Executive Director

Posted April 26, 2013

The Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE is New Bedford, MA's historic preservation nonprofit whose rescue of historic properties over 50 years has transformed the old 'waterfront historic area' of the city into what is now the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. In recent years, WHALE has expanded its geographic focus and is bringing historic preservation tools to revitalize additional areas of this South Coast city. WHALE is seeking a dynamic, experienced Executive Director who will welcome the challenge of implementing an ambitious new strategic plan and make a commitment to building the organization’s capacity and impact over time. The Executive Director serves as Chief Executive Officer and reports to and works closely with the President and the Board of Directors. S/he and the Board share responsibility for planning, particularly long-term strategic planning and priority-setting. S/he has broad decision-making responsibility for the implementation of plans and programs in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board. S/he also has responsibility for management of WHALE’s operations, finances and human resources. The Executive Director, in collaboration with the Board, has responsibility for developing and implementing all fundraising plans and activities. The Executive Director works with the President to prepare Board meeting agendas and with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to prepare annual budgets and monthly financial reports.

Duties

• Provide creative, energetic leadership to guide WHALE’s mission-driven work and to ensure its long-term viability and financial stability 
• Direct the implementation of WHALE’s current and future strategic plans, working closely with the Board and its committees and with paid and volunteer staff 
• Provide dynamic fundraising leadership, working closely with the Development Committee of the Board, staff and volunteers to raise funds necessary to fulfill the organization’s mission 
• Cultivate and maintain enduring relationships with current and potential donors; develop new initiatives and programs to increase membership and to retain existing members 
• Build partnerships with state and local government and allied organizations and agencies to create preservation-friendly policies and programs 
• Advocate for historic properties in New Bedford, ensuring their preservation and continued use 
• Facilitate preservation and sound stewardship of historic properties by offering technical preservation assistance and organizing education and training programs for property owners 
• Lead WHALE’s preservation real estate work to rescue endangered historic properties within defined, target areas 
• Serve as the organization’s key spokesperson, its representative, and a leading voice for historic preservation in the city and the region 
• Drive WHALE’s communications and public relations program, including significant upgrade of its website and social media activities. 
• Provide staff support to the Board’s standing and temporary committees to enable them to effectively accomplish their objectives 
• Hire, supervise, and review the staff 
• Recruit, manage, review and reward volunteers to help advance WHALE’s goals and mission 
• The Executive Director must be available for meetings and events that take place in the evenings and on weekends.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is an energetic, visionary leader with a passion for the organization’s mission and legacy, a proven record in fundraising, and solid historic preservation credentials. A graduate degree in historic preservation or related field is preferred, along with 5-10 years of work experience in the field, including solid nonprofit management experience; a Bachelors degree is required. The successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and attributes:

• Informed passion and sense of urgency for WHALE’s mission and for New Bedford 
• Fundraising ability, with experience generating funds from a variety of sources, including membership, foundation and government grants, major gifts, and earned income. Without question, enthusiasm for fundraising and a willingness to be actively involved in development. 
• Familiarity with construction and renovation processes 
• Public presence, charisma and the ability to inspire and motivate people and to connect with people at all levels and from diverse communities 
• Diplomacy and political acumen; sound judgment and ability to think critically and strategically 
• Demonstrated record of partnership and collaboration with others, including government 
• Outstanding written and oral communication and computer skills 
• Experience in working with or reporting to a volunteer board is ideal 
• A keen sense of marketing along with experience in using social media and developing websites 
• Experience in advocacy and public policy 
• A positive, can-do outlook and a sense of humor

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted electronically to employment@waterfrontleague.org and include a resume, cover letter and salary history. All applications will be kept confidential. Applications received by May 31st will receive full consideration. WHALE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.