Land Project Manager/Senior Land Project Manager

Position Title:                        Land Project Manager/Senior Land Project Manager

Reporting to:                         Director of Land Conservation and Easement Stewardship

Location:                                   Poughkeepsie, New York

Our Mission:                         To sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley’s inspirational beauty and health for generations to come.

Mission of Position:              The Land Project Manager/Senior Land Project Manager is responsible for initiating, structuring, and managing complex                                                        land conservation transactions that advance Scenic Hudson’s strategic priorities. Land conservation is central to Scenic                                                          Hudson’s  mission, and this role is critical to identifying high-impact conservation opportunities and bringing them to                                                              successful completion. 

   The position focuses on cultivating strong landowner relationships, identifying and evaluating priority properties, securing       project funding, negotiating real estate transactions, and collaborating across internal teams and external partners to                   achieve durable conservation outcomes. Title and level (Project Manager or Senior Project Manager) will be determined            based on experience and demonstrated expertise.

Principle responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain positive, productive relationships with landowners that result in successful land and easement conservation outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Land Conservation Team to identify, evaluate, and refine conservation priorities consistent with Scenic Hudson’s strategic goals.
• Identify and pursue project-specific funding sources, develop financing strategies, and prepare grant proposals and related materials.
• Build public and stakeholder support for conservation projects, including delivering presentations and participating in community engagement efforts as needed.
• Negotiate the acquisition of fee title and conservation easements, including purchase agreements and related transaction documents.
• Negotiate the disposition of conserved lands to public agencies and other appropriate entities when aligned with organizational strategy.
• Coordinate and manage all aspects of multiple real estate transactions, including due diligence, appraisals, title review, survey coordination, closings, and post-closing documentation.
• Draft and review conservation easements and other legal and transactional documents associated with land protection projects, in coordination with legal counsel as appropriate.
• Collaborate with park management staff to ensure smooth transition and integration of properties following acquisition.
• Partner with Scenic Hudson’s advocacy staff on local land use planning matters affecting properties of interest.
• Work closely with public officials, municipal planning departments, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit partners to advance conservation initiatives.
• Present projects and recommendations to The Scenic Hudson Land Trust Board of Directors.
• Oversee and manage the work of consultants, including surveyors, appraisers, environmental professionals, and legal advisors.
• Maintain thorough and accurate paper and electronic project records, including data management within Salesforce and related systems.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Land Conservation Team.

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., land conservation, real estate, environmental studies, natural resource management, land use planning, finance, or law), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience; five to seven years experience required for Senior Land Project Manager designation.
• Experience managing real estate transactions, including familiarity with appraisals, title review, due diligence, and closings.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective relationships with landowners and community stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-directed, outcome-driven, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce); familiarity with ArcGIS or other GIS platforms desirable.
• Working knowledge of regional conservation issues, policies, and strategies.
• Willingness to attend occasional evening meetings and travel throughout the Hudson Valley.
• Demonstrated commitment to Scenic Hudson’s mission.
• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Extensive experience completing complex land conservation or real estate transactions.
• Experience applying innovative conservation finance tools and land use planning strategies.

Compensation:  Full-time position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Salary range: $77,000–$89,000, commensurate with experience. Final title (Land Project Manager or Senior Land Project Manager) will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Contact:         Please submit a resume and cover letter as one combined document and a writing sample as part of your application. Further information can be found on our website: www.scenichudson.org. No phone calls please.

Scenic Hudson provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type.  Decisions related to all terms and conditions of employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

Salary : $77,000 - $89,000