
Website Friends of Historic Second Church
Friends of Historic Second Church
Executive Director
Friends of Historic Second Church (Friends), founded in 2006, is a secular, not-for-profit corporation with the mission to preserve and restore the art and architecture of Chicago’s landmark Second Presbyterian Church and to engage neighbors and the world in sharing our passion for its beauty and significance.
Contractual Position:
Pay range: $4,000-$4,500/month; Part Time: 20 – 25 Hours/Week
Applications Close: June 30, 2025
Job Summary: The part-time Executive Director (ED) of Friends will be the public face of the preservation organization, managing the day-to-day operations of the organization’s work: preservation, fundraising, tours, programs, marketing, and operations. The ED will work closely with the Friends’ Board of Directors and its committees.
Job Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts or Science in historic preservation, architectural history, museum management or urban planning preferred, master’s degree desired.
Two to five (2-5) or more years of non-profit management experience, including the direct management of staff preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to groups of all sizes, backgrounds, and interests.
Proven fundraising success, such as individual campaigns, corporate sponsorships and grant writing.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple independent initiatives within strategic priorities set by the Board.
Ability to construct and discuss budgets and possess a working knowledge of financial reporting processes/requirements.
Demonstrated collaborative work style, acting with tact, diplomacy and a high degree of professionalism.
Demonstrated interest in preservation, stained glass and the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Experience with social media marketing.
Demonstrated proficiency with standard office software such as, but not limited to, the MS Office Suite, Neon CRM, Adobe Creative Suite,
QuickBooks and Mailchimp
Job Responsibilities
1. Serve as the organization’s principal spokesperson.
2. Continue to build on the positive reputation of Friends and its strong relationships with church leadership, docents, partner organizations, donors, and the South Loop community.
3. Lead the fundraising efforts, with the support of Board members and the Fundraising Committee, to meet and exceed revenue targets. Identify new revenue opportunities for long-term fiscal health.
4. Research grant opportunities and write grants in support of restoration and
programming.
5. Continue to implement the current strategic plan and partner with the Board on further strategic thinking to ensure maximum impact.
6. Oversee all functional areas including preservation, tours, programs, fundraising, finance, policy, operations, marketing and events.
7. Become trained as a docent in order to personally provide tours to important guests.
8. Oversee Friends’ communication plan including: written materials, social media presence, website and newsletter production.
9. Manage preservation contractors and other consultants to ensure compliance with contract terms and timelines.
10. Report on the organization’s performance and operations to the Board of Directors on a regular basis, including all regularly scheduled Board and Executive Committee meetings and Board committee meetings, as needed.
11. Supervise the part-time, contractual Administrative Manager. Provide opportunities for mentorship, professional and personal growth. Conduct annual performance reviews and engage in continuous performance management efforts.
12. Working closely with the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Bookkeeper, ensure sound fiscal procedures and Friends’ long-term financial sustainability. This includes overseeing budget development, cash management, quarterly and annual financial reporting, risk management, and investments.
13. Ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices, including the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
14. Develop a working proficiency with our CRM (Neon) and ensure its accuracy.
15. Manage the organization’s workspace needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Friends of Historic Second Church is proud to support equal opportunity for all: contractors, volunteers and visitors. All applicants will receive consideration for hire without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
How to Apply:
Contact Name: Linda P. Miller, Board President
Application Details: Send cover letter and resume, both as PDF attachments, to the email below.
Application Email: linda.miller606@gmail.com
To apply for this job email your details to linda.miller606@gmail.com