Executive Director [Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, Lawrence, KS]

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area providing leadership and direction in all programs, financial management, fundraising, partnership cultivation and supervising team members. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison between Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area Board of Directors and other identified stakeholders. Within this structure, the Executive Director will also serve as the leader of a team of staff which supports the public-private partnerships and partner sites within the National Heritage Area.

The Executive Director will be responsible for promoting awareness of and advocating for FFNHA through local and regional units of government and elected officials throughout the 29 eastern Kansas and 12 western Missouri counties represented in FFNHA. The Executive Director is primarily responsible for developing the resources necessary for the financial sustainability of the heritage area. The Executive Director directs the policy, development, programming, financial management, fundraising, marketing, operations and government and community relations for the organization. The Executive Director will operate in compliance with FFNHA’s bylaws and will coordinate board meetings and make appropriate and timely reports.

Elements of the position:

• Implement and communicate the mission and create a vision for the organization throughout the National Heritage Area.
•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, Board members, sponsors, donors, community groups, and other agencies.
• Develop and direct both long-range strategic program plans and a comprehensive annual business plan and budget for the organization in accordance with the Management Plan.
• Work with the FFNHA Board and partners to raise funds to sustain the work of FFNHA.
• Review, coordinate and make funding requests to the governmental agencies that support the mission of FFNHA.
• Work with FFFNHA Board to develop and then execute a three-year and annual fundraising plan with measurable and attainable goals. The Executive Director will also meet periodically with the Destination Management, Inc. Board to review support of the organization via a set management fee.
• Develop a sincere and deep knowledge of partner sites and the stories of Freedom that the Heritage Area represents.
• Secure and grow financial support from corporations, foundations and individuals to support the mission of FFNHA.
• Understand tax advantages of gifting so FFNHA is prepared to develop a strategy to increase its endowment.
• Develop strong partnerships with FFNHA board members to help build relationships for support.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors.
• Create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of annual individual donors.
• Search out opportunities and present programs about FFNHA for community organizations to help increase donor base and encourage visitation at partner sites.
• Act as liaison with local counties/cities and other government officials to encourage involvement and support of FFNHA.
• Consult with Heritage partners to provide education and training for resource development.
• Track proposals and reports for all fundraising.
• Meet monthly with Board leadership or a committee it may designate to review progress on execution of fundraising plan and other activities.
• Attend all FFNHA Board meetings and other committee meetings when appropriate.Applicants should send a resume and a statement of interest/qualifications via email to grant@wonerglenn.com. No phone calls, please.

  Position open until filled.

  Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

• BA or BS (required), additional education a plus
• 5-plus years’ experience in fundraising and/or development, including extensive personal contacts and experience asking for funds from individual, foundation and corporate donors
• Passion for history
• Preferred experience in working with an organization that is engaged in historical tourism
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills
• Basic computer skills including Excel and database management
• Demonstrated ability to achieve set performance measures and communicate effectiveness of programs to internal and external audiences
• Strong ability to effectively work with a board of directors to develop relationships to support the work of the National Heritage Area.
• A strong interpersonal skill set that demonstrates the ability to foster and preserve a productive work environment.