Chief Executive Officer

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Preservation Virginia in the search for a Chief Executive Officer.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the overall leadership of Preservation Virginia and ensuring that the organization fulfills its ambitious mission while bringing an inclusive, collaborative approach to its complex organizational structure and diverse base of stakeholders. The Chief Executive Officer will be tasked with the overall management of the three primary programs—Public Policy and Engagement; Historic Jamestowne; and Stewardship of Historic Properties. The Chief Executive Officer will be innovative, collaborative, and highly motivated to ensure that Virginia’s historic places are vibrant, relevant, and recognized for the value that they bring to communities. The Chief Executive Officer will inspire a collaborative approach internally and externally that shapes the next decade of this 135-year-old organization in the changing world of preservation. 

Preservation Virginia, a privately funded, statewide historic preservation leader founded more than 100 years ago, works to ensure the relevancy of the Commonwealth’s historic places. The multifaceted and impactful nature of its advocacy programs, six historic sites, and partnerships with other organizations has allowed Preservation Virginia to create a holistic approach to saving the places that connects us to our diverse, complex history. The results can be seen in the rural towns that now have thriving Main Streets, the success stories of endangered historic places revitalized with Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, and studies that show the positive economic impact of historic preservation on Virginia’s economy.

Over the past century, Preservation Virginia has helped save more than 400 historic places across Virginia—by engaging communities and embracing the places of the past as vital to present and future generations. Through its ongoing partnerships, it extends its efforts to protect and preserve historic places and communities in all regions of Virginia. Its preservation initiatives include owning and maintaining six properties, five of which are National Historic Landmark properties, all are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and open to the public: roughly 100 miles from Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown in Hanover County to Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach including the John Marshall House, Historic Jamestowne, Smith’s Fort, and Bacon’s Castle. Groups and individuals across the state depend on Preservation Virginia as a resource for relevant and timely information and guidance. Through the generosity of its supporters, Preservation Virginia teaches, shares, and collaborates for the preservation and enhancement of Virginia’s communities through its various educational programs. Preserving history requires responsible solutions and an engaged public that recognizes the value of historic resources. As an advocate for Virginia’s historic resources and the public policy tools that aid in their preservation, Preservation Virginia works closely with decision makers to communicate the economic and cultural benefits of preservation. It also encourages the continuation, strengthening, and introduction of important preservation-related policies, funding, and programs.

Over the last 25 years, its mission and programs have grown significantly, fully embracing the belief that by examining history from all perspectives, a more comprehensive understanding of the past and how the legacies of the past still affect us today can be developed. To achieve this mission, Preservation Virginia works with partners, allies, activists, and individuals to strengthen local efforts around historic places thereby achieving more than the organization could accomplish on its own. Innovative programs including Voice Remembered and its African American Fellows Program seek to increase representation in the field and grow a more diverse historic preservation movement.

Recognizing the opportunity to manage fundraising and operations onsite, Preservation Virginia created the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation in 2015. As a subsidiary of Preservation Virginia, the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation’s Board is primarily responsible for raising the funds to support preservation, education, and the archaeological investigation of Historic Jamestowne, the original site of the first successful English settlement in America. Preservation Virginia acquired 22.5 acres of Jamestown Island in 1893 and has operated the site jointly with the National Park Service since 1940. Today the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation in coordination with Preservation Virginia, jointly administers Historic Jamestowne through a public/private partnership with the Colonial National Historical Park. The implementation of a multi-year, comprehensive fundraising plan designed to secure significant levels of private philanthropy from individuals, corporate, and foundation sources is advancing the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation’s educational mission and strengthening its financial position.

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 10 years of experience in historic preservation, public policy, and leadership roles is preferred for this position. Preservation Virginia will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to the organization, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Preservation Virginia and the responsibilities and competencies presented in the prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $215,000 to $225,000 annually.

Preservation Virginia is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Michael Carver at michaelcarver@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1678.