THE ORGANIZATION
The mission of Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. is to preserve and celebrate the nationally significant transportation and industrial heritage of the corridor and help residents of Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon and Luzerne counties connect with the rich industrial heritage and stunning natural environment that combined to provide for the birth of the American Industrial Revolution.
Across 165 miles, five counties and three regions, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is one of the earliest National Heritage Areas designated by Congress as a place where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. Founded in 1988 as a federal commission that transitioned to a 501(c)3 non-profit in the early 2000s, DLHNC takes a grassroots, community-driven approach (often through public-private partnerships) to heritage preservation, recreation, educational projects, heritage tourism, economic development, and natural resource conservation. In doing so, DLNHC fosters pride of place and an enduring stewardship ethic.
Based in Easton, with a $1.5 - 2 million budget that includes operating the National Canal Museum and sustaining and promoting the 165-mile D&L Trail, DLNHC employs 18 staff and about 26 seasonal employees who work as educators and canal boat crew.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer and president of Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, and is responsible for planning, advocacy, government relations, and financial management, while directing staff activities and programs. They also enhance member and stakeholder engagement to ensure the organization’s mission is consistently achieved, effective internal and external relationships are maintained, and financial objectives are met.
For full position description, visit job posting: https://www.matchingmissions.com/jobblog/2025/2/12/executive-director-delaware-amp-lehigh-national-heritage-corridor-inc-dlnhc
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
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Minimum 10 years of senior management experience
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A track record of effectively leading a regional outcomes-based organization.
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Demonstrated ability to develop and operationalize strategies to substantially enhance organizational growth.
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Strong marketing, communications, or fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
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Proven commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.
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Past success working with a Board of Directors.
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Demonstrated commitment to ensuring that all communities and stakeholders have access to the organization’s programs and assets and are included equally in organizational planning and outreach.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills: a persuasive and passionate communicator and public speaker.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
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Ability to be a high level visionary, set large goals and to anticipate or interpret issues to achieve organizational needs.
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A problem solver who is action-oriented, entrepreneurial and adaptable.
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Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
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Passion, integrity, positive attitude, mission driven.
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Understand organizational priorities and be able to delegate.
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time, hybrid-remote, exempt position. DLNHC office is located at 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd, Easton, PA 18042. Travel is required occasionally to Washington, DC, Harrisburg, and to partner heritage areas as well as frequent partnership meetings and events held within the five counties of the Corridor (Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon and Luzerne).
The starting salary range for this position is $120,000-130,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience.
TO APPLY
DLNHC has retained Dunleavy & Associates as its partner for this search. In order to be considered, please submit your resume or CV and a cover letter, describing how your unique blend of qualifications and experience are a good fit for the position, via the following LINK.
For questions, please reach out to Susannah Coleman, Dunleavy Engagement Team Leader, at scoleman@matchingmissions.com.
Small Museum Association