Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
About:
Perhaps more than any other city in the nation, Buffalo, New York, has been shaped by its parks.
Designed in 1868, world-renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s design theory was that no one would have to leave green space, as the connectivity of the park system was inclusive of all areas in the city making Buffalo “a city within a park.”
Founded in 1978 to support the park system, the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s mission is to steward Buffalo’s historic Olmsted park and parkway system to benefit and welcome all. The Conservancy works towards this through collaboration with community and strategic partners, advocating for quality parks for all, and enhancing the park system through beautification, maintenance, and capital projects.
Today, BOPC cares for 47% (or 850+ acres) of the city’s parks network.
The Opportunity:
Building on the Conservancy’s many accomplishments to date, BOPC’s “City Within a Park” Initiative is a potentially game-changing public-private partnership with the City of Buffalo and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. This partnership focuses on the big picture, substantially increasing the amount spent on operating and maintaining all park space in Buffalo, ensuring all parks regardless of neighborhood, are maintained at the same level as the beloved historic Olmsted Parks. This partnership is a national model that highlights collaboration, partnership, and a funding model where all parties can come together to solve a fundamental challenge in the community, presenting an extraordinary opportunity as BOPC looks to its next chapter.
Key responsibilities of the Executive Director include but are not limited to:
- Lead overall strategic, operational, financial, and managerial responsibility for the Conservancy including oversight of an annual operating budget of ~$6 million and a team of 35 full-time employees, 3 part-time employees, and a seasonal team of 70+.
- Develop positive relationships with the Conservancy’s public and private partners; in particular the City of Buffalo and its partnership (Parks Management) agreement.
- Oversee operational performance of the Conservancy’s parks management contract for the City of Buffalo’s Olmsted Parks System, and act as principal liaison with affiliated governmental officials and departmental liaisons.
- Build bridges and develop strong partnerships with an engaged and effective Board, public officials, and other key constituents including funders, partners, and community members.
- Develop and nurture a best-in-class model for a public/private partnership.
- Serve as the primary ambassador and advocate, representing BOPC at events, media engagements, and community activities which raise the profile, awareness of, and required funding for, the Conservancy.
- Develop a robust community engagement methodology based on mutual trust with members of the community and fully embrace the idea that the parks are for all to enjoy.
- Cultivate new sources of revenue by creatively and strategically expanding and deepening the donor base.
- Oversee the financial planning and performance metrics for continued success and credibility of the Conservancy in supporting sound financial accountability and growth throughout the organization.
- Instill and enhance a strong culture of trust, high performance, and continuous learning within the organization.
- Professionalize the organization through the implementation and optimization of structures, systems, and processes.
- Identify, attract, recruit, develop, and retain leading talent.
- Work closely with the Chair and Executive Committee to maximize efforts of Board members.
- Facilitate governance best practices through effective communication and collaboration with the Board.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The range for this role is $150,000 – $170,000 with a generous benefits package.
CONTACT
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Cheryl Stevens and Bryn Siberski are leading the engagement. To express interest in this role please submit your materials by filling out our Talent Profile. To make recommendations or submit an inquiry, please email: [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
https://apptrkr.com/4440978
About Koya Partners
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is
a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy— The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Learn more about how we can help you with your search on the Koya Partners website.
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