Land Transactions Project Manager

LAND TRANSACTIONS PROJECT MANAGER 

Are you a passionate conservation professional with experience in land conservation and real estate transactions? This is an opportunity to join one of the most successful land trusts in the country to protect the spectacular landscapes of the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay for the benefit of all.   

The Land Transactions Project Manager position will be responsible for implementing all phases of real estate transactions to further POST’s land conservation projects. This individual will serve as an internal project lead and will act as a day-to-day liaison between staff, property owners, and partners.  

The Land Transactions Project Manager will work closely with the Director of Land Transactions, the Vice President of Conservation, and other program and core function staff to develop and implement transaction strategies that achieve POST’s organizational goals. 

POST is currently a combined remote and hybrid workplace, and our policy regarding hybrid work schedules continues to evolve. We expect to maintain flexibility regarding schedules and hybrid working arrangements. The successful candidate for this job must live within a reasonable commuting distance to POST’s Palo Alto office, and lands on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay, in order to facilitate regular attendance at meetings, and for land transaction site visits.  

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS: 

• Project cultivation and management for a portfolio of land transactions across POST’s land programs and other strategic areas of work.
• Negotiate and collaborate with landowners, public agencies, nonprofit partners, and funders.
• Prepare, oversee, and/or review acquisition and transfer documents (e.g., purchase agreements, conservation easements, appraisals, title documents, escrow instructions, etc.)
• Coordinate implementation of acquisition and transfer activities with internal staff and external partners and funders.
• Hire and manage consultants, service providers, and subject matter experts (such as appraisers, attorneys, surveyors, land use planners, environmental consultants, and biologists) to complete transactions.
• Lead, coordinate, track, and execute acquisition and transfer activities including title review and other due diligence tasks, escrow and closing, and funding distribution and acceptance.
• As needed, assist with the preparation of stewardship and management materials for long-term planning, use, and protection of natural resources.
• Present to the Land Committee and Board of Directors on project opportunities, strategies, and status.
• Support the Development and Marketing teams by attending periodic events (hikes, tours, luncheons) and interacting with donors, funders, and members of the public.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Possible training and/or supervision of interns, volunteers, and temporary workers completing tasks for the Land Transactions team.
• Supervision of external resources (including consultants and service providers), and project task and timeline oversight to support staff. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Minimum of two years of directly related project management experience, including at least one year of transactional work within a conservation, real estate, legal, or similar organization/agency/business.
• Experience with conservation easements and land preservation is essential.
• Experience working collaboratively on teams and with colleagues with diverse backgrounds.
• Outstanding project management, planning and analytical skills with experience successfully managing simultaneous complex projects.
• Experience with negotiation and relationship building.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly self-motivated and demonstrated self-initiative.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Public speaking/presentation skills.
• College degree in a relevant field of study. Equivalent and relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Knowledge of tax and conservation laws.
• Knowledge of natural resources.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position requires using a computer and office software, applications, and equipment on a continual basis, and sometimes in the field. Requires regular and accurate communication with others using telephone and video technology, and ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials. The person in this role will sometimes need to move or transfer materials weighing up to 20 pounds. 
• Regularly drives company vehicles to remote locations as a required part of the job.
• Regularly traverses uneven, rough, or inclined terrain while in the field in order to carry out essential duties in managing land projects. The individual will regularly be exposed to outdoor elements.
• There are occasional meetings or duties that occur outside regular work hours.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow individuals to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY: 

Please write a cover letter telling us why you are a great match for this role. We are not able to give the same level of consideration to applications submitted without a cover letter.  

STARTING SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION:
$100,710-$111,900 depending upon level of skills and experience, plus excellent benefits including healthcare, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

POST CORE VALUES: 

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being. 

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose. 

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes. 

Care About How We Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions. 

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all. 

POST is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diversity and equity is central to our mission to protect open space in our region for the benefit of all. We are committed to creating an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. Come join us!