Organizational Mission:

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Organizational Vision:

The Appalachian Trail and its landscape are always protected, resilient, and connected for all.

Position Summary

The Land Trust Program Director reports to the Vice President of Conservation & Government Relations and provides leadership for ATC’s land protection program and internal land trust operations. The primary priorities of this role are achieving Land Trust Alliance (LTA) accreditation and strengthening policies, systems, and practices to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of ATC’s land trust functions. The Director may also lead conservation real estate transactions when strategically aligned and feasible within organizational capacity.

This position guides conservation strategy and operations to safeguard the Appalachian Trail corridor, its surrounding watersheds, and iconic viewsheds. The Director plays a pivotal role in advancing ATC’s mission by elevating land trust practices, cultivating key partnerships, and ensuring the organization is well positioned to meet LTA accreditation standards.

The Director role is a three-year term position. Continuation beyond the initial term is contingent on securing additional resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Improve Internal Land Trust Operations:

• Assess and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of ATC’s land trust operations, including policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Collaborate with other departments to align land trust activities with organizational goals and strategic plans.
• Mentor and provide guidance to staff involved in land trust projects, fostering professional development and ensuring high standards of practice.
• Integrate modern technology and data systems (e.g., GIS, project tracking, digital records workflows) to streamline operations, strengthen decision-making, and maintain LTA-compliant recordkeeping.

Pursue & Maintain LTA Accreditation:

• Coordinate ATC’s efforts to achieve and maintain Land Trust Alliance accreditation.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet LTA standards, including the establishment of best practices and adherence to accreditation requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison between ATC and LTA, overseeing the accreditation application process and ensuring compliance with all necessary criteria.

Land Acquisition Projects:

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and completion of high-priority land acquisition projects that align with ATC’s conservation goals.
• Foster strong relationships with private landowners, government agencies, and partner organizations to motivate and collaborate on land acquisition initiatives.
• Oversee the entire land acquisition process, including site inspection, project evaluation, title work, conservation easement drafting, legal review, and closing.
• Manage project files and ensure all records are maintained in accordance with LTA standards.

Qualifications

• A degree in natural resources management, environmental planning, real estate, or a related field, or equivalent experience in land conservation and management.
• Strong understanding of land trust operations and the ability to identify and implement operational improvements.
• Familiarity with LTA accreditation standards and experience in guiding an organization through the accreditation process.
• Proven experience in completing complex land acquisition projects, including conservation easements and fee simple transactions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently as well as part of a team.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Travel: occasional to moderate travel is required. Travel may include site visits for land acquisition projects, meetings with landowners and partners, coordination with Land Trust Alliance representatives, and participation in ATC meetings or events. Travel frequency will vary based on project needs and accreditation milestones.
• Combination of remote and/or shared office environments. Remote workstations will require reliable, high-speed internet access.
• The position involves extended periods working at a computer or on the phone 
• Flexibility to work extended hours during or on weekends during peak season or special event periods (e.g. accreditation milestones, transaction closings).
• Occasionally requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or move light to moderate weights, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Residence in one of the 14 Trail states (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) or Washington, D.C. with a strong preference for proximity near the Appalachian Trail. 

Additional Details:

• Location: Residence in one of the 14 Trail states (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine). 
• Annual Salary Range: ($85k - $95k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Company paid long-term disability and life insurance provided.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service. 

ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

ATC encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with all employees and volunteers to enable participation and contributions to their fullest potential.

We are committed to being an inclusive organization and recognize that a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.

ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, political affiliation, union membership, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the locations where we operate.

ATC's Identity Statement