Job Description

Do you have experience in land conservation, real estate transactions, or protecting working lands through conservation easements?

Are you passionate about permanently protecting open spaces, supporting local landowners, and conserving critical natural habitats?

Would you like to be part of a mission-driven team that works every day to preserve the landscapes that make our region specialfor wildlife, clean water, and future generations?

We are seeking a thoughtful, motivated, and relationship-oriented professional to join our team as Land Conservation Manager (LCM). The LCM plays a lead role in advancing our mission by guiding conservation acquisitionsfrom landowner outreach to closingensuring that every protected acre contributes to a more resilient and connected landscape. The ideal candidate will bring strong skills in project management, communication, and conservation strategy, and a deep commitment to protecting land that matters.

Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-driven Land Conservation Manager to lead the organizations land acquisition efforts. This position plays a pivotal role in advancing our strategic conservation goals by managing a portfolio of fee-simple and conservation easement transactions in compliance with the Land Trust Alliances (LTA) Standards & Practices.

The Manager will be responsible for initiating, negotiating, and closing complex land transactions, while cultivating trusted relationships with landowners and conservation partners. The role also supervises the Land Conservation Associate and collaborates with internal departments, legal counsel, and funding partners to ensure projects are implemented with integrity, transparency, and a lasting conservation impact.

Core Responsibilities

Land Acquisition & Conservation Planning

• Lead all phases of fee-simple and conservation easement acquisition projects, from landowner engagement to closing.
• Evaluate prospective properties based on conservation values, landscape connectivity, and strategic fit with CLCs conservation plan and priority areas.
• Maintain thorough understanding of LTA Standards & Practices to ensure legal, ethical, and mission-aligned land protection.
• Prepare conservation proposals, maps, and project summaries for internal review and funding applications.

Landowner Engagement & Negotiation

• Identify and cultivate strong relationships with private landowners, municipal partners, and nonprofit collaborators across the region.
• Clearly communicate the conservation benefits and financial implications of voluntary land protection, including tax incentives, stewardship responsibilities, and public/private land use.
• Conduct field visits, site evaluations, and preliminary conservation assessments to determine project suitability and alignment with strategic goals.
• Represent CLC with integrity and professionalism in interactions with diverse landowners and stakeholders.

Transaction Management & Due Diligence

• Manage project workflows and deadlines using appropriate tracking and project management tools.
• Coordinate all legal, financial, and environmental due diligence, including title reports, appraisals, surveys, Phase I ESAs, and baseline documentation.
• Collaborate with legal counsel and the Land Conservation Director to structure and negotiate conservation easements and purchase agreements.
• Maintain accurate project files, budget tracking, and documentation per LTA accreditation requirements.

Team Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise the Land Conservation Associate, providing regular guidance, professional development, and performance evaluation.
• Assign and oversee project tasks to ensure effective support and alignment with conservation priorities.
• Support a team culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Funding & Grant Development

• Lead or support preparation of grant proposals, match documentation, and post-award reporting.
• Track project budgets and deliverables to meet grant and organizational requirements.

Partnerships & Organizational Support

• Build and maintain relationships with local governments, state agencies, partner land trusts, and national organizations.
• Present land acquisition projects to committee and Board of Directors for review.
• Support broader organizational initiatives such as community engagement and conservation planning, as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in managing real estate transactions
• Demonstrated experience with conservation easements, fee acquisition, and landowner negotiations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects with attention to detail, deadlines, and legal compliance
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build trust with landowners and represent CLC in diverse settings
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in project budgeting, contracts, and land management tools (ArcGIS, Landscape, Excel)
• Passion for conservation and a commitment for CLCs mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with land trust operations or working within an LTA-accredited organization.
• Working knowledge of North Carolina land use policies, conservation funding sources, and real estate law.
• Supervisory experience and team leadership in a nonprofit or conservation setting.

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