Senior Director of Operations

Location: Genesee Land Trust Office, Rochester, NY.

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct Reports: Finance Manager, Director of Communications, Director of Development

Position is open until filled; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting December 1, 2025 with anticipated start date of February 2, 2026. Early applications are encouraged.

About the Position

The Senior Director of Operations is charged with overseeing and improving coherent cross-organizational systems, processes, standards, and policies and ensuring their implementation. The overarching goal is to support and improve organizational operations, advance the mission, and help make Genesee Land Trust a great place to work. This new full-time position reports directly to the Executive Director.

The Senior Director of Operations will lead human resources, staff benefits administration, IT systems, and risk management. Additionally, this position will oversee organizational financial management, contracts, and compliance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. This is a highly strategic and facilitative role that requires a combination of focus and flexibility, as well as a willingness to play an active, behind-the-scenes role.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Operations

• Oversee facilities to ensure efficient utilization of space as the organization expands.
• Work with IT service providers to manage technology improvements and acquisition, including ongoing security and maintenance of systems, networks, and technical services.
• Lead the reaccreditation process (every 5 years) with Land Trust Accreditation Commission and ensure ongoing compliance with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices.
• Maintain appropriate, affordable insurances for business, directors, and staff.
• Support grant development, strategic planning, and annual work plan development.
• Review, update, and draft organizational policies
• Support continuous operational improvement within and across teams
• Monitor and identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to address risks proactively
• Oversee external communications, ensuring alignment with mission, brand identity, and strategic priorities.
• Lead or support, as appropriate, all requests for proposal processes.
• Review and manage all contracts

2. Human Resources

• Manage hiring processes as needed including development of job descriptions, posting and recruiting, interview process, offers, and onboarding.
• Routinely review and update organizational policies and personnel handbook.
• Administer staff benefits and annual health plan enrollment.
• Oversee payroll, including staff time tracking and use of paid time off.
• Actively lead the effort to improve employee benefits offerings
• Lead performance management (e.g. professional growth plans, annual reviews), regularly monitoring to ensure support of staff retention and organizational culture.
• Identify and coordinate team training and professional development opportunities
• Lead required compliance and other trainings for staff

Financial Sustainability

• Oversee the finance and accounting operations, ensuring internal controls are followed, evaluating reporting methods, monitoring expenditures and restricted funds tracking.
• Lead the organization’s annual budget development process.
• Lead board and leadership team in long-term financial forecasting for annual budget and strategic planning.
• Work closely with Board Treasurer to create monthly Finance Committee agendas and coordinate Finance Committee meetings and materials.
• Analyze and share financial data impacting programming and workforce planning.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Interest in Genesee Land Trust’s mission, the outdoors, and local land conservation.
• 8+ years of management experience; nonprofit experience a plus.
• Understanding of non-profit management and finance.
• Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams with a diversity of working styles.
• Experience overseeing or working knowledge of human resources
• Strong computer proficiency in a Windows environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills
• High emotional intelligence
• Commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and proven willingness to learn.

About Genesee Land Trust

Genesee Land Trust’s mission is to protect lands and waters that enhance the quality of life in the greater Rochester region. Serving the City of Rochester, suburban towns, and rural communities in seven counties, Genesee Land Trust has conserved over 9,500 acres of land, manages 19 nature preserves open to the public, and works with a diverse array of partner organizations and municipalities.

A community-based, non-profit, accredited conservation land trust, Genesee Land Trust combines land conservation tools with programming and collaborative partnerships to accomplish its mission. Genesee Land Trust has 15 staff dedicated to preserving wildlife habitat, protecting local farms and food, and creating connections to nature.

Organizational Commitment

Genesee Land Trust values and is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace; has identified the need to address inequity around conservation and access to the outdoors; is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

Individuals who have a passion for conservation even if their work experience does not match perfectly with those listed, are encouraged to apply. Genesee Land Trust is willing to provide paid professional development opportunities and training, as well as support from fellow staff members.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume by email to Liz DeLorenze at ldelorenze@geneseelandtrust.org with “Senior Director of Operations” in the subject line. Or by regular mail to: Genesee Land Trust, Attention: Liz DeLorenze, 46 Prince Street, Suite LL005, Rochester, NY 14607

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings account contribution, vacation, sick leave, paid family leave, and a SIMPLE IRA; Flexible working arrangements possible.