The Northwest Area Director is responsible for developing and leading The Trust for Public Land’s programmatic activities for the Northwest, including Oregon and Washington.  The Trust for Public Land’s work throughout the Northwest encompasses a broad spectrum of work, including land protection, park design and development, community engagement, parks planning, and public financing for parks and conservation.

In all of this work, the Area Director manages and mentors the operations staff and works in close collaboration with the Northwest Director of Philanthropy to raise funding to support the office’s programs and operating costs. The Area Director is also responsible for working with public/non-profit partners, major donors, the local Advisory Board, and others within the TPL organization to enhance opportunities for success of the office and its program. The individual must demonstrate a proven track record working with key individuals in the philanthropic community.

Responsibilities:

35%       Philanthropy:  Funding support for the Northwest offices and programs it carries out is derived primarily from private philanthropic dollars.  The Area Director will work in close coordination with the local and national TPL philanthropy staff to cultivate and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.  The Area Director will work in partnership with philanthropy staff to create and implement a fundraising plan.  Working with local philanthropy staff leadership, the Area Director will manage the local Advisory Board, and serve as the primary face of TPL in the donor community.

25%       Program Development and Management:  The Area Director will be responsible for directing staff and working with program partners, both public and private, to carry out the work in the Northwest. This includes evaluating new project and program opportunities in conservation vision, conservation finance, conservation real estate, park design and development, and national programs like Climate Smart Cities, green infrastructure, and health among others.  In all of this work, the development and maintenance of positive relationships with key public and non-profit partners, as well as major donors will be paramount.  This position collaborates with senior leadership, finance and volunteer leaders in developing and implementing strategies that achieve mission delivery goals, and are compelling and financially viable.

15%       Management/Administration:  The Area Director is responsible for supervising staff who report to her/him/they, and for creating a positive working environment for the entire office, strong staff morale and a culture of teamwork and mutual support among all staff, including philanthropy staff who do not report to the Director.  The Area Director is responsible for working with the finance team to develop the office budget and taking necessary actions to meet or exceed the targets and maintain a work climate which attracts, retains and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

25%       External Relations: The Area Director will be expected to represent The Trust for Public Land and build the organization’s visibility throughout the Northwest.  This includes establishing sound working relationships with public officials and staff civic leaders, partner non-profits, the media, the donor community and others.

Critical Success Factors:

Within the first year, the successful candidate will have:

• Mastered a learning curve of The Trust for Public Land to effectively assume management of the future of the Northwest Program.  This includes an understanding of our Strategic Plan and the national strategies of The Trust for Public Land, and embracing a role in fundraising.
• Built external relationships with our partners, especially members of the Advisory Board, civic organizations, and governmental entities at the local, state, and federal levels.
• In partnership with Director of Philanthropy, develop a top 25 list of major donors with a strong emphasis on individuals.  The Area Director will be the natural partner for these donors.
• Work within TPL and with partners to develop specific programs that represent the Northwest’s unique contribution to the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Advisory Board and volunteer leaders – providing all information necessary to function properly and to inspire their active engagement and support of local and national activities.
• Responsible for enhancing our image by being active and visible in the community.