Description
ABOUT CHESAPEAKE CONSERVANCY
Chesapeake Conservancy is a non-profit organization based in Annapolis, Maryland. We are a
team of conservation entrepreneurs. As the only watershed-wide organization focused on land
conservation, we believe that the Chesapeake is a national treasure that should be accessible
for everyone and a place where wildlife can thrive. We use the latest data and technology to
enhance the pace and effectiveness of conservation and restoration investments.
The Chesapeake Conservancy seeks an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead
and strengthen the organization’s internal operations enhancing organization efficiency, stability and effectiveness. This senior leader will help to build and nurture a positive culture focused on efficiency and accountability overseeing all aspects of internal operations including human resources, Board and building management, interfacing with Finance, Development and Programmatic Teams.
Vice President of Operations
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Salary Range: $115,000-$125,000
Position Summary
The Vice President of Operations provides strategic and hands-on leadership for Chesapeake Conservancy’s internal operations, including human resources, Board relations, administrative services, facilities, and organizational effectiveness. Reporting to the CEO and partnering closely with the CFO and senior leadership team, this role ensures that the organization’s people, processes, and infrastructure are aligned with mission delivery, financial stewardship, and long-term strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead internal operations and administrative functions ensuring effective and efficient running of the organization, team and office.
- Oversee and implement core human resources functions including: recruiting, benefits management, compensation, performance management, training and employee assistance.
- Foster positive staff morale and an inclusive and collaborative environment.
- Work with supervisors to foster a culture of performance management with clear goals and performance metrics that are aligned with the organization’s strategy, financial plan, and business model for each team member, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to meet and exceed targets
- Serves as a Board liaison and ensures clear communication and scheduling with the Board of Directors including the preparation of Board meeting materials and minutes.
- Responsible for all matters related to facilities and serves as building manager liaising with building tenants, anticipating and responding to needs and overseeing scheduling and proactive communication.
- Create and monitor annual budgets for operations and administration ensuring appropriate allocation of resources to support organizational goals.
- Oversee procurement and contract review in coordination with Development and Programmatic teams to ensure that the organization’s interests are protected, that the Procurement Policy is reviewed and revised regularly and followed.
- Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, governance, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Proactively support team development through coaching, mentorship, and succession planning initiatives.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in organizational management including finance and HR functions, ideally within conservation, nonprofit, or mission-driven sectors.
- Proven leadership experience in organizational management and team leadership,
with a track record of compliance, efficiency and collaboration.
- Deep understanding of HR, and nonprofit finance policies and practices
- Experience developing a culture of performance management and accountability helping employees and managers to set, meet and exceed individual, department and organization-wide goals.
- Strong strategic and business acumen, with experience developing and executing budgets and tracking progress and changes throughout the year.
- Exceptional relationship-building, communication skills and attention to detail, with the ability to engage with and support both staff and Board members
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and
professional growth
- Positive mindset and demeanor in an agile and evolving work environment
- Passion for the Chesapeake Bay, environmental conservation, and advancing the
Conservancy’s mission.
Core Competencies
Strategic Leadership; Vision
- Establishes and articulates a clear long-term vision for organizational operations and administration needs that aligns with mission and strategic priorities.
- Anticipates emerging opportunities and risks, demonstrating foresight and adaptability.
- Champions innovation in operations and administrative practices to advance organizational growth.
Human Resources and Nonprofit Finance Acumen
- Applies deep knowledge of human resources, non profit management and finance
- Excels at clear communication and building trust with colleagues
- Assesses and takes calculated risks that expand organizational reach and sustainability.
- Adapts strategies rapidly to changing circumstances and leverages resources for maximum impact.
- Develops and manages accurate expense forecasts
- Tracks and communicates return on investment and impact of operation and administrative activities.
Relationship Building
- Builds and sustains trust-based relationships with staff, board members, and tenants
- Demonstrates diplomacy, cultural competence, and emotional intelligence in all interactions.
- Possesses a positive and adaptive mindset
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Inspires and leads diverse teams toward high performance and shared success.
- Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
- Mentors and develops staff, enhancing individual and team capabilities.
Communication & Influence
- Communicates persuasively and effectively across diverse audiences.
- Communicates professionally with staff, Board and tenants
Mission & Values Alignment
- Embodies passion for land conservation, environmental stewardship, and community impact.
- Demonstrates commitment to equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in all strategies and
- partnerships.
- Acts with integrity and accountability
