We're Hiring an Executive Director

Job Description

Executive Director 

Trillium Community Land Trust 

Location: Columbia County, New York 

Compensation: $105,000–$115,000 annually, commensurate with experience 

Application Deadline: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are  encouraged, but we will continue to consider qualified candidates until the position is filled. 

Start Date for Position: September - October 2026 

About Trillium 

Trillium Community Land Trust is a nonprofit organization with the mission to empower community based ownership of land for permanently affordable housing and related residential needs in Columbia  County, NY. 

Trillium began in 2022 as a working group of residents, community advocates, and housing-related  professionals who shared a belief that community land trusts were a powerful way to provide people in  Columbia County with community stewarded, permanently affordable housing. Trillium is now a designated 501(c)(3) organization with projects underway and ready to hire its first Executive Director.  

Position Summary 

Trillium seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase  of growth. As a newly established community land trust, Trillium requires a committed leader who can  build strong relationships, manage a broad range of organizational activities, and strategically advance  our mission. 

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for overall leadership and management of the organization,  including fundraising, program development, housing stewardship, community engagement, and  financial oversight. The ED will report to the Board of Directors and serve as the public face of Trillium. 

Key Responsibilities 

Organizational Leadership & Management 

· Provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership in alignment with the mission and values of  Trillium. 

· Collaborate with the Board of Directors and volunteers to develop and implement organizational  goals and policies. 

· Oversee staffing and operations, including hiring, supervising, and supporting a small but growing  team. 

· Establish systems and infrastructure for organizational development, HR, and fiscal management.

Community Engagement & Outreach 

· Develop and lead initiatives to build a diverse and representative membership base.

· Facilitate meaningful resident engagement and support community-led decision-making processes. 

· Strengthen partnerships with local government, nonprofits, and resident leaders to expand  permanently affordable housing. 

Fundraising & Financial Oversight 

· Lead fundraising strategies in partnership with staff and Board to ensure long-term financial  sustainability. 

· Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government and private grants, and individual  donors. 

· Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and coordination with external accountants  and/or auditors. 

Housing Stewardship & Development 

· Manage the stewardship of CLT properties and oversee support to homeowners, including technical  assistance and education. 

· Oversee property acquisitions and development in collaboration with consultants, developers, and  non-profit partners. 

· Ensure long-term affordability, legal compliance, and community benefit of all Trillium properties.

Advocacy & Public Education 

· Represent Trillium in regional housing coalitions, policy discussions, and public forums. 

· Promote the community land trust model to local stakeholders, including government officials,  lenders, developers, and community members. 

· Lead public education campaigns, speaking engagements, and outreach via social media,  newsletters, and events. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

· Experience in at least one of the following: affordable housing development, nonprofit leadership, or  grant administration. 

· Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and manage organizational operations or teams.

· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. 

· Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving capabilities.

· Ability to work independently in a start-up environment and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred: 

· Experience with the community land trust model or other shared-equity housing strategies.

· Familiarity with Columbia County and its communities. 

· Grant writing and fundraising experience.  

· Project management experience in housing or community development.

· Knowledge of local and state housing policy. 

· At least 3-years’ experience in residential development. 

How to Apply 

Please send a cover letter & resume to: 

Burlington Associates 
c/o Heather Benham 
heather@burlingtonassociates.com 

Applications are due by September 1st. Early applications are encouraged. We aim to fill this position  promptly. 

Trillium is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.