Executive Director Performance Profile

THE ORGANIZATION - Background

Genesee Land Trust (“the land trust,” or “the organization”) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Rochester, New York on Prince Street. The organization was formed in 1989 when a group of concerned citizens organized their efforts to protect native plant and wildlife habitat, wetlands, farmland, waterways, and scenic and recreational areas. The founders created Genesee Land Trust, an all-volunteer organization for nearly ten years, and then hired the organization’s first Executive Director as a part-time staff member in 1998. Since that time, the organization has grown to a staff of 11, with an annual budget of approximately $900,000, with farmland projects adding $500,000 to $2,500,000 in some years. At present, the land trust has a pipeline of approved and contracted farmland projects of approximately $16 million to be completed over the next 4-5 years.

How do land trusts protect and conserve land and water?

Genesee Land Trust serves the 1.3-million-acre region that includes the City of Rochester, the shoreline of Lake Ontario, a suburban ring of communities, as well as rural towns with significant agricultural economies. To date, Genesee Land Trust has protected over 6,500 acres within its service area. For 30 years, Genesee Land Trust has intentionally had a broad mission of protecting land with three conservation priorities: protecting wildlife habitat, conserving local farmland, and creating connections to nature. The land trust protects land through acquisition (either by donation or purchase) and by using conservation easements – permanent legal agreements that restrict the future development of privately owned land. Once acquired, Genesee Land Trust either manages the land as nature preserve or stewards the conservation easements to be sure the terms of each easement continue to be upheld. The management and stewardship obligations are permanent. Genesee Land Trust has a portfolio of 18 nature preserves open to the public across the region and 31 conservation easements.

Why are we seeking an Executive Director?

Gay Mills, the organization’s current Executive Director, is retiring after a successful tenure as Genesee Land Trust’s first staff leader. Under her guidance, the organization has grown in every measurable way: annual revenue has grown to $900,000; staffing has grown from 1 part-time employee to 11 full and part-time staff; the volume of annual land transactions has grown from 1 or 2 per year to 6-10; and the total land under Genesee Land Trust’s protection has grown to 6500 acres plus an additional nearly 4000 acres of farmland protection projects awarded by New York State are underway. Gay is highly motivated to assist with the transition of her relationships with donors, board members, staff, landowners, farmers, municipal officials, community partners and land trust leaders to the new Executive Director.

The relationships above describe Genesee Land Trust as creative, fiscally responsible, honest, humble, reliable, and proactive. The organization is known for doing “the hard stuff,” defined as the pursuit and completion of projects that others might not take on due to their complexity or requirement for long-term tenacity. The organization has earned the respect of individual donors who have chosen to support the organization year after year and are the primary source of annual funding. In addition, Genesee Land Trust has proven its competitiveness in securing NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets farmland protection program grants for the purchase of agricultural easements and other Federal and State funding for specific acquisition and habitat improvement projects.

Genesee Land Trust’s staff and board of directors are proud to entrust a highly functioning, well-respected organization to the next Executive Director. They are not looking for someone to maintain the status quo, rather they are seeking someone who is ready to drive significant and sustainable growth in the good works of Genesee Land Trust.

Looking forward

Genesee Land Trust’s most significant opportunity is also its biggest challenge – the breadth of potential projects and programs. The Board of Directors is looking forward to teaming with the incoming Executive Director to develop the organization’s next strategic plan. The current plan will be wrapping up in 2023. The next plan will incorporate the newly completed 10-year Strategic Conservation Plan based on the latest science – incorporating equity, climate change, and water into conservation projects focusing on wildlife habitat, farmland and creating community connections.

THE OPPORTUNITY – The Voice for Land and Water

The next leader of Genesee Land Trust will have an opportunity to make a transformational impact on our region. Growing concerns over climate change, conversion of generational farmland to housing and commercial developments, declining water quality and a heightened awareness of the health benefits of being outside increase the importance of Genesee Land Trust’s mission. The organization’s board and staff are committed to promoting environmental justice and addressing the barriers preventing access to nature. The Land Trust is looking for someone with experience and willingness to lead the organization in this ongoing effort.

OUTREACH, ENGAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH

Many who live within the boundaries of its coverage area are unaware of Genesee Land Trust, in part by design. The organization has focused on implementing projects, partnering with other organizations, farm families, city and county planners, advocates, and other community members to make things happen. “Getting it done” has been the goal. The sense of urgency to meet the challenges of climate change head-on, to invest in creating equitable access to the outdoors, and to increase the pace of protecting vulnerable and critical habitats as well as some of the best soils in the world means that more people and organizations need to get involved.

