[Hiring] Greenway Trails Project Manager @Open Space Institute

Role Description

The Greenway Trails Project Manager manages land acquisition projects that convert former rail corridors into public greenway trails and expand regional trail networks across the Northeast and Midwest. Working under the direction of the Senior Vice President of Northeast Land and in coordination with the Legal Department, this role supports the completion of complex real estate transactions involving:

• Rail corridor acquisition
• Multi-party negotiations
• Public funding sources
• Coordination with government agencies

Projects may involve railbanking, corridor preservation, and coordination with railroads, public agencies, and trail partners to transition former rail infrastructure into public trail networks.

The Project Manager coordinates the day-to-day progress of acquisition projects, including:

• Managing due diligence
• Working with consultants
• Supporting purchase negotiations
• Navigating public review processes
• Assisting with funding applications

This position requires experience with real estate transactions, land acquisition, or conservation projects, strong project management skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple partners and processes to move projects forward.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in real estate transactions, land acquisition, conservation real estate, infrastructure corridor acquisition, or related project management work.
• Experience managing or supporting real estate due diligence processes (title, survey, appraisal, environmental review) preferred.
• Experience in working on railroad projects preferred.
• A track record of effective relationship management, both internally and externally.
• Bachelor's degree, advanced degree in related field preferred; or equivalent experience.
• Existing relationships with public agencies and government officials is a plus.

Requirements

• Sound understanding of real estate principles and economics.
• Experience working with Class I or Class II railroads or familiarity with railroad real estate transactions preferred.
• Familiarity with government real property acquisition review process.
• Working knowledge of the processes for obtaining public funding for land acquisition.
• Ability to manage multiple properties, multiple funding sources and processes, develop programs and use resources of the organization to accomplish larger initiatives.
• Experience with mapping and related GIS analysis is a plus.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer applications including MS Office, internet tools, and databases.
• Highly organized.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, and individually.
• High-level familiarity with public agency land acquisition departments.

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including a choice of medical plans (both traditional and high-deductible health plans with HSA).
• Premiums for employees and their dependents covered up to 100% on some plans.
• Dental and vision coverage, with premiums for employees and their dependents 100% covered by OSI.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 403(b) plan with both an up to 4% employer match and 4% discretionary employer contribution after 2 years of service.
• Paid time off, including paid holidays, accrued PTO and sick days, 3 “Summer Fridays”, and 2 floating holidays.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.