The Michigan Historic Preservation Network seeks an Executive Director for their Lansing, Michigan headquarters office.
The Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated to recognizing and preserving Michigan’s architectural and cultural heritage. Founded in 1981, the organization fosters the protection of the state’s historic resources by advocating for their continued use or creative adaptive reuse.
An award-winner for both its organizational and programmatic excellence, the MHPN manages an easement program, grants and revolving funds, historic tax credit syndication, trades training programs and workshops, and a far-reaching legislative agenda.
Additionally, it supports a field staff that serves communities statewide, localized initiatives around Michigan, an annual conference that for 38 consecutive years has been the largest statewide gathering of preservationists in Michigan, and is a respected online presence and clearinghouse for news.
The MHPN seeks a full time Executive Director to continue its trajectory of growth. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, policies, and practices, while ensuring that they are aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
Key Programmatic Responsibilities:
- Manages MHPN’s historic tax credit syndication, including seeking new investment opportunities, maintaining relationships with developers and financial consultants, supervising program staff, and authorizing and overseeing all financial transactions
- Takes the lead on all legislative advocacy and policy initiatives
- Develops and oversees all grant funded initiatives
- Manages MHPN’s other programs including but not limited to easements, preservation grants, revolving fund loans
- Manages and maintains a workplace culture that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people
- Works with the Board of Directors to develop and coordinate fundraising efforts that support and grow the organization. This includes identifying grant opportunities and preparing grant applications; meeting with potential funders, cultivating donors, and closing cash, in-kind, and planned gifts; and providing direction for fundraising events.
- Acts as the public face and voice of the organization, providing leadership in the execution of MHPN’s mission.
Strategic Oversight:
Education:
- Provides direction for all educational initiatives including but not limited to workshops, trades training, educational programs developed for specific communities, and the annual statewide conference.
Membership:
- Provides direction for all membership activities including but not limited to annual membership renewals and special membership initiatives.
Communications:
- Provides direction for creating public awareness of MHPN, its mission, accomplishments, and ongoing activities in Michigan and nationally
- Provides direction for the consistent messaging of all online and print communications, including the website, social media, newsletter, and traditional media outlets.
Operations:
Finance:
- Oversees financial operations of the organization and the LLCs it owns and operates
- Assures adequate control and accounting of all funds, including developing and maintaining sound financial practices
- Works with staff and board in preparing the annual budget
- Oversees compliance with all federal, state, and local government requirements, including those relating to the organization’s non-profit, 501(c)(3) status
- Works with the Board of Directors to shape annual objectives and long term strategies, and leads their implementation
- Provides leadership and service to the Board of Directors and has a demonstrated understanding of the respective roles of the Executive Director and Board.
Office Management:
- Manages the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
- Oversees all staff and contractual hiring, terminations, wage and salary adjustments, performance reviews, professional development and other personnel-related activities
- Assures that all current and future staff take primary responsibility for communications, education, and membership, taking their lead from the strategic oversight of the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
- At least 5 years of leadership experience in a non-profit organization
- Bachelor’s Degree is required, with an advanced degree in public administration, public policy, real estate development, historic preservation, or related field preferred
- Experience in residential and commercial real estate development, including financing, acquisition, rehabilitation and project management
- Knowledge of historic preservation, urban planning, community development, and economic development trends and best practices
- Demonstrated success in implementing fundraising strategies
- Strong writing and public speaking skills
- Sophisticated communication and relationship building skills.
Start Date: February 2019
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume to mhpnhiring@gmail.com by October 12, 2018.
Photo of restored historic building in Kalamazoo, Michigan by Storm Cunningham.