More farmers need to know about the creative options available for farm preservation; more urban neighborhoods need opportunities to connect residents and youth to the land around them; more unique habitats need to be identified and preserved; and more community-based organizations, towns and cities need to know how conservation is an important part of addressing these concerns for the future. The pending Environmental Bond Act, if passed, will bring $4 billion in new funding for conservation and climate change mitigation efforts to meet New York’s 30 X 30 goal (setting aside 30% of New York’s land and inland water for conservation by 2030). New York State’s land trusts have been working hard to position New York State as a leader in conservation. Genesee Land Trust is positioned to capitalize on this moment in time with a new Executive Director to take up this conservation challenge, building on the organization’s foundation, expanding capacity, and significantly increasing local land protection across all parts of the region in the next decade.

Equally as important, the next Executive Director must be energized to grow Genesee Land Trust’s donor base. The small but very generous donor base that has supported Genesee Land Trust’s projects and outreach to date will be insufficient to meet the demand for growth. In the past 5 years, Genesee Land Trust’s staff has doubled to 11 full and part-time positions and another doubling of staff is realistic in the not-too-distant future.

At current staffing levels, the next Executive Director will have responsibility for hands-on oversight of organizational management like human resources and finance. The Executive Director will be challenged to team with the new Director of Development to raise the sustainable funds necessary to hire operational support staff and grow the team of conservation and program staff.

MANAGEMENT AND MENTORSHIP

When staff, board and community stakeholders were recently asked about the top attributes associated with Genesee Land Trust, the most frequently cited response was “the quality and expertise of staff.” The successful candidate will have the pleasure of working with a team that is passionate about the organization’s mission. Staff are eager to find efficient ways to do more and have a habit of exceeding expectations. The subject-matter expertise of staff members is abundant; therefore, the right leader will be best served to focus efforts on removing roadblocks and providing more resources for their deployment.

The next Executive Director should be experienced in diversifying a team and dedicated to supporting and rewarding a diverse staff by providing professional development opportunities and allowing for non-traditional but productive and accountable approaches to getting the work done.

The successful candidate will also provide leadership in recruiting and supporting diverse board members whose skill sets add to the quality of strategic decision-making, community relevance and good governance of the organization.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND JUSTICE

Genesee Land Trust’s staff and board of directors are counting on the next Executive Director to be as focused on promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (“DEIJ”) as they are. The organization’s commitment to DEIJ was frequently highlighted as one of its biggest attributes when asked. The next Executive Director will be expected to continue to lead the staff and board of directors’ efforts to inculcate DEIJ into every aspect of the organization – hiring, board and volunteer recruitment, project selection, fundraising and overall mission attainment. Genesee Land Trust recognizes the need to acknowledge and understand the peoples of the first nations who have lived on this land and cared for it for generations – and continue to do so -- in an authentic and forward-looking way. Small steps have been started, and the new Executive Director will help to shape this message and related conversations.

Examples in action: Connecting City Residents to Nature Providing city residents with equal access to water and land has been one of Genesee Land Trust’s top priorities since 2000. Interest in tackling environmental racism will help a new Executive Director expand the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the City and across the region. The organization has operationalized its goal of connecting more people to the land by advocating for natural open spaces and trail connections within the City of Rochester. Current projects underway include: the Genesee River Alliance, an effort to bring together various stakeholders to advocate for better community connections to the Genesee River that runs through the City of Rochester; the Teens for the Earth Youth Workforce Development Program that provides city high school youth with year-round paid work; the Running Track Bridge that will connect east to west over the Genesee River via an extension of the Thomas R. Frey Trail at El Camino; and a brand new concept for the creation of a State Park in the Genesee River Gorge area in the heart of downtown.

FACE OF THE LAND TRUST

The successful candidate will be a gifted storyteller and a willing learner. Data and analytics are critical to proving the value of Genesee Land Trust’s role, but sharing moving, impactful examples of Genesee Land Trust’s work is the real driver of engagement at all levels. The next Executive Director will be motivated to develop trusted, lasting relationships with community leaders, legislators, farmers, conservation and environmental allies and volunteers from all walks of life, highlighting Genesee Land Trust’s value to all who live within our community. As someone who will have access to conservation expertise in their staff, the next Executive Director is well-positioned to serve as a thought leader in the field, advocating for transformative policies and projects that might otherwise go unnoticed without Genesee Land Trust’s direct involvement.

WHY LEAD GENESEE LAND TRUST?

This role should be particularly appealing to an experienced nonprofit leader who is looking for an opportunity to DO something about the environment. Make no mistake, if you aren’t already passionate about conservation, climate change, environmental justice, and community health, this isn’t the role for you.

If you are passionate about the mission but aren’t knowledgeable about the details of conservation easements, specific aspects of the science of climate change, and trail design for accessibility for all but are willing to learn, we are willing to provide rich opportunities to do so. The successful Executive Director will be determined and excited to bring about transformational change in our region, will seek opportunities to capitalize on this unique moment in time, and will motivate others both within and outside of the organization to work together and convert ideas to action.

