Job description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT &

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

POSITION: Executive Director

Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE)

New Bedford, MA

BACKGROUND

WHALE was founded in 1962 during a time in our nation’s history when city centers were in decline and their buildings decaying. A group of visionaries in New Bedford, however, saw in the city’s deteriorated waterfront area quality structures built during the city’s whaling and textile manufacturing heyday . . . the bones of a thriving city and the embodiments of New Bedford’s rich and diverse heritage. They set about working to save them and to breathe new life into what, 61 years later, became the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. They acquired buildings, renovated and repurposed them. They rescued others that were slated for demolition, moving them to fill in vacant lots in the district. They also saved properties that now rank among the city’s most treasured cultural resources: the 1834 Rotch-Jones-Duff House and the Zeiterion Theater.

Today, the rescue and transformation of New Bedford’s historic waterfront area and downtown is nationally recognized. And, today, that area that was once in deep decay is now home to a multitude of historic and cultural attractions, to two universities, to a diversity of retail operations and eateries, to office workers and, in recent years, to hundreds of residents who have chosen to live downtown. It has been reborn, and it is contributing mightily to the city’s economy and vitality.

WHALE is taking its preservation message and toolbox to adjacent neighborhoods. In recent years, WHALE has turned its attention to an area of 19thcentury houses around a small park known as Washington Square. By initiating neighborhood planning, offering grants and preservation expertise for exterior rehabilitation, and saving some key properties through acquisition, WHALE has helped reverse the decline of properties in this area.

THE POSITION

Reporting Relationships

The Executive Director serves as Chief Executive Officer and reports to and works closely with the President and the Board of Directors. 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

WHALE is seeking a dynamic, experienced Executive Director who will welcome the challenge of implementing an ambitious strategic plan and make a commitment to building the organization’s capacity and impact over time. 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 and project management experience
• 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
• Familiarity with the Tax Credit process

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be submitted electronically to dianahenry1943@gmail.com and include a resume, cover letter and salary history. All applications will be kept confidential.

Applications received by May 31stwill receive full consideration.

WHALE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and

actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• New Bedford, MA 02740: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New Bedford, MA 02740

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