Executive Director, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

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. 

In 2023, BOPC will welcome its next leader. This is a unique opportunity to take the helm of one of the best park systems in the world, in a city going through an extraordinary period of transformation, and at a time when the recognized benefits of outdoor spaces have never been greater. Building on this momentum and position of strength, BOPC’s next Executive Director will elevate the Conservancy, ensuring an exceptional park network for all of Buffalo, having a positive impact on
millions of people each year.

Reporting directly to the Board, the Executive Director will work in partnership with the Board, dedicated and diverse staff, and key partners to develop a strategic approach to achieve the organization’s goals of impact and advance its mission.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill, quality, and characteristic, the following offers a detailed, aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile:

• Be a courageous and visionary leader with a track record of creativity and strategic agility that can evolve and elevate BOPC in this next chapter.
• Be a strong and empowering people leader with the ability to develop and nurture an environment that is supportive and rewarding for all team members, and an ability to bring the best out of others.
• Bring financial acumen and the ability to develop a clear plan and deploy resources effectively and efficiently.
• Be a creative thinker with a natural solutions orientation and the ability to nimbly address challenges.
• Ideally be experienced working with Boards and committees, with an understanding of strong Board partnership and best practices.
• Be a courageous and visionary leader with a track record of creativity and strategic agility that can evolve and elevate BOPC in this next chapter.
• Be a strong and empowering people leader with the ability to develop and nurture an environment that is supportive and rewarding for all team members, and an ability to bring the best out of others.
• Bring financial acumen and the ability to develop a clear plan and deploy resources effectively and efficiently.
• Be a creative thinker with a natural solutions orientation and the ability to nimbly address challenges.
• Ideally be experienced working with Boards and committees, with an understanding of strong Board partnership and best practices.
• Be a natural relationship builder with an ability to build meaningful rapport and connections with a broad range of stakeholders including the Board, staff, public officials, and an extensive range of external partners including donors and members of the community.
• Be politically savvy, with an ability to convene and develop productive partnerships with stakeholders at multiple levels including the Corporate, City, State, and Federal Agencies.
• Be a strong collaborator with a supportive, open-minded, and respectful style; an ability to navigate a diverse range of personalities and a genuine interest in building trust-based relationships.
• Have a proactive, transparent, and clear communication style.
• Enjoy and excel at the external aspects of the role, serving as the ‘face’ of and primary ambassador for the BOPC.
• Be an inspirational leader with the ability to enthusiastically convey the importance of BOPC’s work to staff, the community at large, media, the City, and existing and potential new funding sources including foundations, major donors, and state and federal funding
  sources.
• Bring an organized, sophisticated, and structured approach to fundraising.
• Be an energetic and enthusiastic leader, inspiring trust and confidence and continually amplifying BOPC’s brand and reputation in the community.
• Have a fundamental belief in and commitment to ensuring that all parks in the city are an inviting destination for everyone.
  • Have a rich understanding of and belief in the power of celebrating and advancing, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access at all levels, internally and externally.
• Have a commitment to embedding equity into the structures, culture, programs, and processes that guide BOPC internally and externally.
• Have a fundamental belief in the importance of the work and
  appreciation for the Conservancy’s role in upholding and respecting Olmsted‘s principles and vision for parks.
• Have a deep appreciation for the Buffalo community and culture with an ambition to accomplish great outcomes while sharing the credit broadly with all involved.
• Embody the ethos of the Buffalo community; someone who is empathetic; hard-working; hospitable; genuine; and down-to-earth.
• Have a naturally optimistic mindset, adaptable style, and a sense of humor.
• Have the highest level of integrity; someone who can be trusted without reservation.

Location:

The successful candidate needs to currently reside in the City of Buffalo
or be willing to relocate within Buffalo city limits within six months of hire date.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The range for this role is $150,000 - $170,000 with a generous benefits package.

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 BOPC_ED@koyapartners.com. 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 NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Click here to view more information on the position.

Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.