Job Specification

Executive Director – Shaker Heritage Society

Job Type: Full Time

Career Level: Executive

Education: Master’s Degree Preferred

Salary and Benefits: Commensurate with experience

Job Description:

The Shaker Heritage Society (the “Society”) seeks a skilled leader to serve as its Executive Director (“ED”). Founded in 1977, the Shaker Heritage Society is the steward of the Watervliet Shaker National Historic District. The historic district encompasses just over one square mile of public and private lands that are the site of America’s first Shaker settlement. The Society leases portions of the historic district from Albany County.   

The ED is responsible for the general and fiscal leadership and management of the Society, including fundraising and earned income, programs, historic preservation, partnerships, grant writing/administration, annual giving, membership, budgeting, building preservation and maintenance, and external relations. The ED is charged with delivering on the mission and goals of the Society in a fiscally sound and continuously relevant manner.

The ED reports to the Board of Trustees, leads and directs a current staff of 4, and manages an annual expense budget of $392k. The ED must be a pro-active and highly visible symbol of the Society.

The new ED will preferably have a graduate degree in Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, Public History, Non-Profit Management, or a related field, a minimum of 5 years management experience, strong writing and speaking skills, demonstrated fund-raising success, a working understanding of technology and finance, and demonstrated collaborative skills. The new ED must also have a deep passion for preserving the rich history of the historic district, in promoting its continued relevance, and have the drive to achieve meaningful results. The ED must have the ability to work closely with an active Board of Trustees.

Historic Preservation:

1. Work with the Board’s Site Committee to monitor new development projects within the historic district; Negotiate with property owners to reduce adverse impacts of new construction; Provide information and guidance to property owners as needed to help maintain the integrity of Shaker buildings in the historic district;

2. Work with the Board’s Site Committee to implement capital improvement projects to ensure the integrity of historic structures within the Society’s lease; and

3. Maintain a positive working relationship with the County of Albany, the Town of Colonie Historian, the New York State Historic Preservation Office and other entities engaged in history and historic preservation activities.

Development:

1. Lead all long-term and short-term earned income and fundraising efforts including but not limited to Shaker Heritage Barn rentals, craft fairs, annual funding appeals, membership drives, etc;

2. Develop strategies to optimize the use of the property;

3. Execute the Society’s short- and long-range strategies and plans;

4. Monitor pertinent trends and recommend appropriate programming to keep pace with a changing local, state and national environment;

5. Identify and monitor the array of grants for which the Society is eligible to apply;

6. Direct a marketing program that builds on and expands the Society, increases public awareness and membership and aids in the success of fundraising initiatives;

7. Oversee the design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of all Society programs, special events and visitor interactions, partnering with other organizations as needed;

8. Work with the part-time educator to identify potential audiences for the Society’s programs, and develop related programming to build audience and relevancy of the site for those audiences; and

9. Work with the gift shop and craft fair manager to maximize revenues and encourage increased visitation to the historic site.

Communications:

1. Represent the Society in fundraising, volunteer and board recruiting, and other public efforts;

2. Oversee the design, delivery and quality of all Society’s marketing materials created by staff/consultants, including print, electronic and other mediums;

3. Oversee the design, delivery and quality of all of the Society’s proprietary materials (logo, reproductions, etc.) created by staff and consultants for sale;

4. Communicate with the Board of Trustees and staff as to key decisions, meetings and information relative to strategic direction; and

5. Participate in the orientation of new Trustees in concert with members of the Governance Committee.

Leadership:

1. Further develop and drive an organizational culture of teamwork, leading by example;

2. Provide integrative leadership to staff for consistent direction, communication, and organizational alignment; and

3. Work effectively with the many constituencies involved with the Society: Trustees, staff, volunteers, students, visitors, funders, school and civic organizations, Albany County and other local and state units of government.

Management:

1. Oversee the day-to-day direction of the Society;

2. Oversee all Society operations, including human resource management, marketing, facilities and grounds management; and maintenance and preservation of the facility;

3. Improve and update administrative policies related to daily operations;

4. Maintain a flexible schedule to attend evening and weekend activities, and supervise staff with regard to same;

5. Work with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee to prepare and recommend an annual budget for Board approval as well as financial statements for Board meetings; and

6. Prudently manage the Museum’s resources within the annually approved budget and according to applicable laws and regulations.

Education and Experience:

• A master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of a BA/BS. Qualification in Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, Public History, non-profit management, or related field is preferred;

• Experience in fundraising and working with a non-profit Board preferred;

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience managing staff and dealing with all human resources-related matters, including hiring, evaluating, and terminating employees;

• Demonstrated record of being a resilient, creative self-starter, leader, team builder, and a problem solver.

• Proven administrative, analytical, and strategic planning skills;

• Proven financial ability to develop and manage a budget and to monitor ongoing financial performance;

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and community outreach with experience in crafting public and private partnerships;

• Record of being an effective communicator with proven ability to work with individuals or diversified groups such as staff, Board, committees, government, business leaders, donors, and volunteers;

• Proven record of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders; and

• The ED must be a resilient, creative problem solver who is able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.  

How to Apply-Deadline Friday August 3, 2018:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and names and contact information for 3 professional references to [log in to unmask]. The approved candidate should be able to assume the position in early September 2018.