Virginia Land Preservation Project Manager

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 Virginia Land Preservation 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 over 60,000 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 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 in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Land Preservation Project Manager will work closely with landowners, partner organizations, government agencies, 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 Virginia Land Preservation Project Manager will be responsible for accomplishing land preservation transactions across the Commonwealth of Virginia, from initial landowner outreach, due diligence, closing, and post-closing activities. The Virginia Land Preservation Project Manager will also be responsible for coordinating with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources on its requirements for conservation easements as required for grant funding both fee simple and conservation easement projects and other shared preservation efforts.

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 Service personnel; key local and state officials; and government agency staff

1. 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

1. 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, boundary 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

1. Stewardship and Restoration Coordination

• Work with the Trust’s Land Stewardship Manager to oversee ongoing land stewardship efforts for Trust-owned properties
• Explore opportunities to transfer preserved properties post-closing to partner entities for long-term stewardship and interpretation

1. Virginia Department of Historic Resources Coordination

• Oversee efforts to work with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources staff on the drafting, approval, and recordation of conservation easements on battlefield properties
• Manage additional coordination with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources on projects advancing shared battlefield preservation interest

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• B.A./B.S. degree is required; J.D. or MBA is preferred
• At least five (5) to ten (10) years of relevant 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

Additional Details

• Location: Remote based in Richmond, Virginia area; other remote work locations in Virginia or hybrid option in Washington, DC office may also be considered
• Job Classification: Full-Time; Exempt
• Department: Land Preservation
• Salary Range: $70,000 – 120,000 annual starting salary, depending on experience
• Benefits: vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, employer-paid disability insurance, paid parental leave, FSA, onsite gym at Washington, DC office