Director of Programs

New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) is seeking a full-time staff member to lead our Policy, Land Preservation and Urban Action work. In cooperation with Policy, Land and Urban Action staff, the Director of Programs will lead, develop, analyze and help implement NJCF’s public policy program, which prioritizes defending preserved lands, protecting critical natural resources, and combating and addressing the impacts of climate change by advancing carbon sequestration and other natural solutions through state legislation, regulations and policies.  Additionally, the successful candidate will lead Statewide Land Preservation projects and lead the organization’s Strategic Plan Agenda related to our Urban Action work.  This staff member is part of the organization’s Senior Leadership Team and plays a leadership role in NJ’s broader conservation community. 

The successful candidate will lead and support our highly engaged land acquisition, urban action and policy staff and develop and lead the implementation of an annual Policy Agenda, Land Acquisition Agenda and Urban Action Agenda in conjunction with staff and Board committee members.  They will evaluate and analyze legislation, regulations and public policy in New Jersey pertaining to land and natural resources conservation and management, including the threats from energy development proposals and climate change. This will involve developing and implementing effective advocacy campaigns around key issues and strategies to advance policy goals; building and supporting coalitions with partner organizations. The successful candidate will also spearhead land acquisition projects and support Land staff in completing their projects, and will support Urban Action staff in pursing projects.

Other responsibilities include preparing reports and other supporting materials for the Board Policy Committee and the Land Acquisition and Stewardship Committee, assisting with content for  NJCF publications; assisting Development staff in preparing grant proposals and reports; and communicating NJCF policy positions to target audiences, including elected officials, administrative agencies, media, and partner organizations in a credible, reasonable voice – in conjunction with the Communications staff.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated leadership and management skills, knowledge of the New Jersey public policy arena, land preservation and urban greening, along with experience managing research, analysis, and preparation of reports.  The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, be a demonstrated team player, have the ability to work with diverse organizations and individuals and the ability to respond quickly and adapt to change. Candidates should have previous experience in Natural Resource Management, Planning, or Policy with demonstrated knowledge in land and natural resources conservation and management issues.

The annual salary range for this position is $125,000 to $145,000. We offer a hybrid work environment and a competitive benefits package, including paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time, health insurance, life insurance and a 401k plan with a generous match.