Vice President, Government and Community Relations

Headquarters - Pittsburgh Office (Pittsburgh, PA)

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking an individual to fill the position of Vice President for Government and Community Relations in our Pittsburgh office.

This is a high-level and important leadership position for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), one of the largest land trusts in the nation, with a range of conservation programs and ownership of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater.  This position is over government and community relations: inclusive of all programs of the Conservancy, community greening and natural heritage programs.

The VP of Government and Community Relations leads and oversees the development and continuation of strategic partnerships and strong relationships with representatives of government agencies and elected officials at the local, state and federal level to achieve WPC’s mission across all WPC programs. This includes influencing responsible conservation policies and securing government grants and contracts at an annual level of around $11 million, representing approximately one third of WPC’s total operating revenue. This position reports directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, and as described below, the VP also directly leads and provides administrative oversight for two primary program areas of WPC’s work: community greening (urban and community forestry, perennial/annual gardens, bioswales and green infrastructure, downtown planters, downtown hanging baskets, and other greening work) and the Natural Heritage program to protect threatened and endangered species and their communities, often in relation to climate issues, where government partnerships and funding are integral to successfully meeting annual program objectives.

Natural Heritage Program

The VP directly leads WPC’s Natural Heritage Program, which works closely with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the PA Game Commission, the PA Fish and Boat Commission and in close collaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Service to provide statewide scientific information and expertise to support the conservation of the state’s biological diversity.  In part, this work is carried out through inventories, studies and the management of a central database of information for land use project planning purposes. The VP provides oversight to annually develop a balanced budget for the Natural Heritage Program of approximately $4 million and regularly monitors revenue and expense to ensure a balanced budget. While annual revenue is primarily derived through government grants and contracts, the VP also works to secure private funding for special projects in close coordination with WPC’s Institutional Advancement staff. The VP ensures that the work of the Natural Heritage Program is closely interconnected with the work of WPC’s program areas of land conservation and stewardship, watershed conservation and community greening to fully maximize WPC’s mission. The VP also ensures that WPC’s communication to staff is regularly updated on various projects to enable effective reporting to the WPC membership, the media and the general public.

Community Greening Program

The VP directly leads all aspects of WPC’s community greening work including community forestry tree plantings and other related activities, community flower and vegetable gardens, floral planters and hanging baskets in business districts, storm water mitigation projects, school grounds greening, a diverse volunteer force, and ecological surveys and implementation projects aimed at helping communities and public parks achieve effective greening approaches. The VP oversees developing and maintaining working relationships with local government agencies and authorities, elected officials, community leaders, local groups and citizens of all ages and all walks of life. The VP develops the Annual Community Greening Action Plan with emphasis on implementing projects in underserved communities and integration of the Community Greening priorities with the objectives of other WPC program areas in keeping with WPC’s Strategic Plan. The VP ensures that greening projects are carried out in conjunction with effective community outreach and engagement, and with optimum efficiency and effectiveness. The VP develops the annual budget for all Community Greening projects of approximately $4 million and regularly monitors revenue and expense to ensure breakeven results. The VP directly oversees securing funds from government grant programs, business sponsorships, foundations and individuals to ensure sufficient revenue to meet project expenses. For business/corporate, foundation and individual funding, the VP works closely with WPC’s Institutional Advancement staff.

Job Duties

Annually develops and implements the Government Relations and Policy Action Plan in keeping with WPC’s Strategic Plan.

Develops strategic local, state, and federal government relationships and partnerships to advance public conservation funding opportunities with emphasis on executive leadership of the agencies key to achieving WPC’s mission.

Secures federal, state and local funding for all WPC programs to advance WPC’s conservation mission and objectives.

Convenes regular meetings with staff across programs to plan for specific government grant application rounds to secure project funding.

Heads WPC’s sustainability committee and leads sustainability efforts.

Ensures appropriate grant application requirements are met such as authorizing board resolutions and timely internal review of applications.

Identifies new sources of local, state and federal government funding and proactively assists staff in matching opportunities with project needs and submission of grant applications.

Through direct outreach, advances an understanding of WPC’s priority conservation areas with senior government agency officials and elected officials at the local, state and federal levels.

Takes a leadership role in fostering and promoting sound and responsible public policies, by building awareness and engagement of public officials to advance and support conservation and restoration of Western Pennsylvania’s exceptional places.

As needed and in close coordination with the President, facilitates discussions with the Board or its committees to examine and consider specific legislative issues.

Leads and manages staff, consultants and volunteers in advancing government partnership relationships.

Directly oversees all interactions and activities with WPC’s government relations consulting firm representative.

Provides government relations coaching for staff, as needed.

Physical Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

An excellent conservation political strategist, with 8-10 years successful and progressive experience in non-profit management, and/or in federal, local and state policy or government affairs.

A bachelor’s degree is required; a graduate degree, preferably in conservation or a related field, government relations, political science, community affairs or law is desirable but not required.

Significant leadership and managerial experience to manage in a team environment involving planning, new project development, budgeting and assigning/directing projects, resources and people are required.

Must be an excellent public speaker with outstanding written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others.  Knowledge of conservation-based programs, non-profit conservation issues, and WPC’s operations and programs are necessary.

Must have a strong commitment to WPC’s mission

Must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Location

This position's primary location(s): Headquarters - Pittsburgh Office (Pittsburgh, PA)

Position Duration

Pay

Starting Rate: $162,000 – $196,000. In consideration of advanced qualifications and years of experience, the pay may be higher than this range, as candidate pay will be commensurate with experience.

Application Process

Application Deadline