The Blue Ridge Conservancy is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to work with willing landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational, and scenic value in Northwest North Carolina. Created through the merger in 2010 of the Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust and the High Country Conservancy, BRC has protected over 20,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties.

In addition to protecting working farmland, BRC’s efforts have resulted in the creation of state natural areas like Beech Creek Bog, Bear Paw and Bullhead Mountain. BRC continues to help Elk Knob State Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park expand their borders, and led the way in establishing a 2,900-acre State Game Land preserve on Pond Mountain in Ashe County. BRC partners with private landowners to voluntarily protect farmland and lands with scenic and ecological value, as well as with state, federal and private partners to expand the public’s access to land with significant recreational, cultural, and ecological value. Currently, BRC is leading the Middle Fork Greenway project, a pedestrian and cycling trail along the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the New River connecting Boone and Blowing Rock, NC.

BRC seeks to fill the position of Executive Director, a full-time post that reports to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for all operations of BRC, including the development and implementation of BRC’s Strategic Plan. Working with a strong volunteer board and dedicated staff, the Executive Director helps shape the future of the organization, ensuring compliance with the standards and practices of The Land Trust Alliance (LTA). Responsibilities include administration and coordination of all programs and activities of the organization including land protection, membership development, fundraising, community relations and financial management.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a passion for our mission and the vision to move us forward in impactful and varied ways. He/she is community-oriented, understands and appreciates the culture of the High Country, and thrives in the role of public spokesperson for BRC in the region and beyond. Further, the ideal candidate is supportive of staff, empowering them to excel while working alongside them, and has the relational skills to forge partnerships, resolve conflicts, and secure outside support for the organization.

Essential Duties and Functions

• Fundraising/Development—Oversee BRC’s fundraising activities to maintain and expand diversified and sustainable financial support for the organization’s operations and conservation efforts, focusing on individual, corporate, private and public funding sources;
• Community Outreach—Administer BRC’s multi-faceted community outreach/public relations program while building relationships, promoting the organization in the community, serving as primary spokesperson, and overseeing all outreach efforts;
• Land Conservation and Stewardship—Oversee BRC’s program of voluntary land conservation which includes land acquisition, conservation easement protection and long-term stewardship of conserved properties. 
• Administration—Administer and direct overall organizational management functions including financial, legal, accreditation, staffing, board engagement, policies, and planning.

• A four-year degree, preferably in related field such as natural resources management, non-profit administration, law, or real estate, plus at least three to five years of experience as a proven leader in land trust work or closely related conservation activity (preferred), real estate, or non-profit experience.
• Ability to manage, motivate and direct staff and volunteers. 
• Track record in leading and enabling a team to achieve common goals. 
• Proven track record in fundraising and non-profit management.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating land protection transactions.
• Strong public speaking skills and ability to articulate BRC’s mission passionately and to a wide range of audiences.
• Effective writing skills, including the ability to write grant applications.
• Proficiency with computer applications and office systems.
  

Blue Ridge Conservancy l has retained Capital Development Services to assist with professional recruitment.

Candidates should include a cover letter, a resume, and a list of three references. All material will be confidential. Additional inquiries may be directed to Jen Tozier at Capital Development Services, 336-747-0133 x 208.