More about the requirements
In addition to the qualifications listed under
The Requirements tab, we're looking for a professional who has:
- A demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and inspire others.
- An entrepreneurial spirit, initiative, energy, and the capacity to be both a high performer and a team player.
- Common sense and a sense of humor.
- Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead through influence and motivation in a matrix environment.
- A passionate commitment to The Trust for Public Land’s mission of creating parks and protecting land for people.
For the time being, you should expect to spend time both in the office as well as working from home. We follow appropriate protocols to ensure the health and safety of all staff members. You also will need to be willing and able to travel as required and to work flexible hours outside a 9-5 schedule. Most travel will be within a two-hour drive of Cleveland, but there also will be two to four trips outside of Ohio each year.
More about the role
You'll invest about 35% of your time in
philanthropy. Funding support for the Ohio Office and the programs it carries out is derived primarily from private philanthropic dollars. You'll work in close coordination with the local and national TPL philanthropy staff to cultivate and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. You also will work in partnership with philanthropy staff to create and implement a fundraising plan. Working with local philanthropy staff leadership, you'll manage the local advisory board, and serve as the primary face of TPL in the donor community.
Quick question for you - click here
About 25% of your time will go to
Program Development and Management, including leading TPL staff and working with program partners, both public and private, to complete existing green infrastructure projects and to develop new ones. This will include evaluating new projects and programs. You'll be responsible for directing 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. You will collaborate with senior leadership, finance and volunteer leaders in developing and implementing strategies that achieve mission delivery goals, and are compelling and financially viable.
Management and administration will account for about 15% of your time, including supervising staff who report to you and creating a positive working environment, strong staff morale and a culture of teamwork and mutual support among all staff, including philanthropy staff who do not report to you. You'll be 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 that attracts, retains and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.
You'll invest about 25% of your time in
external relations, representing The Trust for Public Land and building the organization’s visibility in Ohio. This will include establishing sound working relationships with public officials and civic leaders, partner non-profits, the media, the donor community and others.
More about your success
Technical knowledge of urban parks and land conversation definitely is helpful, but pivotal to your success will be an executive presence and the ability to convey credibility and authenticity. You'll interact with the largest donors, C-suite executives, government leaders and others, and you should be comfortable not only sharing our mission and vision, but also tailoring that message to the specific interests of different audiences.
Another key to success will be your ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization. Across The Trust for Public Land, there is a diverse array of talented and experienced resources, all of whom share the same mission. Of course, you'll adapt that mission to Ohio's needs, but you should be proactive about establishing relationships with local and national contacts -- and leveraging that network to enhance on-the-ground delivery. In particular, you'll need to partner closely with the Ohio State Director of Philanthropy.
Those who are successful here are entrepreneurial and creative. They are driven to get out the door every day to cultivate new relationships while enhancing existing ones. They are team players and go-getters with a sense of boldness -- they take risks and are willing to make the big asks. They're able to connect the dots and understand how to maximize resources. Our best leaders are committed to promoting a healthy work environment where everyone is empowered to give their best.
Perhaps most important of all, to excel in this role you will need to share enthusiastically in our mission of creating parks and protecting land and waterways for people.
This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.
Pictured: The park at Lakeview Terrace after tree-planting and installation of fresh pavement for the surface of the highly popular basketball courts, home of the Wildcats.