Review Specialist

Reports to: Associate Director of Reviews

Position Category: Administrative

Employment Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY. Will consider outstanding candidates who are available to travel for occasional in-person training in Saratoga Springs, NY

Application Deadline: February 23, 2024

Mission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, awards the accreditation seal to community institutions that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission's mission is to inspire excellence, promote public trust and ensure permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing land trust organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and that strive for continuous improvement. More information is available on the Commission’s website, www.landtrustaccreditation.org (link is external).

Relationship with Alliance

The Land Trust Alliance’s mission is to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. Created in 2006 as a separate corporation but supporting organization of the Alliance under Section 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Commission was organized exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of, the Alliance.

The Commission is governed by a board of volunteer commissioners, who are diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the country. The Alliance provides financial management, human resources, communications, and information technology support services to the Commission.

Summary of Position

The Review Specialist is part of a dedicated team that implements the national accreditation program to build and recognize strong land trusts, foster public confidence in land conservation, and help ensure the long-term protection of land. The Review Specialist serves as a primary evaluator of applications for accreditation and promotes and implements the Commission’s values of integrity, accountability, and service.

The Commission prefers candidates who are located within driving distance of the Saratoga Springs, NY office but will consider outstanding candidates who are available to travel for occasional in-person training in Saratoga Springs, NY. The position is full-time and requires some weekend and evening work and travel at least three times per year.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the fair, consistent, and timely review of accreditation applications by serving as a primary reviewer
  • Evaluate accreditation pre-applications and prepare required documentation
  • Evaluate accreditation applications and prepare required documentation
  • Prepare for and document discussions with land trusts, including calls, emails, and virtual meetings
  • Facilitate and document discussions with commissioners about applicants
  • Prepare review team reports for Commission consideration
  • Help facilitate Commission discussion and decision about applicants
  • Assist with the preparation of other materials for Commission meetings
  • Attend Commission meetings
  • Ensure appropriate and timely follow-up on application decisions
  • Maintain Commission records, per the records policy
  • Manage personal administrative needs
  • Meet deadlines
  • Other duties as assigned
• Engage with prospective applicants and accredited land trusts to have land trusts feel more connected to the Commission and to have them see the Commission as a resource
  • Diplomatically counsel potential and active program participants about accreditation program benefits, policies and procedures, application documentation, and requirements
  • Complete annual calls to build and maintain relationships with land trusts
  • Assist with developing and maintaining accreditation training resources for land trusts
  • Present webinars and workshops, as assigned
  • Other outreach tasks as assigned
• Serve as a member of a team dedicated to the development of a successful accreditation program by
  • Maintaining positive personal demeanor and professional and courteous interactions with colleagues and external parties
  • Manintain the integrity and credibility of the accreditation program
  • Building positive relationships with commissioners and other volunteers

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of three years of direct experience in land conservation, nonprofit management, or accreditation review systems
• Knowledge of how land trusts implement Land Trust Standards and Practices and an understanding of the land trust accreditation program
• A minimum of a four-year college degree
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Extraordinary attention to detail
• Proven ability to work independently while meeting high-quality standards in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Excellent computer skills, including working with Microsoft Office and web-based databases
• Understanding of and willingness to adhere to strict confidentiality policies
• Ability to work well with the public in potentially challenging situations
• Flexibility, creativity, and sense of humor
• Ability to travel up to eight percent (8%) annually
• Commitment to creating a successful accreditation program

Compensation

The budgeted salary range for this position is $55,000.00 - $65,000.00, commensurate with skills, years of experience, and unique background and qualifications of the candidate.

The Commission offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and other health coverage; life and disability insurance; paid vacation, personal, sick, and holiday leave; and 403(b) retirement benefits.

The Alliance and the Commission are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.