Director of Lands Programs: Conservation & Land Protection

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; Dexter (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is seeking a Director of Lands Programs to provide strategic leadership for the 21-state Great Lakes Atlantic Region (GLAR).

The role oversees a diverse portfolio of lands activities, including acquisitions, easements, and financial planning, with supervision of 2-3 lands staff. The position reports to the Managing Director of Conservation Programs and involves collaboration across national and regional teams, travel to field offices, and engagement with partners and

Qualifications

• Experience managing conservation programs or land real estate portfolios.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field; advanced degree preferable.
• Experience supervising staff preferred.
• Familiarity with lands protection project tracking software (Landscape) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop regional lands strategies, annual priorities, and protection targets.
• Collaborate with partners and internal teams on acquisitions, easements, and land protection.
• Oversee land transactions including fee title acquisitions, easements, and related closings.
• Draft and review contracts and due diligence materials.
• Ensure compliance with laws, guidelines, and accreditation standards.
• Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to advance land protection projects and budgets.
• Support stewardship and monitoring of the easement portfolio and landowner relations.

Skills

Conservation program management

Real estate portfolio management

Staff supervision

Land transactions

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in non-profit administration / related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Landscape

Job description

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is seeking a Director of Lands Programs to provide strategic leadership for the 21-state Great Lakes Atlantic Region (GLAR).

The role oversees a diverse portfolio of lands activities, including acquisitions, easements, and financial planning, with supervision of 2-3 lands staff. The position reports to the Managing Director of Conservation Programs and involves collaboration across national and regional teams, travel to field offices, and engagement with partners and