30 Oct Hiring a new President/ CEO
An Exciting Opportunity to Lead Independence Historical Trust
Independence Historical Trust seeks a deeply experienced, partnership-focused President & CEO to lead organizational growth and expand philanthropic support for Independence National Historical Park at the heart of Philadelphia and our nation’s history.
Founded in 1972 as the first Friends organization in the history of the National Park Service, the Trust is embarking on its next chapter following the successful completion of a major public/private restoration of the First Bank of the United States. With a sound financial position, an actively expanding board, and a strategic plan currently in development, this is a pivotal moment for the Trust.
The Trust is conducting the search in partnership with Potrero Group, a national leadership consulting and executive search firm.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing visionary leadership that sets organizational direction in partnership with the board and Park, translates the forthcoming strategic plan into executable priorities, and builds the staff, systems, and governance a growing organization requires.
- Leading philanthropy and development, including major gifts, campaigns, events, and institutional giving, while serving as lead relationship manager with the Trust’s most significant supporters and leading the First Bank exhibit and stewardship campaign.
- Partnering with the National Park Service, maintaining a trusted working relationship with the Park Superintendent and staff, advancing funding opportunities that support Park priorities, and guiding any expanded operational role the Trust takes on within the Park.
- Serving as the Trust’s chief spokesperson and advocate, building relationships with federal, Commonwealth, and City officials, other cultural organizations, and community groups.
- Overseeing financial management and operations, including annual budgeting, internal controls, federal funding and agency agreement compliance, endowment and investment stewardship, and volunteer corps engagement.
Desired Experiences and Competencies Include:
- Leadership and Growth. A seasoned executive who can set a clear direction with the board, translate the Trust’s forthcoming strategic plan into priorities a small team can execute, and lead the organization through a period of deliberate growth.
- Fundraising and Development. A relationship-driven fundraiser with a track record of personally closing significant gifts and leading campaigns across individual, corporate, foundation, and public sources, ready to convert 250th anniversary visibility into sustained support.
- Partnership and Political Judgment. A trusted convener who builds durable partnerships with the National Park Service, public officials, peer institutions, and funders, and who advocates effectively while preserving the Trust’s nonpartisan standing.
- Organizational and Financial Management. A disciplined steward experienced in budgeting, internal controls, audit oversight, and complex capital projects, with the patience to build systems before scaling.
COMPENSATION This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range is $180,000 to $200,000. The Trust offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, employer-paid life and disability insurance, 10 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 2 personal days annually, professional development support, and a monthly cell phone reimbursement.
LOCATION The President & CEO works from the Trust’s offices at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia’s historic district. This position is not eligible for remote work. The role requires consistent presence in the Park and historic district, flexibility to attend evening and weekend events, and occasional regional and national travel.
TO APPLY Visit potrerogroup.com/INHT to apply. Priority consideration for applications is November 29, 2026. The position is open until filled.
For additional information, please contact Andrew Leider, Managing Director and Search Lead, at aleider@potrerogroup.com.