Executive Director

In 1964, the Upper Merion Park and Historic Foundation (UMPHF) was created to meet the challenges of the day, and it adopted the following goals as its mission statement: to provide and preserve areas of recreation, exercise, education and aesthetic enjoyment, and to preserve the area's cultural and historical heritage.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director is a new position, and the ideal candidate will take initiative in advancing the role of the UMPHF, enabling it to more completely fulfill its mission, and securing its financial position. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in partnering with the Board to take the UMPHF to the next level as a non-profit, community-based organization. The position is accountable to the Board.

"Part-time" is considered 20 hours per week, on average.

Responsibilities:

The Executive Director will be responsible for carrying out the day-to-day activities that enable the UMPHF to fulfill its mission.

To do this, the Executive Director will have responsibility to develop and implement plans addressing the following topics:

• Preservation and stewardship: Plan and implement activities associated with the maintenance and improvement of the properties the UMPHF currently manages; principally, the McKaig Nature Education Center (~90 acres) and the Old Roberts Schoolhouse.
• Advocacy for historical and ecological preservation: Identify, prioritize (with Board guidance), and advocate with government and the community on issues related to the conservation of the Township's natural and historical heritage. Advocate for adjacent "green" and historic topics such as bike and pedestrian paths and environmental or historic education that enhance the access, understanding, and appreciation by the community of the assets the UMPHF seeks to preserve and protect.
• Finance/Development: 

1. Increase dues-paying membership as an ongoing and reliable source of funding.
2. Identify and obtain funding from grants.
3. Identify focused conservation projects and obtain grants from governments and other sources to fund them.
4. Develop programs to get financial support from retail and other commercial enterprises within the Upper Merion Township area on a sustainable basis.
5. With the aid of the Board, cultivate relationships with philanthropic institutions and high net worth individuals interested in environmental and historic preservation causes. Seek their support for the UMPHF for both current expenses or projects and for endowment enhancements.

• Establish the UMPHF as a champion of environmental and historical preservation within the Township. This includes raising the organization's profile with Township officials, elected and executive personnel, media, potential funders, the commercial community, UMPHF membership, and the general public.
• Aid the Board in establishing performance metrics for the above activities, and report regularly to the Board regarding activities and progress toward the goals.
• Aid the Board in organizing and running effective and efficient Board meetings that clearly define deliverables, roles, and time frames for tasks that move the organization toward achieving its goals.

Qualifications:

Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly desired:

• Non-profit management: Crafting and managing budgets. Managing volunteers and contractors. Program development and execution. Event planning and execution.
• Fundraising and development: From individuals, foundations and/or commercial enterprises. Grant writing.
• Natural lands and/or Historical preservation: Any of the stages of identification, protection, and management of natural or historical properties. Invasive species control, trail management, etc.
• Membership and constituency development: Membership programs, newsletter and constituency communications, government relations, and/or other marketing related experience.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite

A computer and Internet access (not provided) are required. 

Frequent site visits (e.g., to the McKaig Nature Education Center) and travel within Upper Merion Township will be required.

Compensation:  This is a contract position; an office and benefits are not included.  Compensation in the range of $30,000 - $35,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

To Apply: 

Please send a cover letter and résumé by the close date of October 7, 2011 via email (preferred) and/or:

Upper Merion Park and Historic Foundation
c/o Jake Ferry
506 King of Prussia Rd
Wayne PA  19087-2341

Select candidates will be contacted by the search committee and asked to provide a detailed proposal and budget as part of the interview process. An example proposal and budget will be provided.

The start date is expected to be in November 2011.