Administrative Specialist Land Conservation

Role:

Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) permanently protects land, water and wildlife habitat to enhance the quality of life in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln and Union counties, as well as in the southern portions of Catawba and Iredell. The Carolina Thread Trail (CTT), is a regional network of greenways, trails and blueways that connect 15 counties, 2 states and 2.3 million people. The Land Conservation Associate role is integral to the success of advancing the mission of CLC and CTT. The position is a member of the Land Conservation team and works with the Land Conservation Director to assist with land conservation projects through grant applications, due diligence, closing, record keeping and compliance, and post-closing stewardship matters.

Responsibilities:

• Respond to prospective conservation opportunities including landowner inquiries and conduct outreach; track prospect information and define and execute next steps 

• Assist Land Conservation Director in strategic planning efforts

• Assist with grant applications, post-award reporting, and post-closing processes for land conservation projects

• Assist with response to post-closing Stewardship matters

• Assist with lease management, including risk management and insurance 

• Assist with land conservation transactions, including coordinating due diligence processes and corresponding with outside vendors and attorneys

• Maintain organized and complete transaction records in electronic databases, including Landscape software, and hard copy storage

• Assist with Land Acquisition Committee, Land Stewardship Committee and Board of Directors meetings, including preparing agendas and presentations (PowerPoint), drafting reports and resolutions, and taking minutes (will require some weekday evening work)

• Assist Land Conservation Director with document preparation

• Provide support to Land Conservation and Land Stewardship teams in reporting and records management

• Responsible for real property tax deferments, liability and conservation insurance, entity filings, and assisting with IRS reporting and financial audits

• Coordinate Land Trust Alliance reaccreditation process for conservation projects

• Support public events and programs that advance the mission of CLC/CTT (may require occasional weekend work)

Qualifications and Skills:

Education and Experience:

• Legal assistant certification preferred, or work experience in related field

• Experience with real estate transactions, including due diligence and closings preferred

• Three or more years of experience in real estate, legal, conservation, or related field preferred

• Experience with state and federal grants, particularly land conservation grants preferred

• Working knowledge of, and experience in, real estate and tax GIS software is very helpful

• Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft suite software, particularly PowerPoint and Excel

Personal Traits:

• Ability to work effectively with little supervision and to work closely as part of a dynamic and motivated team with the ability to earn the trust and respect of others

• A proactive self-starter with the ability to take on multiple evolving and changing priorities and adjust quickly and efficiently

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; strong organizational skills

• Attention to detail

• “Team over self” approach and understanding of mission-driven work

Compensation Information:

This position is full-time, salaried with benefits including medical insurance, paid time off, and Simple IRA with matched contribution. Salary range is $40,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three references in a single PDF, by email to careers@catawbalands.org. Please include “Land Conservation Associate” in the subject line. References will not be contacted unless you are selected for an interview.

Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.