Project Manager - California

The interview process will begin in mid July. Who We Are Trust for Public Land (TPL) is the leader of a movement to connect everyone in America with the outdoors. A national nonprofit, TPL partners with communities to create high‑quality parks and protect public lands—especially in communities that need them most—to improve public health, create social cohesion, strengthen historic and cultural connection to place, and increase climate resilience. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,500 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, generated over $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. Position Summary TPL’s work across Northern California’s coastal region delivers community‑centered, nature‑based climate resilience outcomes primarily through strategic land and easement acquisition, conservation policy and planning, and conservation finance. Our approach involves working closely with diverse partners across the region, with an emphasis on hope, respect, creativity, and mutual trust. The successful candidate will join a regional team dedicated to delivering TPL’s mission of conserving land for people by utilizing nonprofit land acquisition techniques and sound business practices. The Project Manager will manage multiple conservation projects and develop relationships with key stakeholders including local, state and federal agencies, Tribal and Indigenous communities, community groups and non‑profits, and private landowners, to protect priority lands. The role requires working independently with a high level of organization and initiative. Priorities include working with TPL’s Regional Conservation Director to identify and advance land acquisition and water‑and‑wildfire‑focused projects that support TPL’s mission and program goals, assist with regional conservation planning, collaborate with TPL’s government affairs and legal teams, and engage the public in this work. Preferred location: San Francisco or Monterey Bay areas, hybrid/remote possible. Moderate travel, field work, occasional evening and weekend work. Essential Functions Land Protection Project Management Works with the Regional Conservation Director to identify and pursue acquisition of key resource properties needed for protecting and restoring natural lands of critical local, regional, or national importance, and their conveyance to public agencies, Tribal communities or other permanent stewards. Negotiates agreements with landowners, contractors, agencies, and community partners. Manages all phases of the conservation real estate due diligence (title research, funding opportunities, appraisal contracts and other consultants). Assumes responsibility for specific elements of negotiating, documenting and closing conservation real estate transactions with the assistance of TPL legal and finance staff. Manages and successfully advances a portfolio of projects. Explores potential future projects by using GIS tools, developing positive relationships with a diversity of community members, and conducting outreach to landowners, nonprofit organizations, Tribal and Indigenous communities and public agency officials. Regional Conservation Planning and Partnerships Develop relationships with community representatives, government agencies, city staff, non‑profit partners, Tribal and Indigenous communities, and others to identify potential land acquisition projects, support and implement regional conservation planning efforts, and garner support for ongoing projects. With the Regional Conservation Director, support a multi‑year regional conservation planning process focused on identifying and pursuing critical conservation priorities relating to equitable access, ecological health, and climate resilience in the three‑county Monterey Bay region (Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties). Develop and manage professional services agreements, internal mapping exercises and analyses, and other project management tasks associated with regional planning and community engagement. Fundraising Identify and pursue public grants for land acquisition, with support from grants specialists, including researching and tracking funding opportunities and processes. In partnership with philanthropy team, support the Conservation Director’s efforts to identify and secure private donations and foundation grants. Additional Functions Support building public awareness and understanding of TPL through outreach events, meetings, public meetings, and fundraising efforts. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Strong commitment to TPL’s shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization. Must maintain high levels of organization, time management, & performance. Minimum of 3-4 years of project‑management experience required. Three or more years experience preferred in land conservation, natural resources, real estate, or planning. Works with integrity—trustworthy and collaborative. Demonstrated ability to advance multiple and complex projects with moderate supervision. Self‑motivated and directed; ability to work independently and in a collaborative team setting. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to thrive in a highly dynamic environment, adaptable, and flexible. Technologically savvy: proficient with Microsoft systems required; knowledge of GIS preferred. Experience negotiating contracts or agreements preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Compensation Trust for Public Land is a hybrid work environment, and this role will ideally be located near a Trust for Public Land office. As a full‑time employee, you will be eligible for the Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation and sick pay plus holidays, a year‑end office closure, and a 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the anticipated hiring range for this position is $72,000 to $82,000 per year. This role may be eligible for additional locality pay based on the candidate’s work location. Equal Opportunity Statement Trust for Public Land’s active goal is to be an inclusive and equitable place to work and build community. As the organization actively works to eliminate racial and other disparities it welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skillsets. We are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this job may not precisely meet all the above criteria; if you believe you are the right person for this job and can persuasively make that case, we encourage you to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr