Land Advocacy Director

Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablo (SMD), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, with its headquarters in Walnut Creek, California, is a nationally accredited land trust that works to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and its sustaining Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources.

Save Mount Diablo is looking to hire a Land Advocacy Director, reporting to the Executive Director, to manage the organization’s Land Use/Advocacy Department and land advocacy efforts furthering SMD’s land conservation mission for Mount Diablo and its entire Diablo Range. This mountain range is over 200 miles long, runs through 12 counties, and contains over 4 million acres, which are largely intact open space areas, of which only about 27 percent is currently protected. The Diablo Range is a critical wildlife habitat corridor, with species like California condors, tule elk, golden eagles, and numerous endemic plants. Over 10 million people live around the Diablo Range. Thus, the range provides California with one of its best opportunities to meet its 30×30 goals and help more people connect with nature. The mountain range is facing numerous threats (residential development proposals, energy exploration efforts, reservoir proposals, etc.), but there are also opportunities (growing conservation partnerships for the range, Prop. 4 funding opportunities, growing public awareness of the range, etc.) that an experienced Land Advocacy Director will help SMD navigate.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:

Proven track record of working on applicable land use and advocacy efforts at an advanced level for at least five years.
Exceptional written and verbal communication/public speaking skills; ability to translate complex programs and initiatives into compelling narratives.
Strong project management skills; attention to detail for tracking and adhering to deadlines.
Experience building and stewarding partnerships across sectors (grassroots, political, government, nonprofit, corporate, etc.).
Self-starter with strong work ethic; comfortable working collaboratively and independently.
Proven ability to respectfully work with and manage staff, volunteers, interns, partners, and others.
Experienced team player who is a positive and supportive role model.
Ability to manage multiple projects and capacity to perform well in a fast-paced environment.
Sincere and demonstrable passion for nature and conservation.
Familiarity and experience using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Earth.
Knowledge of CEQA, ESA, and other applicable regulations.
Experienced researcher on complex regulatory and policy matters.
Highly organized and detail oriented.

Education and/or experience:

At least a bachelor’s degree, but more advanced applicable degree preferred.
At least five years of experience working on applicable land use and advocacy matters at an advanced level.

Essential requirements:

Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion.
Daily access to a motor vehicle.
Possess a valid California driver’s license, current auto insurance, and a clean driving

Salary: Starting salary range of $125,000 to $135,000, dependent upon experience.

Benefits include: Health, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan.

Tagged as: Conservation