Executive Director: Fairmount Park Conservancy

Posted by Fairmount Park Conservancy on July 2, 2019

Fairmount Park Conservancy (the Conservancy) is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that champions Philadelphia parks. The Conservancy powers investment and innovative programming to activate, restore, and maintain 10,200 acres of Philadelphia parks, including more than 200 neighborhood parks around the city, as well as historic buildings, monuments, and public art throughout the region. It is the only park conservancy in the country focused on a city-wide park system. The Conservancy seeks a dynamic person to serve as its next Executive Director who can leverage the expertise and energy of its staff and Board of Directors to lead the organization through its next phase of growth.

For more information about the Conservancy, see https://myphillypark.org/what-we-do/.

Fairmount Park Conservancy was initially established by the Fairmount Park Commission to supplement its ability to organize people and resources to benefit the entire park system. In 2015, the Conservancy merged with Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, expanding its purview to include the historic structures in the park. Today, the Conservancy partners closely with the Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation (PPR) to champion the natural and physical assets of the city’s park system. For more information on the Conservancy’s history, merger, and relationship with the City, see https://myphillypark.org/who-we-are/history/.

The next Executive Director will join the Conservancy at an inflection point for the organization, when the value of parks to civic life is widely recognized, and the Conservancy is viewed as central to the advancement of parks across the city. In the last decade, the Conservancy has emerged as the go-to organization for city government, major foundations, and community groups for support, activation, and engagement around Philadelphia’s parks. What began as a fundraising vehicle in support of city government is now a lead player in urban revitalization, sustainability, and civic engagement that inspires people to think about parks and open space in new ways.

The next Executive Director will work closely with the Board and staff to determine: what “growth” means moving forward; the programmatic initiatives on which to focus resources; how to strengthen organizational infrastructure and capacity; how to continue to engage and maximize the Board’s role; and how to raise funds in a continually evolving environment. They will have a sophisticated, nuanced ability to balance between being the executive of an independent nonprofit corporation, and working closely and responsively with the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, elected officials, local parks advocacy organizations, community groups, and people who are passionate about the city’s parks.

For a complete job description and to apply.