Sempervirens Fund

Position Announcement 

Senior Land Transactions Manager

Would you like to help conserve iconic coast redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains by purchasing forests – or using other real estate transactions like conservation easements – to conserve them for future generations? Are you experienced in complex land-based real estate transactions and the use of various conservation funding mechanisms to finance them? Are you interested in an important leadership role in a small but impactful organization with a long and storied history and a bright future? If you answer yes to all of these, consider joining Sempervirens Fund’s dynamic, collaborative, fun team. We are a group that is passionate about forests and dedicated to making them accessible to all.  

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Senior Land Transaction Manager plays a lead role in the implementation of Sempervirens Fund’s land transaction projects, which are foundational to achieving our conservation goals. They are responsible for developing, managing, and executing a portfolio of real estate transactions that increase the pace and scale of redwood forest conservation in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Senior Land Transaction Manager uses the full range of non-profit land conservation tools, including fee and easement acquisition, purchase of timber rights, bargain sales, and land donations in their work with willing sellers. They lead the entire acquisition process including identification of properties, initial outreach, negotiation, due diligence, and eventual closing. They work closely with other Sempervirens Fund staff to develop and support the fundraising and financing strategies necessary to fund these transactions. The Senior Land Transaction Manager also leads the conveyance of these conservation properties to government agencies, like California State Parks, or other appropriate stewards. 

The Senior Land Transaction Manager reports to the Director of Land Transactions, works with two additional Lands Team staff (one full-time; one part-time), and various external experts to complete both the acquisition and disposition of priority conservation lands. This position operates in close partnership with other departments and programs to develop various conservation strategies. 

ABOUT SEMPERVIRENS FUND  

The mission of Sempervirens Fund, a non-profit conservation organization, is to ensure coast redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains thrive for generations to come. In addition to protecting redwoods by buying land and conservation easements to ensure the trees are protected, we own and steward over 12,000 acres of redwoods and associated habitats. We promote forest management practices across the Santa Cruz Mountains to help redwood forests, and our surrounding communities, better withstand the impacts of climate change. We work to expand opportunities for inclusive public access so people from all backgrounds can enjoy these redwood forests. Over the organization’s 125-year history, we have protected over 36,000 acres; helped establish and expand five state parks and other protected areas; and created the beloved 32-mile Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.     

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 

We are committed to an organizational culture that is welcoming and inclusive. We seek a staff that is reflective of the diverse communities with which we work. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Sempervirens Fund is an equal-opportunity employer. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

• A collaborative and supportive team environment 

• A culture that emphasizes work-life balance  

• Family-friendly policies 

• Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for the employee 

• Thirteen paid holidays per year, with five additional floating holidays per fiscal year 

• Three weeks of vacation in the first year, with additional accrual after two years and five years on staff 

• Twelve days of paid sick leave a year 

• Employer retirement plan match of 6% of annual salary for the first five years and then 8% after that 

• A remote-from-home work environment 

• Access to Regus co-working spaces 

• Cell phone and home internet stipend 

• Professional development opportunities 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

LAND TRANSACTIONS (60%) 

• Develop and implement real estate strategies to acquire, or in other ways protect, conservation lands and convey these properties to government agencies or other permanent stewards. 

• Lead negotiations with landowners and other relevant stakeholders; oversee tasks necessary to process and close acquisition agreements.  

EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS (20%) 

• Build and sustain relationships with private landowners to identify immediate transaction opportunities, cultivate long-term prospects, and maintain a pipeline of projects. 

• Coordinate and collaborate with other conservation organizations, governmental agencies, Indigenous partners, community leaders, and others working to protect land in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  

INTERNAL TEAM COORDINATION (20%) 

• Engage the organization’s stewardship team to evaluate long-term costs and land management needs for any property considered for protection. 

• Collaborate with the organization’s development team, grant writer, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Government Relations to design and pursue public and funding strategies to support land transactions. 

• Supervision and mentorship of FTE Land Transactions Manager.  

• Other job duties as needed. 

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

The success of this position depends on the Senior Land Transaction Manager having the technical expertise to complete complex transactions, the initiative and drive to create new opportunities, the interpersonal skills to build the required relationships and navigate sensitive negotiations, and the entrepreneurialism to find the funding and partners to close the deal. 

• Minimum seven years of professional experience in land acquisition or easements, real estate law, finance, or appraisals, preferably with responsibility for the purchase of forests or other conservation lands. 

• Has been primarily responsible for completing at least ten land transactions from start to finish, including initial negotiations, opening escrow, completion of due diligence, fundraising, and closing.  

• At least three years in a managerial or leadership level position in this field, involving strategy-setting and coordination of a team.  

• Expertise in real estate transaction-based conservation tools and a solid understanding of land planning, real property and tax law, relevant public policies and incentives, and conservation funding opportunities. 

• Demonstrated success leading negotiations resulting in complex agreements and closing real estate deals. 

• History of strong relationships and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including landowners, businesses, conservation organizations, and government officials. 

• Experience supervising and/or mentoring full-time staff.  

• Creative, out-of-the-box thinker willing to innovate and experiment, strategic problem solver. 

• Superior communications skills. 

• Outstanding attention to detail; highly organized; able to adapt quickly to shifting priorities. 

• Valid California driver’s license and safe driving record. 

• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365 Suite. 

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting while using a computer. 

• Ability to hike and drive across rugged terrains.  

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.