Land Preservation Senior Project Manager

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid Office); remote work options in Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee or Virginia will also be considered

Would you like the opportunity to make a permanent and lasting impact to the preservation of uniquely important landscapes where the most consequential events in American history occurred? The Senior Project Manager position at the American Battlefield Trust (the “Trust”), the nation’s largest non-profit battlefield preservation organization, offers the chance for a motivated individual to save extraordinary historic sites for present and future generations.  The Trust has protected more than 58,000 acres of important Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield land in 25 states. Through its land preservation and history education efforts, the Trust creates and expands battlefield parks that, as outdoor classrooms, tell the story of America’s unique history. 

In order to accomplish its important mission, the Trust seeks a Senior Project Manager in the Land Preservation Department to advance our goal to save critical battlefield land at significant Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields.  The Senior Project Manager will work closely with landowners, partner organizations, government grant sources, and other Trust staff to complete land preservation projects, including conservation easements and fee simple transactions to protect battlefield land in perpetuity before it is lost.  

General Scope of the Position 

The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for accomplishing land preservation transactions, from initial landowner outreach, due diligence, closing, and post-closing activities.  

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Landowner and Partner Organization Outreach  

• Conduct initial outreach to landowners to introduce the Trust and its preservation interest and build lasting working relationships 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with partners, including battlefield friends groups; local, state, and national park personnel; and key local and state officials 

2. Preservation Transaction Structuring and Negotiation  

• Present preservation options and structures to landowners, including fee simple acquisitions, life estates transactions, conservation easements, bargain sales, etc.    
• Negotiate and structure preservation agreements, including fee simple purchase agreements containing purchase price, feasibility study periods, holdover arrangements, and other terms and conditions, and conservation easements containing provisions to protect the property in perpetuity 

3. Funding, Due Diligence and Closings 

• Work with the Trust’s government grant managers to pursue government grant funding for projects 
• Work with the Trust’s development team to assist in private fundraising 
• Engage contractors to complete all necessary due diligence and feasibility analysis, including appraisals, title reviews, surveys, and environmental assessments 
• Conduct substantive reviews of all due diligence reports, identifying any potential issues and developing approaches for issue resolution 
• Manage real estate transaction closings, including document review, coordination with landowners, settlement companies and attorneys 
• Prepare post-closing documentation, including conservation easements and stewardship arrangements 
• Explore opportunities to transfer preserved properties post-closing to partner entities for long-term stewardship and interpretation 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• B.A./B.S. degree is required; J.D. or MBA is preferred 
• At least 5-10 years’ experience in real estate transactions, project management, or related work 
• Ability to establish excellent working relationships, be detail-oriented, and meet project deadlines 
• Strong writing and communication skills 
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite 
• Willingness to travel 
• Interest in land conservation and American history preservation is essential  

At the American Battlefield Trust, we build parks and tell stories — the narrative threads that make up the rich tapestry of our nation. Our culture calls for hardworking, entrepreneurial individuals that take calculated, intelligent risks and are always looking for opportunities to learn and improve. Our staff is united by a commitment to excellence and a passion for keeping American history alive. 

Since 1987, the Trust has saved more than 58,000 acres of hallowed battlefield land from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. We have reached millions of students and other life-long learners through our education programs.  As our nation heads toward the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are looking to grow even more and build upon our previous successes.

The American Battlefield Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer.       

We recognize that people and relationships are everything, including in the workplace. We empower employees to own their work, supporting them in their goals and helping them grow and realize their fullest potential. 

Available Benefits include:

• Hybrid office environment
• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with the premium cost on individual coverage paid 100% by the Trust
• Paid time off + eleven holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with company contribution after one year (regardless of employee’s own contribution)
• Paid life, AD&D, & disability benefits
• Paid parental leave
• WMATA/transit reimbursement program
• Year-round intern program
• Opportunities to participate in events and visit historic sites
• Professional development opportunities
• Fully stocked coffee and tea stations
• Complimentary onsite gym
• Business casual dress environment + casual Friday