GOALS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the goals and responsibilities described in “The Opportunity” narrative above, the Executive Director will take on the following:

• Within ninety days, work with the retiring executive director and leadership staff to develop introductory relationships with donors, funders, farmers, New York land trust leaders, and municipal leaders.

• Within the first six months, team with Genesee Land Trust’s Director of Development and the development committee to create a development plan that supports the goals of the strategic plan and the priorities identified by the Strategic Conservation Plan including increasing the land acquisition fund and identifying sustainable funding opportunities for urban youth programs.

• Within the first year, team with the staff and board of directors to initiate a new strategic planning process that incorporates the Strategic Conservation Plan.

• Within the first year, work with staff to develop priorities based on the new Strategic Conservation Plan. Develop focused outreach and funding plans reflecting the priorities for the acquisition of critical properties and development of programs over the next decade.

• Develop clearly articulated strategic priorities, including a commitment to further conservation and equity across the region and specifically in the City of Rochester

• Develop a plan to grow staff capacity and support internal leadership to meet the challenges of a quickly growing organization. While fostering a diverse and collaborative work environment, look to strengthen the organization by clearly delineating areas of responsibility and accountability.

• Develop and/or deepen relationships with community partners who have a complementary mission to Genesee Land Trust, e.g. environmental, climate change, farmland and/or habitat preservation groups, urban youth groups, and social and environmental justice organizations.

• Engage with the community of New York land trusts and lead Genesee Land Trust’s overall advocacy and collaboration to maximize the local benefit and impact of state funds.

• Team with the Governance Committee of the board of directors to develop and implement strategies to accelerate recruitment and sustainability of diverse candidates for Board service.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Recognizing that each individual will have their own strengths, talents and experiences, the successful candidate will possess most of the following abilities and attributes gained from varied professional and personal life experiences.

• A history of enthusiasm for and participation in environmental justice, wildlife habitat and/or farmland conservation and/or preservation activities on a paid or volunteer basis.

• A demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice, including experience increasing the diversity of an organization and/or board of directors.

• Alignment with Genesee Land Trust’s Anti-Racist and Equity Commitments found in the Appendix document (see download).

• Experience on the leadership team of an organization, ideally in a non-profit organization. Prior experience working for a land trust or organization with a similar mission is a plus but not required.

• Demonstrated ability and commitment to establishing trusting relationships with people from diverse cultures and educational backgrounds, temperaments, and life experiences.

• Experience using qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate programs and other organizational activities to guide decision-making, fundraising success, organizational culture and forward-looking planning and direction.

• Experience with collaborative leadership and with successfully facilitating complex problem solving, inside and outside of former employer organizations, in order to find common ground and positive outcomes.

• Education in a field related to the work of Genesee Land Trust is a plus but not required.

• A desire to tackle environmental racism and advance access of green spaces to marginalized groups.

• Proven ability to communicate persuasively and effectively, both verbally and in writing to a wide range of audiences including the public, donors, foundations and community groups. Proven experience with developing and delivering content-rich presentations is a plus but not required.

• A willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed – participation in events, for example.

Annual compensation for this full-time role is $100,000 - $115,000 plus a competitive benefits package.

This description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities but constitutes a general definition of position scope. Genesee Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace. The organization has identified the need to address inequity around conservation and access to the outdoors. Genesee Land Trust is actively seeking to recruit diverse candidates who enable Genesee Land Trust to reflect the diversity of the greater Rochester region. Genesee Land Trust is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disability in employment, its programs and operations. Our policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.

HOW TO APPLY/MAKE INQUIRIES

This retained search is being conducted exclusively by Patty Phillips of Clarity Recruiting and Career Management, Inc. for Genesee Land Trust. All applicants must contact Patty directly, as all applicants and inquiries, regardless of how sourced, will be forwarded to her attention.

If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to: patty@clarityracm.com. In your cover letter, please explain the basis for your interest in the position and highlight relevant experience for the role.

GENESEE LAND TRUST’S ANTI-RACIST AND EQUITY COMMITMENTS

The health impacts of racism have always been present, but the broad-scale community suffering experienced during COVID-19 has made them even more visible.

Inspired by the Black Agenda Group ’s influential declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis, Genesee Land Trust made our own mission-related commitments on September 14, 2020. We know how important diversity, equity, and inclusion are to our community, and one of the commitments we made to the Black Agenda Group is to share the steps we’ve taken to move Genesee Land Trust forward.

In 2020 we created a task force to identify the specific ways we could incorporate the Black Agenda Group’s declaration into the fabric of our organization. We integrated these actions into Genesee Land Trust’s strategic plan in 2021 and began monitoring our progress, sharing quarterly updates with the Board of Directors. We have also endeavored to embed diversity and inclusion into our decision-making and Board discussions, with task force members specifically charged with speaking up and asking questions to hold us accountable.

