Land Acquisitions Project Manager

The Center For Natural Lands Management is a conservation land trust that professionally manages sensitive habitats and endangered species and protects conservation lands. The Land Acquisitions Project Manager will coordinate acquisitions from initial landowner contact through closing, manage documentation and transaction requirements, and ensure projects are properly vetted, scheduled, and recorded. The role also develops conservation partnerships, supports acquisitions planning, and represents the organization with agencies, landowners, permittees, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate all stages of acquisitions from initial landowner contact through escrow closing, coordinating closely with other CNLM legal, financial, stewardship, and administrative staff
• Serve as main point of contact for landowners and permittees and support the acquisition process through appropriate communications
• Initiate and schedule meetings and other communications as appropriate with external parties (such as permittees, regulatory agencies, landowners, conservation bankers) and CNLM acquisition team
• Quality control and risk management: Ensure CNLM's acquisition policies and practices are implemented through appropriate screening and documentation of acquisition opportunities, risk assessment, and preparation of contracts and proposals
• Prepare acquisitions-related documents (e.g., consulting services agreements, endowment management agreements, purchase and sale agreements, conservation easements, escrow instructions, etc.) using CNLM templates and modifying as needed
• Conduct specific property-related tasks such as title review, property tax review and application for exemptions, district fee obligations, CC&R review, recording documents with County offices, etc
• Maintain (or establish new) project tracking system to ensure the status of each acquisition project is known at all times and that information is accessible to acquisition team members
• Maintain all project records and summarize data on CNLM acquisitions for use in planning and project status review
• Prepare internal documents to inform the Board of Directors and to obtain their authorization for real estate and associated financial transactions, including project summaries and acquisition resolutions
• Fulfill other duties as assigned
• Expand CNLM relationships with the conservation (including regulatory and permittee) community with a focus on cultivating appropriate acquisitions opportunities
• Use spatial data and tools to assist with acquisitions planning
• Investigate and brief executive staff on developments or trends that may affect acquisition opportunities
• Represent CNLM as appropriate at meetings and other events with agencies, permittees, landowners, grantors, conservation community, and members of the public

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or higher degree
• At least five years of successful experience in land acquisition/real estate, natural resource conservation, urban or land-use planning, conservation design, or similar fields
• Excellent oral and written communications skills are required
• ability to prepare detailed documents that are accurate and effective for real estate transactions
• Knowledge of real estate transactions through appropriate experience and/or education including escrow closings, title insurance, surveys, deeds, leases, and title reports
• Experience in project management that assures clear deliverables and deadlines, a detailed project schedule, defined roles and responsibilities, reasonable budget projection and maintenance, and a communication plan that together keep the project moving forward
• Demonstrated ability to engage professionally and responsibly with multiple parties to achieve project completion (e.g., regulatory agencies, permittees, title companies, conservation bankers, various other government entities, etc.)
• Ability to represent CNLM professionally and effectively in meetings and public events
• Proven self-starter, able to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision, and able to appropriately use initiative to meet project goals, seeking advice and policy guidance when needed and appropriate
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems and PC applications such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work with spatial data, interpret maps, and some GIS proficiency
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record
• A master's degree in a position-related discipline or law degree is preferred
• Some familiarity with (California State and/or federal) environmental permitting is strongly preferred (e.g., endangered species, protected wetlands, etc.)