HPF Seeks Next Executive Director

Executive Director Position Description

Please submit cover letter and resume to : careers@pullmanil.org

Summary:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) has primary responsibility for leading the Historic Pullman Foundation (HPF) in its function as the official philanthropic partner for Pullman National Historical Park (PNHP); operating the Pullman Exhibit Hall; and managing HPF buildings, programs, and collections.  In conjunction with the Board of Directors, and in collaboration with the Superintendent of PNHP, the ED undertakes long- and short-range planning, oversees grant submissions, fundraising, policy development, budget preparation and monitoring, and development of programs, exhibits and services. The ED manages a staff of volunteers, consultants and employees. The ED represents HPF in the community, participates in events which increase awareness of Pullman history, PNHP and of HPF and its mission; expands community outreach, builds strategic partnerships, and performs duties that foster donations.  Salary range is $115,000 to $135,000, commensurate with qualifications.  Position is based in Chicago’s Pullman Historic District.

About Us

America’s Stories Live Here. Since 1973, Historic Pullman Foundation has preserved Pullman’s unique architecture, stories, documents, and artifacts, and educated the public on Pullman’s important place in American history.In 2020, HPF becamethe official Friends Group of Pullman National Monument, now PNHP. Chicago’s first national park is significant for its connection to railroad innovation, two watershed moments in American labor history, its impact on urban planning, and its role in the economic empowerment of Black workers. HPF provides critical support to help the Park to continue to preserve Pullman’s significant historic structures, landscapes, and legacy.

Strategic Planning and Partnerships

  • Regularly meets with the Park Superintendent, and other National Park Service (NPS) staff as needed, to coordinate HPF responsibilities as the philanthropic partner for PNHP.
  • Participates in the development of the Annual Work Plan with PNHP and manages HPF performance. Ensures compliance with Directors Order 21 and other (NPS) requirements.
  • Collaborates with the NPS, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and community partners to provide support for mutual goals and programmatic objectives.
  • Builds and strengthens strategic alliances with institutions, funders, public and private policymakers and researchers to further HPF’s mission and support of PNHP.
  • Facilitates the strategic and annual planning processes for HPF and reporting of goal results.

Resource Development

  • Works with the appropriate committees to create and implement an annual development strategy that includes corporate, foundation, government grants, individual giving and serves as a liaison for corporate sponsors.
  • Inspires a culture of fundraising among Board members.
  • Sets goals for all major fundraising efforts, tracks totals, and reports to appropriate committees. Works with special event committees to create sponsorship levels as well as solicit and process donations.
  • Works to increase membership numbers and member benefits and ensures maintenance of HPF member records.
  • Prepares or oversees the preparation of grant proposals and other resource requests.
  • Guides development and implementation of stewardship strategies.
  • Oversees management of the Retail Store to increase sales revenue stream.

Board Governance

  • Responsible for leading in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
  • Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions. This includes organizing and facilitating periodic Board meetings.
  • Partners with the Board and Advisory Council members as needed, in activities that contribute to HPF’s and PNHP’s success.

Operations and Outsourced Functions

  • Works with the Board of Directors to develop HPF’s yearly budget.
  • Ensures that comptroller and bookkeeper maintain all financial records for monthly and annual reporting and preparation of external auditor’s review of financial records.
  • Stores electronic records in an orderly and accessible system and monitors regular file back-up. Maintains hard-copy files in an organized manner.
  • Ensures adherence to sound business practices and policies as well as compliance with all legal requirements and ethical standards. 
  • Coordinates maintenance of HPF buildings, grounds, and equipment, and provides for safe and reliable operation of the Exhibit Hall.
  • Maintains adequate supplies for operations within budget parameters.
  • Creates job descriptions, hires and supervises staff and/or contractors.
    • Assures all are appropriately trained and adequate staffing is maintained to meet HPF needs and objectives.
    • Creates a congenial atmosphere and environment conducive for recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Programs and Collections

  • Works with the appropriate Committees to develop and implement exhibits for the Exhibit Hall and other venues.
  • Develops innovative approaches to quality programming and exhibitions (both on-site and virtually) that expand audiences and visitors to Pullman.
  • Ensures items owned or donated to HPF are appropriately reviewed, accessioned, conserved, preserved, and cataloged.

Policy & Advocacy

  • Builds positive relationships with partner organizations, policymakers, media and others.
  • Represents the organization by participating in key associations and organizations, serving on committees and advisory groups, and speaking in public settings, as appropriate.
  • Fosters an environment of inclusion, respect, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth.
  • Ensures that all activities and programs meet the highest standards of ethics, governance, and transparency, and are aligned with the core values of HPF and NPS.

External Communications

  • Works with the appropriate committees to develop, implement, and evaluate the annual communications plan to highlight HPF’s initiatives and platforms and promote the success of PNHP.
  • Serves as a spokesperson for the organization and identifies experts on the Board to serve as spokespersons on selected topics. 
  • Oversees the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual report and website, delegating implementation to consultants, other staff as appropriate.
  • Uses external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities.

Professional Development

  • Participates in educational activities and associations to keep abreast of the latest development in small museum, NPS Friends Groups and historical society management.

Qualifications and Expertise Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree, with at least 3-5 years of leadership experience in non-profit, government, museums or cultural institutions.
  • Unwavering commitment to carry out HPF’s vision of cultivating, fostering and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Knowledge, skills, and ability to work with a Board of Directors as it transitions from a working board to a governance and fiduciary board.
  • Strong fiscal management skills.
  • Supervisory skills to manage volunteer and paid staff, financial, and administrative management of an organization.
  • Ability to serve as an articulate spokesperson for HPF.  Strong written and verbal communication skills that can speak to all levels; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
  • Experience in development and fundraising, including foundation and government grants as well as corporate and private donations; demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and identify creative solutions.
  • Knowledge of museum professional policies, issues, and strategies.
  • Familiarity with PC environment and knowledge of the following applications: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, PastPerfect, QuickBooks, and Dropbox; knowledge of G Suite helpful.
  • Adept at social media.
  • Interpersonal and team interaction skills; ability to collaborate with a diverse community and with all standing and ad hoc committees.
  • Passion, integrity, cheerful outlook, mission-driven, and self-directed.
  • Able to work a flexible work schedule, which will include evenings and most weekends.

HPF is an equal opportunity employer. HPF evaluates applicants based on qualifications, merit, and work-related criteria without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note all offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.