Current Opportunities

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ABOUT PLANTING FIELDS FOUNDATION

Planting Fields Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a New York State chartered educational organization created to preserve and interpret the renowned Planting Fields estate (Coe Hall and the surrounding Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park) on the Gold Coast of Long Island, New York. One of many such great estates established in the area by America's leading families at the turn of the twentieth century, Planting Fields – which still encompass its entire 409 acres – is one of the very few to remain intact and in pristine condition.

 

The estate was first laid out in 1904 and was leased in 1911 by wealthy New Yorkers William Robertson Coe and his wife, Mai Huttleson Rogers. Planting Fields served as their country home to be used in the spring months; they maintained their residence in New York City and their ranch in Wyoming for the rest of the year. In 1913, they purchased the estate. After the original mansion, designed by Grosvenor Atterbury, was destroyed by fire, the current Tudor revival Coe Hall was built, starting in 1919, to the designs of Walker & Gillette.

 

In 1919, Mr. Coe established the Foundation for the enhancement and development of his former estate. Since 1979, the Foundation has worked in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks to preserve and enhance Coe Hall and the historic structures and landscape features throughout the property. The Coe family remains actively engaged in the administration and development of the Foundation.

 

Today, Planting Fields is on the National Register of Historic Places, a distinction that includes its grounds, greenhouses, Coe Hall, the Hay Barn and other structures. Planting Fields remains under the jurisdiction of New York State which is assisted by the Foundation, a private non-profit entity.

 

To read more about this exhibition and Planting Fields Foundation, please visit plantingfields.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director (“ED”) will partner with the Board to develop a vision for the next growth phase of the Foundation. Working closely with the Board, the ED will develop a strategic plan for the Foundation and coordinate with its various constituents on the plan's successful implementation and evaluation efforts. The vision will broadly define the direction for the Foundation over the next decade and will lead to plans for both programming and physical developments.

 

The next ED will also manage the overall operations of the Museum and work with staff and Board to direct programming and exhibitions, set achievable budgets, develop and implement policies and procedures, and evaluate the Foundation's performance against the strategic goals approved by the Board.

 

Key responsibilities of the next ED include:

  • Working with the Foundation's Board and staff to plan and implement public programs, publications, and exhibitions that further the educational mission of the Foundation;
  • Partnering with the New York State Office of Parks on strategic plan development and implementation, operations and programs;
  • Presenting meaningful, accessible, and engaging exhibitions for a broad public audience while enhancing presentation of the Museum's permanent collection;
  • Overseeing management of collections, library, archives and the Museum store;
  • Strengthening the Museum's collections through gifts and purchases, working closely with the curatorial staff and the Board of Trustees;
  • Developing collaborations that support the Foundation's programs, exhibits and collections;
  • Developing financial resources through philanthropy, earned income and solicitation of grants to support the mission of the Foundation;
  • Cultivating new sources of revenue by creatively and strategically expanding and deepening the existing donor and visitor base;
  • Expanding and developing fundraising opportunities through new, and ongoing strategic partnerships;
  • Developing and executing a more comprehensive marketing strategy that utilizes online and social media and involves the Foundation with state and national organizations and initiatives;
  • Collaborating with diverse constituencies including New York State Parks, historic preservation groups, cultural institutions and human services organizations;
  • Representing the Foundation in an official capacity with the media and at meetings of community organizations, local, regional, and state agencies, and national organization; utilizing key staff members as resources to share these responsibilities; and ensuring that the Foundation is an active and responsive partner in the community, region, and state;
  • Overseeing an annual operating budget of $1.7 million and an endowment of $26 million (as of July 2018);
  • Serving as an inspirational internal leader of 5 full-time staff, 5 part-time staff and 100 volunteers, and continuing to build a strong culture across the organization;
  • Managing a complex organization with several businesses including visitor attraction, events, rentals and education programs in conjunction with the Arboretum horticultural director;
  • Demonstrating outstanding financial management of the Foundation's annual budget, working with staff to ensure that business practices and plans meet all financial goals and achieve optimal levels of operational and programmatic performance;
  • Exercising best practices in governance and ethics;
  • Working closely with the Board to drive vision and develop organizational priorities;
  • Leveraging the experience and expertise of the Board on key initiatives; and
  • Ensuring that Board members are kept current on financial and operating metrics.

 

This position is based in Oyster Bay, NY.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • A Strategic and Visionary Leader
  • An Engaged and Enthusiastic Ambassador
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Passion for the Mission

 

CONTACT

Koya Leadership Partners has been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role please email Anne McCarthy and Alison Ranney at koyachicago@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

 

EOE/AAO

PI103575958

About This Job

  • Planting Fields Foundation
  • Oyster Bay, NY
  • Category: Professional
  • Posted: July 30, 2018