Our client is a nonprofit organization which owns and curates multiple historical sites in Westchester County, NY. We are seeking a Senior Director of Property Stewardship who will manage the Director of Buildings, Grounds & Security and Landscape Manager while managing complex special capital projects ranging 1-5 million dollars. This role requires strong architecture / construction experience, preferably exposure to landscape / grounds related projects, strong internal staff management experience, and true nonprofit exposure either personally or professionally.

Managerial Leadership

Provide direction and support for the Director of Buildings, Grounds & Security, Landscape Manager.
Work with department staff, Senior Vice President, and President to establish departmental priorities and allocate resources accordingly
Direct the implementation of major capital projects
Lead and coordinate project management efforts for complex capital projects among attorneys, design professionals, contractors, consultants, municipal officials, and regulators
Uphold best practices in preservation, conservation, restoration, and reconstruction, often in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
Foster an environment that encourages research on state-of-the art technology, techniques, and materials and employs best practices from the field

Operational Direction

Direct the recruitment, deployment, development, evaluation, and redirection of staff
Value engineer ongoing departmental operations, as well as special projects, to ensure that they make the highest and best use of financial and human resources
Establish the most effective balance between in-house and outsourced tasks, activities, and special projects
With the Controller and Senior Vice President, develop and monitor operational and project budgets in order to realize savings, maximize impact, and heighten efficiency
Contribute to the conceptualization and development of grant application budgets and narratives in order to opportunistically take advantage of funding opportunities

Best Practices

Keep abreast of best practices in areas such as museum security and HVAC air filtering; as appropriate, lead staff in adopting/refining practices
Keep abreast of the latest in materials (e.g., rot-resistant wood, durable paving techniques); as appropriate, lead staff in incorporating into work
Keep abreast of the latest technology (e.g., security systems, EV charging stations); as appropriate, lead staff in incorporating into work
Adopt operational practices which help to safeguard the sites from the effects of severe weather resulting from climate change
Ensure that staff have proper equipment, workshops are well equipped, and the highest standards of workplace safety are promulgated and enforced
Work to further incorporate Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) principle into staff recruitment, procurement, communications, and other departmental activities

Vendor, Contractor & Supplier Engagement

Through price comparison, competitive bidding, RFPs, etc. work to ensure that client gets the best price for value in retaining vendors, contractors, and suppliers
Negotiate contracts to ensure that they serve employer’s interests to the best extent possible from perspectives including cost, payment schedule, risk, operations, and visitor experience
Foster an environment that encourages staff to manage, monitor, and evaluate expenses on a regular basis
On a continuing basis, evaluate when best to deploy in-house verses contracted resources

Planning

Consider initiatives that advance the sustainability, resiliency, and security of the properties
Develop short-, medium-, and long-range plans that address the needs of the properties, including staffing structures, budgets, and workflow plans

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Capital project management
Understanding of construction practices and building systems
Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, and specifications
Property maintenance and preservation
Staff management
Budget development, refinement, and monitoring
Contract development and negotiation
Interest and sensitivity to the needs of historic buildings and landscapes
Proficiency with Excel and project management software
Written and verbal communication
Ability to multi-task

Work Conditions

General office conditions
On-site activities at historic properties
Limited travel to see examples of materials, techniques, technology, etc.
Weekend and evening hours at events
On-call emergency availability

NYCM Search, LLC is a talent acquisition firm with 25 years conducting contingency and retained search services within the AEC and Real Estate Investment & Development markets.

NYCM SEARCH jobs

Director of Property Stewardship