Vice President of Ecology and Climate

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a nonprofit conservation organization, we are supported by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, philanthropic partners, grant funders, and our 85,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, .

Posting Information: 

Salary: $148,750-$191.250 

New Trustees hires are placed between the minimum and midpoint of the range, $148,750-$174,250. 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time 

Job Type: Hybrid 

Location: Massachusetts 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact: 

As the Vice President of Ecology and Climate, you will lead statewide strategies that shape how The Trustees manage, steward, and restore forests, grasslands, wetlands, coastal systems, and farmland. You will guide the organization in science‑based decision‑making and ensure our land management practices develop and reflect best practices in conservation and climate resilience. 

The Role: 

This role leads the development and execution of organization‑wide ecology, agriculture and climate strategies and oversees major initiatives in habitat protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable land use to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. You will be responsible for setting priorities, managing a high‑performing professional team, and collaborating with program, stewardship, and regional leaders. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the sustainable management of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas that enhance The Trustees' mission and deliver successful results. 

• ​Articulate and implement priorities, strategies, and targets in concert with other Trustees’ program areas of conservation and resilience, urban outdoors, arts and culture, property stewardship, and recreation and public engagement.  

• ​Lead and mentor a team of ecology, agriculture, project management and habitat management professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement towards achieving priorities. 

• Utilize strong collaboration skills, working in a matrixed environment in partnership with other parts of the organization toward shared goals. 

Program Oversight 

• Oversee the design and implementation of ecology, agriculture and climate resilience programs aligned with The Trustees’ Strategic Plan and synergy between programs. 

• Oversee best‑in‑class stewardship practices that support 167 rare species and 20+ rare habitat types. 

• Develop and oversee program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and alignment with funding opportunities. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Represent The Trustees with government partners, conservation coalitions, research institutions, and community organizations. 

• Serve as a leading voice for science‑based conservation and climate policy in Massachusetts. 

• Provide data‑driven insights and recommendations on emerging environmental trends. 

• Provide guidance to education, engagement, marketing and stewardship teams that align Ecology and Climate team goals with visitor and public engagement. 

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting directly to the Chief Conservation Officer. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, ecology, conservation biology, or related field. 

• 15+ years of experience in nature conservation, with a minimum of 5-7 years in a leadership role. 

• Demonstrated expertise in land management practices, conservation strategies, climate adaptation, and environmental policies. 

• Experience leading strategic initiatives and managing complex portfolios.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. 

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and community outreach. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a passion for data-driven decision-making. 

• Experience managing cross‑functional or matrixed teams. 

• Experience developing budgets for large, multi‑year conservation or climate initiatives. 

• Proven success in receiving and administering complex multi-year grants for restoration, habitat management, climate adaptation, and agricultural sustainability/research. 

• Background in agroecology, climate‑smart agriculture, or applied ecological research. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check  

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Reach out to our People Team by emailing [email protected]. 

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: 80 hours   

• Vacation time: 15 days per year  

• Early release time: 36 hours per year  

• Floating holidays/personal days: 15 Floating Holidays (13 observed holidays; 2 floating)  

• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offer additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  

• Short and Long Term Disability Insurance  

• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave  

• Life Insurance  

• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment 

• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admissions and memberships to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees’ property  

• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here:  Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity .

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.