The Conservation Transaction Specialist employs a full range of protection tools to acquire and/or convey varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC initiatives for freshwater, coastal and terrestrial habitat protection and management, as well as climate mitigation and adaptation. They provide technical and project management expertise and support in complying with legal requirements and internal policies for TNC real estate interests (including fee-owned properties, conservation easements, and partner Assists). The Conservation Transaction Specialist works closely with TNC legal and stewardship staff and other colleagues at many levels in multiple functions and departments to coordinate resolutions of legal issues on fee-owned lands and easement violations.

They represent the Conservancy on multi-disciplinary/multi-partner project teams and collaborates with partners from federal and state agencies, towns, regional and local land trusts, as well as private landowners and may work with programs throughout the Conservancy.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

· Manage all aspects of real estate transactions: screen potential projects; communicate with property owners; conduct property inspections; track and record project progress; contract for due diligence; prepare and present project packages and updates to project committee; collaborate with TNC Legal, Finance, Development, and Stewardship Programs, and obtain TNC corporate project approvals.

· Collaborate with local, state and federal government and partners on various conservation projects that advance and leverage TNC priorities.

· Provide real estate and project management assistance to conservation and science program staff working toward the achievement of program goals.

· Assist relevant communities to implement land acquisition as a Nature Based Solution, through planning and technical assistance, to help address climate resilience and emergency management planning.

· Support planning, capital budgeting, and financial oversight for Chapter land projects.

· Partner with Development staff to fundraise for projects: cultivate corporate, foundation and individual prospects, and solicit public funding for projects through grants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree in Natural Resource Management, Geography, Biology, Environmental Studies, Legal, or related field and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with real estate and land acquisition and ability to structure and negotiate a deal.
• Experience building relationships and communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Project management experience.

· Experience staying organized and driven while working independently.

· Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

· Must have valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly within Massachusetts and regionally, as needed.

· Comfort working in variable weather conditions and at remote locations as necessary.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Commitment to incorporating dimensions of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in conservation strategy and practice; Experience working across race, socio-economic class and language differences appreciated. Multi- lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience working on conservation or community projects

· Experience operating GIS software, analyzing data and producing data reports and creating maps.

• Experience with grant writing and budgeting.

· Demonstrated ability to produce tangible results, problem solve, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a team.

• Experience or interest in coordinating and working with cross-functional teams to identify and achieve desired outcomes.

This is a part-time (3 days or 21 hours/week) position.

The Massachusetts Chapter believes in flexibility and as such, team members are working in a hybrid model: splitting workdays between home offices and using TNC office workspaces (Boston and Sheffield), as desired. Our work has proven successful with a deliberate blend of virtual and in-person connections, as well as independent and collaborative work. This position will have the opportunity to work in the same fashion; the Conservation Transaction Specialist may be located anywhere in the Massachusetts.