Director, Land Management

The Appalachian Mountain Club is a nonprofit organization focused on fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Through its extensive landholdings and conservation programs, including the Maine Woods Initiative, AMC works at the intersection of conservation, recreation, and science to address climate change and protect the Northeast’s natural resources. This position aligns both paid and unpaid staff to move AMC’s mission and four strategic priorities: - Inspire joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences - Protect critical landscapes for the well-being of people and the outdoors - Cultivate and sustain a robust, welcoming community - Foster access to the outdoors The Director of Land Management is responsible for the strategic oversight, stewardship, and operational management of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) landholdings across five states, including the Maine Woods Initiative (MWI), which is 130,000 acres within the Maine 100-Mile Wilderness. This role leads the development and implementation of integrated land management strategies that advance AMC’s Forest management, easement compliance, conservation, recreation, research, and climate goals. Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation, the Director will oversee multidisciplinary teams responsible for forest management, infrastructure, public access, ecological stewardship, and land-based operations. The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to align on-the-ground management with AMC’s broader organizational strategy and external partnerships. Based in Maine, this role requires regular travel across AMC’s landholdings throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, including fieldwork in remote and rugged environments. Occasional evening and weekend commitments are required to support partner engagement and events. An AMC vehicle is provided for all field-based travel. **What You Will Be Doing at AMC** **Strategic Land Management Leadership** - Develop and implement a comprehensive land management strategy across AMC’s regional land portfolio (ME, NH, MA, NY, NJ or applicable footprint). - Integrate forest management, conservation science, recreation access, and climate/carbon objectives into unified land stewardship plans. - Ensure alignment with AMC’s conservation priorities, including the Maine Woods Initiative and broader regional impacts. - Oversee easement and certification compliance with AMC’s landownership, forest certification, and carbon sales. - Lead land acquisition work to further AMC’s conservation goals near its ownership through the acquisition of inholdings and abutting properties where and when applicable **Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) Oversight** - Provide senior leadership for land management operations across AMC’s MWI properties. - Support implementation of sustainable forestry, habitat conservation, watershed protection, and public access programs. - Coordinate with research, policy, and partnership teams to advance MWI as a national model for conservation and working lands. - Oversee a team of natural resource professionals stewarding this key conservation asset of the AMC - Act as a liaison between external stakeholders, key AMC partners, and regional coalitions **Operational and Program Management** - Oversee day-to-day land management operations, including: - Forest and habitat management - Infrastructure (roads, bridges, and rec infrastructure, buildings) - Public access and recreation management - Land protection compliance (easements, certifications, regulatory requirements) - Establish and monitor performance metrics for land stewardship outcomes. - Ensure effective use of contractors, vendors, and internal staff resources. - Oversee relationships with Forest Management contractors like Huber Resources Corporation in the management of MWI. **Team Leadership and Organizational Development** - Lead and manage a team of land managers, fore…