Genesee Land Trust Seeks Executive Director

Posted on September 8, 2022

Position Title:

Sea Grant Professional I/Marine Extension Associate - Aquaculture HUB Coordinator

Position Summary:

Genesee Land Trust (“the land trust,” or “the organization”) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Rochester, New York on Prince Street. The organization (www.geneseelandtrust.org) was formed in 1989 when a group of concerned citizens organized their efforts to protect native plant and wildlife habitat, wetlands, farmland, waterways, and scenic and recreational areas. The founders created Genesee Land Trust, an allvolunteer organization for nearly ten years, and then hired the organization’s first Executive Director as a parttime staff member in 1998. Since that time, the organization has grown to a staff of 11, with an annual budget of approximately $900,000, with farmland projects adding $500,000 to $2,500,000 in some years. At present, the land trust has a pipeline of approved and contracted farmland projects of approximately $16 million to be completed over the next 4-5 years.

Why are we seeking an Executive Director?

Gay Mills, the organization’s current Executive Director, is retiring after a successful tenure as Genesee Land Trust’s first staff leader. Under her
guidance, the organization has grown in every measurable way: annual
revenue has grown to $900,000; staffing has grown from 1 part-time
employee to 11 full and part-time staff; the volume of annual land
transactions has grown from 1 or 2 per year to 6-10; and the total land
under Genesee Land Trust’s protection has grown to 6500 acres plus an
additional nearly 4000 acres of farmland protection projects awarded by New York State are underway. Gay is highly motivated to assist with the transition of her relationships with donors, board members, staff, landowners, farmers, municipal officials, community partners and land trust leaders to the new Executive Director.

Looking forward
Genesee Land Trust’s most significant opportunity is also its biggest challenge – the breadth of potential projects and programs. The Board of Directors is looking forward to teaming with the incoming Executive Director to develop the organization’s next strategic plan. The current plan will be wrapping up in 2023. The next plan will incorporate the newly completed 10-year Strategic Conservation Plan based on the latest science – incorporating equity, climate change, and water into conservation projects focusing on wildlife habitat, farmland and creating community connections

The next leader of Genesee Land Trust will have an opportunity to make a transformational impact on our region. Growing concerns over climate change, conversion of generational farmland to housing and commercial developments, declining water quality and a heightened awareness of the health benefits of being
outside increase the importance of Genesee Land Trust’s mission. The organization’s board and staff are committed to promoting environmental justice and addressing the barriers preventing access to nature. The Land Trust is looking for someone with experience and willingness to lead the organization in this ongoing effort.

For more information

Please see here

HOW TO APPLY/MAKE INQUIRIES:

This retained search is being conducted exclusively by Patty Phillips of Clarity Recruiting and Career Management, Inc. for Genesee Land Trust. All applicants must contact Patty directly, as all applicants and inquiries, regardless of how sourced, will be forwarded to her attention.

If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to: patty@clarityracm.com. In your cover letter, please explain the basis for your interest in the position and highlight relevant experience for the role

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