Executive Director

• Job Summary: The Executive Director provides day-to-day and overall strategic leadership for a small, high-impact nonprofit that connects heritage advocacy, sustainability, and workforce development, headquartered in Ithaca, New York.
• https://www.historicithaca.org/careers
• About You
  • Leadership experience in an organization similar to ours with the ability to inspire and support a team, set clear goals, and make thoughtful decisions.
  • Nonprofit financial management, including budgeting and making the most of resources to support sustainable growth.
  • Demonstrated fundraising success—cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
  • Strong writing and public speaking skills, and a clear, respectful communication style.
  • Comfort representing the organization and building positive relationships with community members, partners, and the media.
  • A steady, solutions-oriented approach—able to navigate unexpected situations, identify root causes, and collaborate on practical improvements.
  • Enthusiasm for diverse histories and cultures, preservation, sustainability, and lifelong learning.
  • A college degree in management or a related field is helpful; equivalent professional or lived experience is also valued.
  • Experience and/or interest in one or more of the following areas is strongly desired: historic preservation, architecture, city planning, building trades, community and/or economic development, and retail sales.
• How to Apply:Prepare a brief cover letter, resume, and writing sample (e.g., fundraising letter, advocacy position paper, press release).Submit by email (PDFs) to info@historicithaca.org with subject “Executive Director,” or by mail to Human Resources, Historic Ithaca, 210 Center Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.No phone calls, please. Qualified candidates will be contacted within five business days for an initial interview.Historic Ithaca is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all employment practices based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
• Job benefits: Benefits include 10 paid holidays and 3 paid floating holidays per year; paid vacation and sick/personal days; health insurance paid via a stipend; and the opportunity to participate in a non-matched 401(k) plan.
• Physical Demands / Work Environment: Typical hours are 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday with occasional weekend or evening work to support special programming. Work is primarily office-based with occasional lifting/moving up to 30 pounds (and heavier with assistance) and some local travel.
• Application Address: 210 Center Street Ithaca NY 14850

• Ithaca, NY, USA

WebsiteHistoric Ithaca

Historic Ithaca is the leading voice for historic preservation across Tompkins County and the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York—and our approach goes far beyond traditional brick and mortar. From our Southside Ithaca community hub, we operate a unique, multi-faceted ecosystem that connects heritage advocacy, sustainability, and workforce development. Our headquarters includes Significant Elements, a 10,000-square-foot architectural salvage social enterprise that keeps historic materials in circulation, and Work Preserve, an adjacent workshop providing hands-on trade skills training and retail experience for marginalized youth.

Historic Ithaca is seeking an inspiring, visionary Executive Director to lead our team, expand our community impact, and guide the next era of historic preservation in our region.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Governance

• Provide day-to-day leadership for a small, high-impact nonprofit—ensuring smooth operations, strong internal systems, and excellent service to the community.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to set organizational priorities and implement a strategic plan that advances the mission and defines clear goals and direction.

People & Culture

• Recruit, hire, coach, and manage a team of up to six staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture grounded in learning, service, and quality.
• Create and sustain a safe, respectful, and welcoming workplace that supports accessibility and values people from diverse backgrounds.

Finance, Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee the organization’s financial health, including budget development and monitoring, cash-flow awareness, and strong internal controls.
• Ensure that staff have the technology, tools, and specialized third-party support needed to deliver programs and services effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards; manage organizational risk; and oversee facility and property maintenance to protect Historic Ithaca’s assets and reputation.

Fundraising

• Design and deliver a comprehensive fundraising program consisting of individual giving, corporate sponsorship, and grants to support operations and special projects.
• Partner with Board and committee members to coordinate timely, high-impact personal outreach.
• Oversee grant operations—building sustainable reporting frameworks and the systems needed for accurate progress tracking and compliance.

Communications & Community Relations

• Serve as Historic Ithaca’s public representative—building partnerships with community stakeholders and using communications channels (e.g., website, e-newsletter, social media, media outreach, direct mail) to strengthen visibility and support.

Note: If you’re excited about our mission and feel you’d be a strong fit for this role, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn’t match every item listed. If you are an entrepreneurial leader eager to run an organization where heritage preservation, youth mentorship, and sustainable social enterprise converge to shape a better future, we invite you to step into this extraordinary leadership role.