Director of Operations and Advancement

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT
 
Position Summary: The Director of Operations and Advancement is critical in supporting the organization by overseeing all aspects of the land trust’s daily operations. This position collaborates with the Executive Director to manage the Kansas Land Trust's budget and finances, with a focus on sustainability and fiscal responsibility. The Director of Operations and Advancement can effectively convey the organization's strengths and mission in both written and verbal communications. With support from the Engagement Committee, the Director of Operations and Advancement oversees consultants who support KLT’s communications, outreach, and fundraising activities to advance the organization's mission. The Director of Operations and Advancement reports to the Executive Director.
 
The Kansas Land Trust looks forward to interviewing candidates with a variety of relevant experiences.  The final job description for this position will be refined based on the skills of the most qualified candidate whose work experience clearly demonstrates their ability to support the organization's sustainability and growth goals through the areas outlined below. The Kansas Land Trust strongly encourages applicants with partial relevant expertise and a strong sense of confidence to work independently with minimal supervision to apply for this position.
 
OPERATIONS (40%): The Director of Operations and Advancement will support the Executive Director in executing the daily operations, administrative duties, project logistics, grant management, database management, and maintaining accreditation.

• Direct the general operations and administration of KLT to ensure safety, legal, and regulatory compliance of the non-profit organization.
• Manage the KLT grant portfolio, including but not limited to prospecting, tracking deadlines for applications and reports, working with program staff on writing project proposals/reports, and completing grant proposals/reports.
• Manage KLT’s donor database, process donations, and oversee gift acknowledgement and gratitude letters.

 
FINANCIALS (30%): This position will coordinate the efforts of the Finance Committee and collaborate with the Executive Director to manage the Kansas Land Trust budget and finances with a focus on sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

• With support from the Executive Director, oversee the operating budget and conservation financing and complex financial operations, including processing invoices and payments, and reimbursements from federal, state, and community partners.
• Manage organizational finances, including working closely with consultants to manage KLT’s payroll and time tracking, benefits, investments, ensuring timely filings, and a positive working relationship with KLT’s accounting firm and partners at relevant financial institutions.
• Provide the Board of Directors and Finance Committee with regular updates about investments and the financial health of the organization.

 
ADVANCEMENT (20%): With the support of the Engagement Committee, Board of Directors, and other KLT staff, the Director of Operations and Advancement will coordinate with contractors and consultants to further KLT’s communications, outreach, and fundraising activities to advance the mission of the organization.

• With the support of the Engagement Committee, Board of Directors, and other KLT staff, oversee the execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Manage marketing contractors to ensure effective and consistent external communications, including print and electronic messaging, and media relations.
• Work alongside the Engagement Committee to plan and execute events and public engagement in alignment with the Strategic Conservation Plan.

 
ADDITIONAL DUTIES (10%)

• Serve as Acting Director in the Director’s Absence.
• All KLT Staff are expected to:
  • Maintain strong relationships with landowners, funders, and community partners.
  • Represent KLT at community gatherings and other outreach opportunities.
  • Learn and stay current on best practices for land trusts and non-profit operations.
  • Regularly contribute to publications and social media platforms.
  • Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
  • Share a commitment to the KLT vision and desire to further conservation efforts in Kansas.

 
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• This position requires relative independence and minimal supervision.
• Ability to stay organized and maintain diligent communications in a remote work environment.
• Comfortable using Adobe, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams, and experience managing databases such as donor and customer relationship management databases and financial tracking databases, as well as the willingness to learn and implement new software programs as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex information to a diversity of stakeholders.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have:
  • Professional experience related to office administration, financial management, and partnership-based organizations.
  • Experience in non-profit management.
  • Knowledge of and experience sustaining organizational operations, finances, standards and policies in alignment with accreditation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• KLT offers the flexibility of a remote office. However, all staff must live in the areas where we work. Staff must be willing and able to convene regularly in person for meetings, events, and programs.
• Programming regularly occurs outdoors on uneven terrain.

 
COMPENSATION
The Director of Operations and Advancement is a full-time, salaried position with an annualized salary range of $65,000 to $75,000, depending on experience. Additional benefits include an annual QSEHRA; a 3% simple IRA match; generous paid time off; mileage reimbursement; and a flexible work environment, including remote work with a monthly stipend for home office and a 36-hour workweek.  
 
TO APPLY
Application materials will be accepted until a qualified candidate has been selected. The anticipated start date of January 1, 2026, is negotiable. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Kaitlin Stanley via email at kstanley@klt.org. The subject line in this email should read “Director of Operations & Advancement Materials: [Last Name of Candidate]”. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!