Assistant Director - Howard County Conservancy

Organization

Howard County Conservancy

Job Posted

April 2, 2026

Job status

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Email

meg.boyd@howardnature.org

Deadline to Apply

Location

Woodstock, MD
United States
The Howard County Conservancy is a 35-year-old nonprofit nature center and land trust.  Our home base is the 232-acre Mt. Pleasant Farm in Woodstock, MD.  We also operate a Nature Preschool at Belmont Manor and Historic Park in Elkridge, MD.  Our grounds feature 5 miles of trails, native, pollinator and community gardens, and the only historic farmstead open to the public in Howard County. We reach more than 30,000 people each year through our prek-12th grade environmental education programs and a rich variety of programs for the community. To accomplish our work, the Conservancy employs 15 full time staff, 5 part time staff, seasonal staff, interns and a cadre of committed volunteers.

Summary

The Conservancy seeks to foster a vibrant community where environmentally aware, engaged and responsible stewards can thrive. Our three-prong mission focuses on education, preservation and stewardship of our environment.  We are committed to integrating diversity, equity and inclusion practices both internally and externally through our programmatic activities and community outreach. Our strategic plan goals include:

  • Be a trusted educator, resource and convener
  • Ensure all aspects of the Conservancy mirror the community it serves
  • Expand conservation and restoration opportunities
  • Integrate DEI priorities both internally and externally

We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic and experienced professional to serve on our leadership team. The Assistant Director oversees the day-to-day operations of our 232-acre nature center and our educational programs. This position supervises approximately nine full time staff to ensure efficient operations in support of our mission and our strategic plan. The Assistant Director also takes an active role in human resources and administration.

 

General Responsibilities:

Management:

  • Foster a collaborative working environment through a team-oriented management style that inspires and empowers staff while championing accountability.
  • Provide oversight of staff and workflow to support excellence in the following areas: administration, buildings and grounds, school programs, summer camp, public programming and facility rentals. 
  • Monitor staff and volunteer workflow in support of the strategic plan.
  • Ensure high quality environmental education programming consistent with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
  • Oversee the organization’s financial operations and human resources.

Operations:

  • Ensure the management of facilities and grounds support our preservation goals and high-quality, safe visitor experiences.
  • Ensure that all operational procedures and guidelines are followed and updated as needed.
  • Procure and manage external contracts to support efficient operations.
  • Stay current on technologies and trends that will enhance the organization’s ability to serve our mission.
  • Monitor use of the organization’s resources to ensure sustainable operations.

Development:

  • Support donor engagement and solicitation.
  • Support and cultivate partnerships with community and corporate groups.

Other Duties:

  • Embrace environmental education and step in to lead programs when needed.
  • Participate as an active member of the staff team.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • BA/BS degree or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years experience in nonprofit, government, business, or environmental sciences including supervisory experience.
  • Proficient with a variety of technologies and software programs.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Proven communication ability, including providing writing samples.
  • Strong project management and time management skills with the ability coordinate multiple projects and priorities.
  • Highly organized and detail oriented.
  • Understanding of the principals of nonprofit and personnel management.
  • Works effectively with a variety of staff, clients and stakeholders.

Benefits and salary include:

  • Three weeks PTO with an increase after 5 years, 14+ paid holidays
  • Pretax Simple IRA with fully vested employer match
  • Employer funded short & long term disability insurance and life insurance
  • Employer funded dental insurance
  • Employer contribution to health insurance
  • Family friendly environment with flexible schedule options
  • Starting salary range $90-95,000

 

To apply send cover letter and resume and to:

meg.boyd@howardnature.org

Position is open until filled

Compensation Information

Benefits and salary include:

  • Three weeks PTO with an increase after 5 years, 14+ paid holidays
  • Pretax Simple IRA with fully vested employer match
  • Employer funded short & long term disability insurance and life insurance
  • Employer funded dental insurance
  • Employer contribution to health insurance
  • Family friendly environment with flexible schedule options
  • Starting salary range $90-95,000