Founded in 2004, The California Council of Land Trusts (CCLT) is a statewide association of more than 60 land trusts devoted to conserving special lands and waters throughout California. Our mission is to conserve California’s extraordinary land and water resources through a strong network of land trusts acting with one cohesive voice across urban and rural communities. To advance our mission and vision for California, we rely upon the following five key strategies:

1. Leadership. CCLT is a statewide thought-leader and the voice for California land trusts and conservation.
2. Policy. CCLT advances a pro-active public policy agenda to ensure strong laws and policies for conserving land and supporting land trust operations.
3. Funding. CCLT creates and sustains financial resources to meet the diversity of land conservation needs.
4. Communications. CCLT ensures communication within the land trust community and increases visibility and support for land trusts and land conservation.
5. Education. CCLT provides tools and leadership to build highly knowledgeable, effective, and resilient land trusts to conserve and steward California’s important land resources.

CCLT is guided by a governing body of land trusts and conservationists throughout California, with basic administrative functions currently housed with the Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) in Bishop, CA. The organization has transitioned to a nearly all-volunteer organization with leadership shared among the land trusts comprising the board of directors. In support of our efforts, CCLT also works closely with Pacific Policy Group on legislative advocacy work. To help meet the State’s 30×30 goals, CCLT is developing a partnership with the Land Trust Alliance to build the capacity of land trusts. The CA Onward Program Director role will facilitate development of this important partnership as well as membership and educational outreach. This partnership will advance the capacity of conservation organizations to substantially increase the pace of conservation while prioritizing equity in access to the benefits of conservation, developing and deepening relationships with tribes, valuing land-based solutions and contributing to the vision of a California conservation community that truly serves all Californians.

Working together, CCLT and the Alliance leaders have developed the following objectives to accelerate 30×30 efforts and ensure the health of the natural and working lands of our state:

Engage California’s land trusts to achieve the California Onward 30×30 Initiative goals. 

•       Engage land trusts across the state in an aligned effort to achieve 30×30.
•       Increase partnerships with diverse groups and communities working together toward 30×30.
•       Promote and communicate the benefits of 30×30 at local and regional levels.

Coordinate with land-based coalitions and tribal partners.

• Effectively collaborate on conservation projects, policy objectives, and capacity building with groups such as California Regional Conservation Districts (RCD), California Stewardship Network and others working on 30×30 goals.
•  Support land trusts working with Indigenous partners to collaborate on land stewardship, access to cultural resources, and landback efforts.
• Work with farmers, ranchers, and timberland owners to achieve enhanced stewardship goals.
• Leverage sector strengths and policy advocacy for planning, promoting, and implementing 30×30 at the local level through shared educational opportunities and community-driven conservation and planning.

Expand community access to parks and open space so all Californian’s can benefit from the public health and environmental benefits.

•       Help land trusts meet community demands for accessible parks and open space.
•       Increase protection of California’s diverse history, economy, and ecology.

Strengthen the California land trust community’s ability to ensure the conservation values of protected lands are maintained, enhanced, and upheld over time.

• Further diversify boards, staff and volunteers to represent communities they serve.
• Support and increase inclusive community-driven conservation, adaptive management and multi-benefit green infrastructure solutions.
• Highlight California’s innovative conservation and stewardship strategies as national models for addressing a changing climate.

General Description:

The CA Onward Program Director is responsible for administrative, logistical, and program goals of California Onward. Duties include program development and workflow management, internal and external communications, and membership related activities. This is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal depending on funding and partnership outcomes. This person must reside in California.

Duties include:

• Relationship Building: Work with the Land Trust Alliance’s lead staff to advance mutual priorities within both organizations. Build rapport with land trust members and funding entities. Work closely with CCLT board committees, ESLT administrative staff, and consultants to support organizational effectiveness.
• Program Development: Work with LTA to develop the CA Onward capacity-building program. This includes developing roles and responsibilities and determining which services will be provided in accordance with grant restrictions. Assist in developing educational opportunities for land trusts and related partners. Work closely with the Land Trust Alliance’s California staff to roll-out grants programs and related communications.
• Fundraising and Grants Management: Support fundraising efforts for CA Onward including grant writing, tracking, and reporting.
• Membership Support: Work with the CCLT Membership Committee to vet and recruit new members, support members in good standing, and the Membership Committee as needed.
• Communications and Outreach: Develop and oversee member communications, a new website, CA Onward materials, and educational opportunities including the Conservation Forum and State-wide conference.
• CA Onward Committee Coordination: Provide administrative and leadership support for the California Onward Committee by organizing meetings, setting agendas, and leading follow-up.

Prior Experience and Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrable results in project management.
• Experience in grant writing and grant management.
• Ability to work under pressure and perform multiple tasks with accuracy.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills that foster cooperation.
• Able to perform in a team environment.
• Possess a high degree of initiative.
• Public-spirited and committed to land conservation.

Education, Skills or Training:

• Five-plus years of progressive leadership experience.
• Knowledge of and experience in land trusts and/or the conservation sector required.
• Experience facilitating diverse interest groups.
• Proficient computer and database skills (Microsoft Office, CRM systems). 

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to climb, push, pull, lift or move equipment up to 25 pounds.
• May be required to occasionally travel to meetings and conferences.

Compensation: $120-$130K/Year DOE

Benefits: This position is a full time and non-exempt position; salary is commensurate with experience and skills. Employee will be entitled to pro-rated vacation, 10 sick days on an accrual basis, and 12 paid holidays annually. Employee will immediately be eligible for legally mandated benefits such as Workers Compensation Insurance and California Disability Insurance. Employee will be eligible for ESLT’s offered HSA medical, dental and vision coverage beginning the first of the month (100% paid), following 30 days from your date of hire. A mandatory 6-month probationary period will begin on start date. Eligible to enroll in Simple IRA in January 2024.

How to Apply:  Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume by email to: mail@calandtrusts.org

The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.