Executive Director at Preservation Houston

Preservation Houston’s mission is to promote the preservation and appreciation of Houston’s architectural and cultural historic resources through advocacy, education and committed action, thereby creating economic value and developing a stronger sense of community.

Preservation Houston is Houston's only citywide organization advocating for historic preservation. Since 1978, Preservation Houston has voiced strong support for better public policy and protection of our irreplaceable historic resources. Our members, volunteers, and staff are committed to preserving the best of our community's architectural and cultural heritage. Preservation Houston seeks to engage an extraordinary individual to significantly grow our resources and accomplishments. This individual will lead a strong three-member staff and work with a committed board of directors drawn from Houston’s business communities and civic society at large.

If you are the right person for this position, your work/life experience will include the following:

  • Success leading growing organizations

  • An ability to represent the mission, vision, and values of Preservation Houston

  • Thorough understanding of the culture of philanthropy with a strong record of fundraising success

  • A strategic approach to organizational development, good governance, programming, and evaluation

  • Team-leadership skills and the ability to value, develop, guide, and collaborate with dedicated staff and volunteers

  • Relationships orientation towards government, business, education, and other community organizations to maintain and build support for Preservation Houston’s mission and programming

  • Experience developing and managing budgets in association with board oversight

  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice within Houston’s extensive multi-cultural environment

  • Experience with or working knowledge of historic preservation or a related field, including architecture, architectural history, urban studies/planning and cultural resource management, highly preferred

  • A minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience

The successful candidate will be a “people person” who demonstrates skills and characteristics including: media relations, visionary growth, good judgment, social intelligence, comfort with publics, negotiation, grantsmanship, political awareness, and financial management. Our new Executive Director will need to be an advocate for a culture of preservation in a community focused on growth.

Staff primarily work out of Preservation Houston’s Midtown office with periodic scheduled remote work.

Competitive candidates will have earned a Bachelor’s degree (higher degree preferred) and may anticipate a salary in the $115-$125k range. A generous benefit package includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, and four weeks of PTO annually. Relocation is available for a successful out-of-town candidate.

If the content of this job posting describes you, we encourage you to learn more about Preservation Houston and invite you to apply.

Application instructions

Read this information carefully. Adhering to these instructions will ensure that your application is submitted as required for review.

  1. A cover letter is required. Your cover letter should be no more than one (1) page in length.

  2. A resume is required. Your resume should be no more than three (3) pages in length and should include details about your relevant education, skills and experience as they relate to this role.

  3. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not be acknowledging their receipt or returning emails or phone calls inquiring about the status of an application. If your application is selected for interview you will be contacted directly by a member of our team.

  4. Send your cover letter and resume to PH@gershensonconsultingllc.com.