest with attached resume to: Avalonia Land Conservancy P.O. Box 13, Ledyard, CT 06339 Or [email protected]
For Questions, contact Dennis Main: [email protected]
Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ledyard, CT 06339
