Executive Director, Friends of the Rail Park

Posted by Friends of the Rail Park on November 13, 2017

Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) is a 501(c)3 organization that drives the vision behind the transformation of historic rail lines that traverse Philadelphia into a 3.1 mile linear park that will connect 10 adjoining neighborhoods, cultural institutions and Fairmount Park together. The park has three distinct sections – the Viaduct, the Cut and the Tunnel- which reflect the history of the city’s development and rail transportation’s role in it. Construction of Phase I of the Viaduct section will be completed in early 2018. Friends of the Rail Park is seeking its first Executive Director to work closely with an active Board of Directors, city government, other civic groups and other interested individuals to advance FRP’s vision and mission.

Friends of the Rail Park formed in 2013 as an advocacy group, as a result of a merger of two smaller advocacy groups initially formed in 2003 when the vision for the Rail Park was first articulated. Currently an all-volunteer organization, FRP brings together a diverse community of stakeholders and future park users with the belief that more people will use, benefit from and support the park if they are active participants in its creation. Hence, FRP seeks to work collaboratively with government and civic organizations, cultural institutions, and individuals and communities to secure public support and financial resources for the park, lead its design process and programmatic agenda. An institutional funder has generously committed $550,000 over three years to capitalize the organization. FRP will use this support to leverage other funders and donors to also contribute to the organization.

Vision
The Rail Park will be a continuous three-mile linear park and recreation path that connects and enlivens the social, historical and environmental fabric of Philadelphia’s communities.

Mission Statement
Friends of the Rail Park is the City’s partner to create, activate and enhance the quality of the Rail Park in order to engage diverse residents, bridge communities, and promote inclusivity among Philadelphians and visitors.

Goals
FRP will pursue three goals over the next three years:
1. Build FRP’s organizational capacity to be the go-to leader for the Rail Park.
2. Secure public support and financial resources.
3. Accelerate development of and secure commitment to the entire Rail Park.
FRP recently developed an organizational plan that provides the strategies and approach for advancing these.

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience, with benefits aligned with nonprofit industry standards.

Background of ideal candidate
A dynamic and experienced professional with a history of accomplishment in the nonprofit or public sectors that combines financial and operational management, board development and relations, fundraising, community engagement, public advocacy, and external relationship advancement and/or government relations. Being adept at navigating the political and philanthropic landscape of Philadelphia is a must.

Summary of key deliverables
The Executive Director will lead and facilitate the board of directors and staff in pursuit of the following goals.
1. Establish FRP as the go-to leader of the Rail Park.
2. Build a diverse, sustainable revenue base able to meet FRP’s needs and goals.
3. Establish systems and infrastructures and hire staff (as needed) for the new organization.
4. Foster positive long-term relationships with key partner organizations, funders, and stakeholders.
5. Engage the community in the design process of the Rail Park.
6. Lead and oversee the Rail Park’s programmatic agenda.
7. Manage the board of directors such that members are engaged at a strategic level and contributing towards FRP’s goals.
8. Establish and nurture an advisory board.

Application process Interviews will be arranged as soon as a group of qualified candidates is assembled. Resumes and a one-page cover letter that conveys why you are well suited for this position and how it fits into your career should be emailed as soon as possible to: FRP@fairmountinc.com. No paper copies, please. Applications should be emailed by November 26, 2017.

Confirmation of receipt of the application will be sent by return email. Interviews of preferred candidates will be arranged forthwith. No phone calls, please.

See more: https://therailpark.org/were-hiring/