President and CEO

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Located in Charleston, SC, Middleton Place Foundation, a public, non-profit educational trust, is responsible for effectively operating and preserving Middleton Place National Historic Landmark and the Edmondston-Alston House. Middleton Place Foundation’s mission is to connect people with the past, inspiring a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other through understanding American history. The Foundation upholds the highest levels of historic preservation, research, education, and inclusive interpretation by sharing the stories of the Africans, African Americans, and Europeans who lived and worked on these historic properties.

For decades, Middleton Place Foundation has provided educational programs to the public. Based on ongoing historical research, Middleton Place historians, interpretive guides, artisan craftspeople, and educators offer authentic experiences that inspire people to deepen and broaden their perspectives of our nation’s shared history and ourselves. The history at Middleton Place spans three centuries of one family, including a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the essential stories and contributions of over 3,200 enslaved people who lived and labored here.

Located along the historic Ashley River, Middleton Place encompasses 110 acres of America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens, House Museum, Stableyards, and Eliza’s House. Guests can enjoy the restaurant, retail shops, and award-winning 55-room Inn at Middleton Place. Additionally, the Foundation operates the Edmondston-Alston House, a House Museum located in downtown Charleston. Each year, over 100,000 visitors and over 6,000 students and teachers come to explore our shared American history.

Middleton Place Foundation seeks a visionary leader with the ability to drive sustainability and growth. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President and CEO will be responsible for the strategic, programmatic, financial, and operational leadership of the organization which has a $10 million annual budget and 105 full-time employees. This individual will possess the experience, skill, and desire to set the direction and future strategy of the organization as well as lead a seasoned staff to oversee day-to- day operations.

Celebrating 50 years since its founding, Middleton Place Foundation is entering a transformative phase. Collaborating with renowned landscape architect Thomas Woltz, the Foundation aims to develop and realize a visionary master plan that propels sustainable growth, education, and engagement. This pivotal moment demands a dynamic President and CEO with an impressive track record to chart the Foundation’s course for the next 50 years and beyond.

This is a multifaceted role calling for a tested and confident executive who has the ingenuity and charisma to chart a compelling vision for the future, lead a dedicated team, and mobilize support for the mission of Middleton Place.

Leadership and Management:

• Articulate and implement a clear and compelling strategic vision that advances the Foundation’s mission and ensures long-term sustainability.
• Lead and manage a dedicated team of professionals, cultivating a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
• Develop innovative ways to leverage all the Foundation’s assets to drive revenue and exceptional visitor experiences (includes Gardens, House Museums, and Stableyards, as well as hospitality operations including the Restaurant and Inn).
• Establish and pursue goals in partnership with the Board of Trustees and staff.

Fundraising:

• Serve as the lead fundraiser and partnership builder for the Foundation with a strategic approach to revenue generation.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing donors while generating support from new constituencies.
• Mobilize support for Middleton Place as a signature destination and think creatively about how to enrich the visitor experience and draw.

External Relations and Communications:

• Serve as the Foundation's primary spokesperson, communicating an inspiring vision and promoting Middleton Place as a thought leader on local, national, and international
• stages.
• Foster and maintain strong partnerships within the community, including with elected and civic leaders, to ensure the Foundation continues to be an integral, visible part of Charleston’s cultural identity.
• Oversee all aspects of the organization’s marketing and public relations.
• Effectively engage donors, visitors, volunteers, descendants, and partners to garner support for the Foundation's mission and growth initiatives.

Financial Oversight:

• Ensure the organization's financial health and sustainability.
• Collaborate with staff on budget planning, financial reporting, and compliance.

Cultural Sensitivity and Ethical Stewardship:

• Lead efforts to elevate the Foundation’s historical and cultural significance, ensuring diverse narratives are represented.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in managing historical sites, collections, and landscapes, honoring Middleton Place's historical authenticity and significance while driving innovation.

• 10+ years of strategic management experience and the stature and credibility to lead a renowned nonprofit organization.
• Exceptional leadership skills, visionary thinking, and ability to put vision into action.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style.
• Exceptional fundraising skills with a demonstrated ability to secure financial support from a diverse range of sources.
• The ability to serve as the public face of the organization, with excellent communication skills that foster meaningful interactions with stakeholders and garner support, collaboration, and advocacy for the Foundation's mission.
• Cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diverse historical narratives, ensuring interpretation aligns with the Foundation's values and site histories.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and decisively, collaboratively setting goals, resolving challenges, making informed decisions, and achieving desired outcomes.
• Strong business acumen and financial management skills, including budgeting, revenue optimization, and strategic planning.
• A strong commitment to uphold the Foundation's vision, mission, and values, demonstrating unwavering dedication to historic preservation, conservation, research, education, and inclusive interpretation.
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree in relevant field preferred.

Middleton Place Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.

Send nominations or cover letter and resume to: Carol Page at cpage@middletonplace.org.

Middleton Place Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.