Land Transaction and Assets Manager, Arizona - The Nature Conservancy

Tucson, Arizona, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Land Transaction and Assets Manager, Arizona (LTAM) works within the Arizona Land and Water Protection Program that develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for Arizona.  The Protection Program consists of staff who use the full range of protection tools, including land gifts, conservation easements, land purchases, leases, and cooperative projects with federal, state, and local governments, and conservation organizations. Protection staff identify and implement land and water protection projects in high priority conservation areas in Arizona that encompass representative landscapes with high biodiversity and ecological importance. Additionally, Protection staff track threats to the Conservancy’s assets by monitoring and addressing all legal issues pertaining to our land asset portfolio.

The LTAM will support Protection project work in several ways; such as serves as a project coordinator for all Protection work in Arizona, managing the project due diligence process, tracking project spreadsheets, performing related analysis and research, and serving as the primary contact to schedule meetings with TNC Legal staff.
 

 

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.  
 
The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team! 

The Land Transaction and Assets Manager, Arizona (LTAM) will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Protection Program by developing and implementing tactics for approved plans, and completing and organizing multiple tasks and activities. They will maintain, track, and report on key data related to the scope and priorities of the functional activity. The LTAM must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the team in order to provide programmatic support and coordinate communications related to the resources. They will complete activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. They will provide guidance in satisfying requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. They will adapt processes and implement recommended practices in order to improve effectiveness. The LTAM will take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team, including, but not limited to, developing documentation, providing recommendations and targeted training related to the functional area of the team, and/or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team. They will create program materials and perform analysis and research related to program activities. They will coordinate with stakeholders and contractors for program success and may serve as the lead liaison with due diligence contractors and TNC legal staff. The LTAM will communicate with staff in various programs across the Conservancy. They will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices to improve services.

Essential duties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business needs:

 A.  Project coordination, including compliance and risk management for land and water asset acquisitions/dispositions and assist with outside partners (approx. 55%)
     1.    Ensure progress on projects to a set timeline and assure compliance to operating procedures and best practices in coordination with project manager and legal staff.
     2.    Provide administrative/organizational “eye” for Protection Department’s multiple, complex, active projects as well as incoming stream of projects, including tracking TNC’s complex approval cycle.
     3.    Coordinate with landowners, funders, and contractors as needed associated with TNC’s due diligence process for land projects, including appraisals, Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments, title work, minerals assessments, and surveys.  
     4.    Assist with legal document drafts in coordination with TNC legal staff.
     5.    Complete TNC database documentation requirements and manage document retention (hard copies and electronic files). 

 B.  Write, execute and track TNC grants and contracts in coordination with specialized staff (approx. 15%)
     1.    Draft contracts and grant agreements and shepherd documents through TNC approval process.
     2.    Ensure timely deliverables and contract performance.

 C.  Land ownership issue research, troubleshooting and resolution (approx. 15%)
     1.    Serve as central point of contact for land stewards with land ownership or other legal issues.
     2.    Coordinate with TNC legal staff and execute specified actions.
     3.    Complete TNC documentation requirements on actions, and file appropriately.

 D.  Respond to special requests to provide land and water protection metrics and maintain files according to document retention rules in coordination with Conservation Easement Program Manager (approx. 10%)
     1.    Draft responses to inquiries regarding land and water protection metrics. 
     2.    Review/develop response with Protection program staff to ensure data/metrics report-out is appropriate and complete.
     3.    Maintain cloud, server and hard copy files in Tucson office, as well as coordinating with regional legal staff for TNC official organizational filing.
     4.    Assist with Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Accreditation renewals. 

 E.  Participation in AZ Chapter functions and administrative tasks (approx. 5%)
     1.    Participate in Arizona Chapter and TNC-wide meetings and efforts.
     2.    Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as performance reviews, expense reports, and timecards.
     3.    May supervise staff, interns or volunteers.
     4.    Other duties as required.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
• May be responsible for the work of peers on departmental project teams;
• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;
• Financial responsibility includes negotiating and contracting with vendors
• Manage projects with several variables - set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability;
• May participate in complex negotiations;
• Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs;
• Occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.
• Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays; 
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain;
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines; 
• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals; and
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull 25 pounds.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience in project coordination/management, compliance, legal, real estate, contracting, grant administration, compliance or similar field or equivalent combination;
• Experience:
• Managing multiple projects which includes implementing steps throughout, such as legal document drafts and review of due diligence;
• Business process analysis and/or improvement;
• Working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), “Box”, databases, web browsers and internet research; and
• Working with cross-functional teams.
• Youth certified (completes TNC training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
• Ability to implement complex processes;
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results; 
• Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff;
• Experience coordinating projects;
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
• Knowledge of current trends in the specific field;
• Experience working in a metrics driven culture; 
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks; and
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program.  Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.  Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ. In Arizona, in support of a healthy work./life balance, our employees have the option to participate or not in Nature Fridays - when, every other week, an employee compresses their normally scheduled 5-day, 35-hour workweek into 4 days and take that Friday off (Nature Friday!!). 

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $56,000-$67,950 with a target range of $56,000-$60,400 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, experience; and internal equity.  Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55658, submit your current resume with a cover letter (summarizing your real estate experience) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.