WV Land Trust - Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

The West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT), a statewide non-profit land and water conservation organization, is seeking a full-time Director of Operations (DOO) to work from its Morgantown or Charleston office location. Reporting to the Executive Director, this critical role oversees internal operations, including Finance, HR, IT, and general administration. The Director is part of the senior management team and involved in strategic decision-making, joining a creative and committed team of professionals who focus on conserving West Virginia's special places and on supporting a growing state conservation movement.

The Director of Operations leads and supports WVLT staff, currently based in three locations. The Director’s responsibilities are both strategic and operational. The DOO oversees and optimizes processes in functional areas including general administration, organizational finance, Board of Directors relations, fundraising and communication systems support, and operational aspects of land protection and stewardship. Strong leadership and management experience, a strategic mindset, and the ability to implement best practices across the organization are priorities. The position requires excellent problem-solving skills, a commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to foster a positive and collaborative work environment while responding effectively to the organization’s diverse needs.

This is a new role at a dynamic time for WVLT. The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility in adapting the position to the needs of the organization, which has recently completed an ambitious Strategic Plan that envisions growth and expansion. The position may be structured as a hybrid role, requiring about 25% of time spent in office.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Leadership and Management

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff on development and implementation of the Strategic Plan 
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with WVLT's mission and goals
• Optimize internal processes and systems
• Lead and manage the administrative team
• Ensure legal, regulatory, grant and national accreditation compliance
• Prepare and review partnership agreements, contracts, and other legal documents
• Lead risk management efforts, ensuring sufficient insurance coverage

Financial Management

• Lead development and management of annual budgets and work plans that are aligned with the Strategic Plan
• Implement financial management policies and processes, including review of financials, approval of invoices, and monitoring of budget
• Participate in transition planning for accounting software systems and procedures
• Ensure that Board of Directors and staff receive timely financial reports 
• Implement and maintain contracts management and reporting system
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Serve as staff lead for WVLT Board’s Finance and Investment Committee 
• Oversee and coordinate internal and external finance and accounting support

Human Resources

• Develop, update, and implement HR policies and procedures in consultation with external support as necessary
• Oversee and direct a competitive suite of employee benefits and compensation standards
• Implement a rigorous performance management program
• Lead assessment of staff capacity needs, recruitment, and onboarding of new staff
• Oversee trainings and professional development opportunities
• Lead organizational culture initiatives

Information Technology

• Develop and implement IT strategies, including those that support outreach and communications
• Manage IT vendors, licenses, and services 
• Ensure data security
• Oversee/manage key software systems, including implementation of artificial intelligence-assisted note taking for meetings 
• Coordinate tracking of key events including Board of Directors and committee meetings, deadlines for grant submissions, grant reporting, and government/regulatory compliance

Board of Directors Relations

• Lead onboarding of new members of the Board of Directors
• Oversee timely preparation of information packets for Board meetings
• Attend Board meetings to present financial reports, respond to questions, and undertake necessary follow-up for implementation 
• Ensure implementation of Board meeting decisions

Requirements

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• 5+ years of experience in operations management
• Strong leadership, team management, and team participation skills
• Collaborative and results-oriented
• Strong proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and accounting software like Quickbooks
• Experience with strategic planning and implementation
• Knowledge of HR practices and employment law
• Experience with oversight of IT systems and continuous monitoring of IT security
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to travel to WVLT preserves, offices, Board meetings and other related events

Preferred

• Master's degree in relevant field
• Experience with nonprofit organizations, specifically land conservation focused
• Familiarity with West Virginia's conservation landscape
• Experience with non-profit organizational fundraising

Organization: 

The West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to conserving West Virginia’s land and water resources. Since 1995, WVLT has successfully conserved more than 68,000 acres, protecting vital habitats, recreational opportunities, and agricultural lands. We partner with landowners and communities to safeguard the natural beauty and ecological integrity of West Virginia for future generations.

WVLT is a nationally accredited land trust, reflecting our commitment to excellence in land conservation practices. We prioritize projects that offer direct public benefits, engaging with community members and stakeholders to foster collaborative conservation efforts. Our team is passionate about protecting the state’s unique environmental and cultural heritage, and we strive to create an inclusive and diverse work environment where every voice is valued.

WVLT reserves the right to revise this position description as its needs and the job requirements change. The duties listed above illustrate various types of work that may be performed; this list is not exhaustive.

Benefits

Compensation: Salary from $70,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include retirement plan and generous paid time off.

WVLT is committed to diversity among its employees and in its hiring practices. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.