Monday, Mar 2, 2015

Job Opening: Land Protection Specialist

Position Summary:

MNA's Land Protection Specialist (LPS) develops and implements a diverse portfolio of real estate transactions that advance MNA’s conservation goals in priority landscapes. The LPS is a key member of the conservation team and plays a central role in the success of MNA’s efforts to protect Michigan’s rare, threatened and endangered species and imperiled natural communities.

Established in 1952, MNA is Michigan’s oldest land conservancy. MNA currently owns a statewide network of more than 170 nature sanctuaries across Michigan, with at least one MNA sanctuary in 58 of Michigan’s 83 counties.

The LPS will be responsible for sourcing, financing, structuring and successfully closing land transactions, including fee-simple acquisitions, conservation easements, wetland mitigation projects, endangered species mitigation projects, as well as other transaction types. The LPS will also help resolve a wide variety of property-related issues associated with MNA’s current land holdings across the state.

Responsibilities:

• Sourcing land transactions, including identifying and communicating with land owners, potential property donors, sellers or their agents;
• Financing land transactions, including identifying and securing necessary public and private grants and other funding sources;
• Structuring land transactions, including identifying transactional strategies that protect key conservation values and mitigate risk;
• Closing land transactions, including negotiating the successful resolution of any outstanding issues and coordinating the implementation of all legal, financial and administrative tasks necessary for successful completion;
• Ensuring appropriate compliance in all land transactions, including participating in site assessments, preparing background information, conducting due diligence investigations, writing reports and other evaluations for potential acquisition projects;
• Other responsibilities that may be assigned to this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, a minimum of five years of experience, and a clear track record of success in land transactions, real estate acquisitions or business deals;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Outstanding attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to timely completion of projects;
• Ability to execute multiple projects and tasks concurrently;
• Knowledgeable of general land conservation strategies, including familiarity with the legal, financial, and scientific considerations involved in land conservation;
• Knowledge of real estate transactions, due diligence investigations, related documents, and real estate closing procedures;
• Knowledge of related government procedures; and,
• Proficiency in with Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Law degree, including a knowledge of property law, is desired but not required;
• Knowledge of Register of Deeds procedures, property tax procedures, and IRS regulations related to conservation easements and non-profits;
• Experience working with volunteers and interns;

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Position offers health insurance benefits (with certain co-pays), life insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation, and a 403(b) savings plan.

To Apply:

Resumes and supporting materials accepted until Saturday, February 28, 2015. Please send cover letter including salary requirements, resume, at least one relevant writing sample, and at least three professional references to Paul Steiner, Operations Director at psteiner@michigannature.org or mail to: Operations Director, Michigan Nature Association, 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100, Okemos, MI 48864.

The Michigan Nature Association is an equal opportunity employer
committed to workplace diversity.