President, Non-Profit & Social Impact

The New York Landmarks Conservancy is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.

BACKGROUND

The Organization

New York Landmarks Conservancy, Inc. (the “Conservancy”) is New York's leading nonprofit preservation organization, dedicated to protecting, revitalizing, and promoting the city's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and neighborhoods. Through advocacy, technical assistance, loans and grants, educational programs, and strategic partnerships, the Conservancy works to ensure that New York's rich built heritage remains an integral part of vibrant communities across the city and state.

For more than five decades, the Conservancy has combined preservation expertise with pragmatic problem-solving, earning a reputation as a trusted and influential voice among government agencies, community organizations, property owners, faith institutions, developers, and civic leaders. Its diverse portfolio includes advocacy initiatives, the Historic Properties Fund, technical services, and the Sacred Sites Program, among other programs that deliver meaningful community impact.

Its Living Landmarks and Chairman’s Award celebrations also help to assure the Conservancy’s continued prominence within the community.

The organization benefits from a highly engaged Board of Directors, a talented and dedicated staff, and a strong financial foundation that positions it for continued success.

Learn more about the Conservancy at nylandmarks.org
.

The Position

Following more than three decades of exceptional leadership, the Conservancy stands at an important and exciting moment in its evolution. The organization seeks a dynamic, relationship-oriented, and externally focused President who can build on a strong legacy while leading the Conservancy into its next era of impact, visibility, and growth.

Reporting to the Board, the President will serve as the chief ambassador, strategist, fundraiser, and organizational leader of the Conservancy. This individual will inherit an organization with a distinguished reputation, deep institutional knowledge, strong programmatic impact, and substantial goodwill throughout the preservation community. At the same time, the next leader will have the opportunity to expand the organization's visibility, diversify revenue streams, strengthen relationships with key public-sector decision-makers, engage new generations of supporters, and articulate the relevance of preservation within contemporary discussions about housing, economic development, and community vitality.

The President will work closely with a current staff of 14, a robust Board and Advisory Council, as well as donors, elected officials, preservation advocates, and civic stakeholders to advance the Conservancy’s mission while preserving the collaborative culture that has long defined the organization.

Key priorities for the role include:

Serve as the Public Face and Voice of the Conservancy: Represent the organization in public forums, media appearances, policy discussions, and stakeholder meetings. Develop and maintain strong relationships with city and state government officials, community leaders, developers, preservation organizations, donors, foundations, and other partners whose engagement is critical to advancing the Conservancy's mission.

Expand Fundraising and Diversify Revenue: Build upon a solid financial foundation by broadening philanthropic support, deepening major donor relationships, cultivating institutional funding sources, and building upon its existing fundraising events and individual contributors.

Advance Preservation Through Pragmatic Leadership: Protect the organization’s reputation as a thoughtful and constructive participant in discussions involving historic preservation, housing affordability, economic development, planning, and community revitalization. Help broaden understanding of preservation as a public good that benefits diverse communities throughout New York.

Lead and Sustain a High-Performing Team: Support and empower an experienced, mission-driven staff while preserving the collegial, collaborative, and respectful culture that distinguishes the Conservancy. Cultivate…