Peninsula Open Space Trust Careers

Transactions Project Manager

Are you a passionate conservation professional with experience in land conservation and real estate transactions? This is an opportunity to join one of the most successful land trusts in the country to protect the spectacular landscapes of the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay for the benefit of all.  

The Land Transactions Project Manager position will be responsible for implementing all phases of real estate transactions to further POST’s land conservation projects. This individual will serve as an internal project lead and will act as a day-to-day liaison between staff, property owners, and partners.  The Land Transactions Project Manager will work closely with the Director of Land Transactions, the Vice President of Conservation, and other program and core function staff to develop and implement transaction strategies that achieve POST’s organizational goals.

Why You Will Love This Role

As a Transactions Project Manager, you are at the nexus of POST’s mission-critical work to conserve land in alignment with our strategic pillars connected to climate resilience, biodiversity and equitable access. You’ll work closely with POST’s leadership, programmatic and land stewardship experts, other cross functional teams, our board, external partners, and landowners. You’ll have the opportunity to negotiate mutually beneficial solutions and shepherd transactions to a satisfying close all in service of a mission you believe in, in a dynamic, values driven workplace.

Work Schedule

POST is currently a hybrid workplace. Our hybrid work policy supports work schedule design for time in the office, field, or remote that optimizes individual and team performance based on specific job requirements. The successful candidate for this job should expect to be in the office or in the field several days per week and must live within a reasonable driving distance to POST’s Palo Alto office, and to its lands on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay.

Responsibilities

• Cultivates and manages a portfolio of property transactions that support POST’s conservation goals.
• Negotiates with landowners and collaborates with public agencies, nonprofit partners, and funders to complete real property transactions with mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Prepares and oversees the development of real property transaction documents such as purchase agreements, conservation easements, and escrow instructions.
• Hires and manages consultants, service providers, appraisers, attorneys, surveyors, land use planners, environmental consultants, or biologists needed to complete transactions.
• Ensures quality outcomes by carefully managing aspects of the transaction process including title review, due diligence tasks, record keeping, escrow, and closing in collaboration with other staff including the Land Transactions Coordinator.
• Coordinates and contributes to successful post-acquisition activities such as transferring ownership to external partners, following up with funders, transitioning properties to our Land Stewardship team for long-term protection of natural resources, and supporting the Stewardship team in planning property management transitions for transfers of land.
• Presents to the Land Committee and Board of Directors on project opportunities and recommendations.
• Represents POST at occasional donor, funder, and public events in support of our marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Works in alignment with POST’s organizational values and its commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture.

Job Requirements

• Minimum three years relevant experience with project management in a real property-related business, nonprofit, or public agency, ideally including Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, real estate license, law degree, or other relevant credentials.
• Experience completing land conservation projects with grit and grace, ideally including conservation easements, is essential.
• Growth mindset and experience managing projects and collaborating in teams with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience building relationships in service of long-term business goals.
• Effective communicator and negotiator; strong writing, speaking, presentation and listening abilities.
• Self-motivated, creative problem solver comfortable asking for help.
• Knowledge of land trust practices and conservation easements is helpful; training can be provided.
• Ability to work effectively using Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• College degree in a relevant field of study, or equivalent and relevant work experience and/or certifications will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Knowledge of or experience in natural resources is necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

This job has the following physical requirements:
 

• Requires regular and accurate communication with others using telephone, computer, and video technology, and ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials.
• Requires the ability to drive company vehicles to remote locations.
• Requires the ability to traverse uneven, rough, or steep terrain and exposure to outdoor elements.
• There are occasional events or duties that occur outside regular work hours. 
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions.

If you would like to apply:

Please write a cover letter telling us how you connect to our mission and why you are a great match for this role. We are not able to give the same level of consideration to applications submitted without a cover letter.

STARTING SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION:

$118,530-$131,700 depending upon level of skills and experience, plus excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, life and long term disability insurance, pet insurance, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

POST’s Core Values:

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care About How We Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to striving for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant based on legally recognized protected classes under federal, state, or local law. 

Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation when applying for a position with us. Please contact us if you need assistance applying for this position.

POST is committed to maintaining an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. We encourage interested applicants with varied backgrounds and/or skill sets to apply for open positions so we may consider individual qualifications and evaluate great candidates whose prior experience may not precisely meet all the posted criteria. 

We look forward to receiving your application for employment at POST!