Executive Director

Overview
Foothills Land Conservancy

Foothills Land Conservancy seeks a dedicated Executive Director who believes in the power of land conservation, environmental stewardship, and meaningful community partnerships to lead one of Tennessee’s most established and trusted land trusts. This is a unique opportunity to guide a passionate and experienced team and expand conservation impact across East Tennessee and the greater Appalachian region.

WHO WE ARE

Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC), based in Rockford, Tennessee (Knoxville Metro area), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that protects, preserves, and enhances the land of the Southern Appalachian region for the benefit of the public. Since 1985, FLC has partnered with landowners who wish to conserve their land whether to keep it in the family, protect sensitive habitats, or preserve the unique beauty of East Tennessee’s landscapes. Serving the Cumberland Plateau, Ridge and Valley, and Blue Ridge ecoregions, FLC has conserved over 200,000 acres of farmland, forest, open space, and natural habitat across more than 40 counties in Tennessee and surrounding states.

With deep roots in the region and a strong commitment to voluntary land conservation, we partner with private landowners, conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and local communities to ensure that treasured landscapes remain intact for future generations. We specialize in conservation easements, preserving stewardship, environmental education, and regional collaborations that sustain biodiversity, protect water quality, and preserve rural character.

FLC operates with a talented team and a dedicated Board of Directors. We take pride in building relationships that last and conserving the places that matter most - for people, for wildlife, and for the future.

WHAT WE DO

• Land Conservation – We conserve high-priority natural and working lands through voluntary conservation easements and land acquisition.
• Stewardship – We ensure the long-term integrity of conserved properties through regular monitoring, landowner engagement, and best practices.
• Education & Outreach – We engage communities through outreach, presentations, volunteer opportunities, and environmental education programs.
• Partnerships – We work with diverse public and private stakeholders to scale up conservation efforts that are rooted in science and shared values.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You are a mission-driven, visionary leader ready to guide a respected land trust into its next era of growth and impact. You bring a relational leadership style, strong organizational skills, and a passion for conservation. You know how to build trust with rural landowners, collaborate across sectors, and lead teams through change with transparency and integrity.

As FLC’s next Executive Director, you’ll take the helm of a financially stable and values-driven organization with a rich legacy of success. You’ll have the opportunity to shape strategy, lead conservation innovation, and deepen community connections across the Southeast.

You are equally comfortable in a boardroom, on a back road with a landowner, or speaking to a room of donors. You bring humility, vision, and a commitment to strengthening both landscapes and the people who care for them.

YOU WILL:

LEADERSHIP

• Provide visionary and operational leadership aligned with FLC’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Board and staff to implement and evolve FLC’s strategic plan.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, mission-driven workplace culture.
• Represent FLC in regional and national conservation networks.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and personnel management.

LAND CONSERVATION & PROGRAM OVERSIGHT

• Support conservation and stewardship staff in developing and executing strategic land protection initiatives.
• Guide alignment of land projects with legal, ecological, and mission-based priorities.
• Promote integration and collaboration across all program areas.

FINANCE & OPERATIONS

• Work closely with the finance committee, financial advisors, and the Board to maintain financial health, reserves, and accountability.
• Oversee budget development, grant management, reporting, and internal controls.
• Support daily operations and ensure organizational compliance with policies and laws.

FUNDRAISING, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

• Lead development strategy, including major gifts, planned giving, foundation grants, and annual fundraising.
• Manage a personal portfolio of donors and cultivate meaningful relationships.
• Serve as FLC’s primary spokesperson and advocate.
• Oversee communications to raise visibility and community engagement.

BOARD RELATIONS

• Keep the Board well-informed about FLC’s progress and challenges.
• Support Board development, orientation, and engagement.
• Encourage a culture of philanthropy and shared leadership.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in relevant field a plus.
• At least 5 years of nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, especially major gifts and donor cultivation.
• Experience managing budgets with diverse funding sources.
• Proven ability to supervise and empower staff.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, strategic, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Executive Director or senior leadership experience.
• Knowledge of East Tennessee’s ecological and cultural landscape.
• Experience with landowner engagement, real estate transactions, and stewardship.
• Comfortable working with legal counsel and navigating courtroom or legal hearing settings when representing the organization’s interests.

Personal Attributes:

• Relationship-driven with high emotional intelligence.
• A collaborative and compassionate leadership style.
• Strong ethical standards and accountability.
• Genuine passion for protecting land and connecting people to place.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Rockford, TN 37853 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rockford, TN 37853: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person