We believe some of the ways we can get at racism’s insidious roots include:

• looking at land conservation through an environmental justice lens

• programming that promotes more equitable access to the joys and health benefits of land and water

• investing in diverse professionals for services

• engaging with and listening to people in diverse neighborhoods

• Being intentional in diversifying our current staff by hiring Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

• Focusing on being intentional in how we educate the next generation of BIPOC youth through equitable means and programming

We recently reviewed and evaluated our year-one progress, and we were honored to be selected to share our efforts at a Black Agenda Group March 2022 Press Conference to announce a new implementation tool outlining the organizational practices identified in the Racism is a Public Health Crisis Declaration.

Some highlights we would like to share:

1) Equity in Strategic Conservation Plan: We believe that land conservation should be done through an equity lens. We are working on updating Genesee Land Trust’s strategic conservation plan, which will outline our conservation priorities for the next 10 years. As part of the plan, equity is incorporated into the mapping of priority areas in the region and as a lens to evaluate future land protection opportunities. When completed in the fall, the Strategic Conservation Plan will help us identify gaps in equity that will help determine which land to conserve to improve access to green spaces and address the inequitable impacts of climate change across the region.

2) Diversity in Relationships with Local Businesses: We believe it is important to support a diverse set of organizations and businesses. In 2021, we gathered a list of Minority and Women Owned Businesses in order to develop relationships with more diverse businesses. When looking for freelance professionals, food vendors, landscaping firms, surveyors, appraisers, environmental consultants, other real estate-related firms, and other service providers, we look first to this directory. We have started and will continue to track the hiring of diverse contractors for different projects.

3) Staff and Board Training and Recruitment: We believe our staff and board must reflect the community that we serve. When we have open staff positions, we post positions broadly, follow practices for equitable hiring (e.g., including salary ranges, examining the language of job posting and materials, etc.) to ensure we are optimizing candidate reach and minimizing unconscious bias. Our Board nominating and governance committee is currently developing and building long-term relationships with diverse individuals and organizations to help foster potential board (and staff) recruits.

We believe every member of our staff and board should expand their understanding of issues related to racism, environmental justice, and land access. In 2021, the staff participated in the climate justice 21-day challenge hosted by Climate Solutions Accelerator as well as the Urban League’s 21-day challenge. We also held board and training sessions with Taj P. Smith, the Director of Diversity Education at RIT, that focused on engaging in difficult conversations that involve racial diversity, inclusion, and equity and subsequently on applying a diverse, inclusive, and equitable strategic lens. In 2022, certain staff, board and search committee members completed training to support equitable hiring, including a focus on eliminating unconscious bias in hiring. The training sessions were both generally applicable and specific to the conservation field.

4) Access to Nature: We believe everyone should have access to nature and natural resources. While we try to incorporate access for all into our Nature Preserves, two projects we’d like to highlight are:

• Genesee River Alliance: Through the Genesee River Alliance, we are focused on access issues specifically related to the Genesee River as it flows through the City of Rochester and that have the potential to address issues of equity in the community. Helen Dumas is a dedicated staff member focused on the Genesee River Alliance, its advocacy, and community activities. Helen manages an ongoing walking series called the Mile-a-Month program, which encourages enjoyment of this vibrant urban trail by downtown residents and visitors alike. She is also conducting a community survey to measure current awareness and engagement and identify areas of improvement.

In the past year, events like the Underground Railroad Walk and Native American Heritage Walk celebrated the cultural diversity and history of both Rochester and the river. To continue to expand the ways the Genesee River and surrounding area enrich our communities, we are involved in the planning efforts for a state park at High Falls. When we preserve land, we are committed to understanding, honoring and honestly sharing the land’s history through our land stewardship activities.

• Teens for the Earth: We revamped the youth workforce development program in 2022 to intentionally address and promote equitable access to nature through an environmental justice lens by intentionally educating the next generation of BIPOC youth. “Teens for the Earth” is a full-year workforce development program that currently employs 10-12 high school students as part-time staff of Genesee Land Trust from schools throughout the Rochester City School District. The youth staff are a diverse group of various races and ethnicities (Africans, African American, Caucasian, Latinx, and others), gender (Male, Female, non-binary, and others), religious affiliations, and additional identities.

The program presents NYS environmental science materials to the youth staff to supplement their school studies and develop a base of knowledge related to their employment. The program is also designed to develop essential skills of employment readiness, teamwork and leadership that the youth can utilize in their future academic and professional pursuits.

The program intentionally provides experiential activities that allow the youth staff to recreate in the natural world. Finally, the program demonstrates the benefits that individuals and communities gain from a healthy environment and nearby nature, as well as exploring the growing challenges to the environment. All is with the goal of encouraging the youth to become life-long stewards of the environment whether through a related career or employment, volunteer work, or civic engagement.