Overview

Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) is a nationally accredited land trust dedicated to conserving and stewarding the distinctive landscapes, waters, wildlife habitat, and communities of Downeast Maine. Based in Machias, Maine, DCC works collaboratively with landowners, communities, volunteers, and partner organizations to protect and care for ecologically significant lands throughout Washington County.

DCC is seeking a collaborative, mission-driven Executive Director to guide the organization through its next chapter of organizational leadership and strategic growth. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as DCC’s chief executive leader, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, leading and supporting staff, strengthening organizational operations, leading resource development efforts, building community relationships, and partnering closely with the Board on governance and long-term strategy.

Key Leadership Priorities

The next Executive Director will help:

Demonstrate authentic passion for conservation, stewardship, and the future of Downeast Maine
Lead and support a collaborative and mission-driven staff team
Advance resource development, donor engagement, and community relationships
Ensure strong financial management and organizational sustainability
Help DCC clarify and implement long-term strategic priorities
Balance conservation, stewardship, outreach, and organizational growth priorities
Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for DCC throughout the region
Strengthen communication, organizational alignment, and operational systems
Support healthy governance practices and a strong Board partnership

Ideal Candidate

DCC recognizes that strong nonprofit leadership can come from a variety of professional backgrounds. While conservation and land trust experience is valued, the organization is equally interested in candidates who bring strong leadership, management, fundraising, and relationship-building skills.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate many of the following:

Nonprofit leadership or senior management experience
Public speaking, written communication, and relationship-building skills
Resource development and donor engagement experience
Financial management and budgeting experience
Strategic thinking and organizational planning skills
Collaborative relationships with boards of directors and volunteers
Staff supervision and organizational leadership experience
Commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and organizational culture
Passion for conservation, community, and DCC’s mission

DCC understands that no candidate will bring every experience or qualification listed above. We encourage candidates who feel inspired by the mission and believe they can contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience
100% employer-paid health and vision insurance for single subscriber coverage
IRA retirement plan with employer match up to 3%
15 paid vacation days annually
12 paid sick days annually
14 paid federal holidays annually
Dental insurance at employee cost
Additional voluntary employee benefit offerings

About Downeast Maine

Washington County offers an extraordinary quality of life for individuals who value community, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and meaningful connection to place. Downeast Maine is known for its rugged coastline, forests, and welcoming communities, with unparalleled access to hiking, paddling, wildlife, and conserved lands. This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of conservation while living and working in one of Maine’s most distinctive regions.

To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to HR@downeastcoastalconservancy.org.

In your cover letter, we invite you to share why this opportunity and DCC’s mission resonate with you, as well as the experiences and leadership qualities you would bring to the role.

More information about Downeast Coastal Conservancy and this position can be found at: www.downeastcoastalconservancy.org.

Downeast Coastal Conservancy

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