Executive Director

Jay Heritage Center - Executive Director Job Description:

Jay Heritage Center (JHC), an award-winning non-profit chartered by the NY State Board of Education, seeks an Executive Director (ED) with proven fundraising and stewardship experience to provide active and inspired leadership of its organization. The ideal candidate will oversee the preservation and interpretation of the Jay Estate, a 23-acre National Historic Landmark site in Rye, New York, a vibrant educational site with indoor and outdoor classrooms.

He/she/they will work closely with the JHC Board of Trustees and Advisory Board to execute JHC’s mission to safeguard cultural and natural resources, expand its donor base and oversee ongoing restoration of the historic buildings and grounds. The Jay Heritage Center has independently raised over $5 million from private, corporate, and governmental sources over the past 5 years. These funds have been used to restore JHC’s own 1838 Mansion and 1907 Carriage House and rehabilitate the acclaimed Jay Estate Gardens, a meadow and a 1916 Indoor Tennis building which it also manages under a landmark public-private partnership agreement with NY State Parks and Westchester County. JHC’s annual operating budget is approximately $400,000.

JHC welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year, many of them students from middle school age to graduate school. The ED will assist in expanding existing educational programming for this audience focusing on American History, Architecture, Social Justice and Environmental Stewardship. Rehabilitation of the buildings and grounds includes environmental innovations (like a geothermal heat pump system) along with sustainable changes to the landscape to inspire visitors to pursue a greener footprint. Because of its established record for innovative programming, JHC is on the Westchester County African American Heritage Trail, 1 of 100 sites in the Hudson River Valley Heritage Area and on NY State’s Path Through History. JHC won a prestigious Historic Preservation Award for Outstanding Achievement from NY State Parks in December 2022. The best candidate would be contributing to this continued success of JHC which reflects its record of intentionality and community outreach.

The ED will work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure financial stability, quality control, and robust growth, through increased attendance, membership, donations, and relevant programming that appeals to a wide range of demographics. The ED will also assist the Board in the execution of its long-range Strategic Plan. Along with the Board, the candidate will be the ambassador of JHC and is expected to advocate for JHC in the community and throughout Westchester and New York State.  Qualifications include leadership and organizational skills, capital project management experience, and the ability to work collaboratively with many other peer institutions in the tri-state area, together with JHC’s longtime governmental partners including New York State Parks, Westchester County, and the City of Rye.

This is a full-time position. Candidates should be willing to work a variable schedule onsite, including weekends and evenings for programs when needed. Salary begins at $150,000 and is commensurate with experience. A medical stipend of $500 per month is included. Five weeks of paid vacation are offered.

General Responsibilities:

• Work with the Board of Trustees to ensure the mission, vision and financial goals of JHC are supported by enough funds to execute them well. Work with various Board Committees – Finance, Marketing, Programs - to assure financial stability and organizational growth and to attract more corporate donors.
• Work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop annual operating budget.
• Prepare and apply for grants, write annual appeal letters, and other donation solicitations to individuals and corporations. Organize fundraising, including the Annual Soiree or Luncheon and private cultivation events.
• Prepare/supervise regular communications with members and the public through twice monthly newsletters, pre – and post-event press releases, JHC’s website, and social media accounts.
• Oversee ongoing restoration efforts and maintenance of buildings and grounds. Document compliance with relevant capital and programmatic grants and submit paperwork in a timely fashion. Pro-actively identify capital improvement or maintenance needs.
• Interface with schools and universities; supervise summer fellowships (Columbia College O’Neill Fellowship, Princeton Internship, Elisabeth Haub Fellowship etc.)
• Manage volunteer corps (25 – 30) and part-time staff members (3) including a Horticultural Director, Office Manager and Grounds Supervisor (3). Provide training. Oversee execution of volunteer outreach events.
• Create calendar of stimulating educational and cultural offerings, lectures, tours or performances (2 – 3 per month); plan long term exhibits; secure speakers and develop relevant press materials.
• Improve current collections management, including record-keeping policies.
• Become well-versed in the natural and cultural history of the Jay Estate and surrounding Boston Post Road Historic District and be an advocate for presentation of these narratives to the public.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• A proven track record of leadership in a nonprofit or cultural institution with at least 5 years of senior management experience.
• Experience in fundraising, grant-writing, major donor solicitation, and development of revenue streams.
• Excellent written and verbal skills including public speaking.
• Ability to develop and maintain vital relationships with local government officials, cultural, historic and environmental partner organizations.
• A collaborative style that fosters positive interactions with JHC members, volunteers, staff, and community. A commitment to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
• Experience and passion for creating and directing educational programs that engage audiences of all ages.
• Able to start June/July 2025

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to

Suzanne Clary, President, Board of Trustees at jayheritagecenter@gmail.com

Use JHC ED Search as your subject heading. No phone inquiries accepted.

www.jayheritagecenter.org