Executive Director

Executive Director

For nearly 30 years, LandWatch has been a leading voice for thoughtful growth and environmental stewardship in Monterey County. Guided by core values of sustainability, social equity, and conservation, we focus on lasting policy reform across affordable housing, climate, land use, and water. Our work includes encouraging infill housing and addressing inequities in housing and infrastructure that affect community health throughout Monterey County. Our advocacy has helped secure urban growth boundaries, protect farmland and open space, create more affordable, climate-friendly infill housing, influence major land use and water decisions, and win precedent-setting legal cases. Monterey County presents many of the same challenges facing communities across California, including housing affordability, long commutes, climate impacts, pressure on agricultural land, and competing demands for growth. We work at the local level to develop and advance approaches that can serve as models for other communities across the state. LandWatch is now entering a leadership transition after a decade under Executive Director and co-founder Michael DeLapa. Michael plans to remain engaged as a resource to the incoming Executive Director, helping provide continuity and support key donor and community relationships during the transition.

The Executive Director serves as LandWatch's chief executive and is responsible for the organization's overall leadership, strategy, and management. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads LandWatch's policy and advocacy work, oversees operations and finances, leads fundraising, and represents the organization with elected officials, agency staff, the media, funding partners, and the public. The Executive Director leads a small team and works closely with the Board, outside counsel, consultants, and coalition partners. This is a hands-on role suited to a leader who enjoys the breadth and creativity of running a small organization and moves fluidly between long-range strategy and day-to-day execution. The role offers the opportunity to have significant influence in a region where local policy decisions can shape broader approaches to housing, climate, land use, and community development. Success in the role requires strong judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work across disciplines, drawing on staff, consultants, and subject-matter experts as needed.

The salary range for this position is $140,000–$160,000, depending on experience and qualifications. LandWatch offers health insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

LandWatch is headquartered in Salinas, California, and works throughout Monterey County. The Executive Director must be based in or willing to relocate to the Monterey County area and may work remotely from home. Regular travel throughout the county for public meetings, donor visits, and community events is required, including occasional evenings and weekend commitments. Travel expenses are reimbursed.