Naper Settlement
President and CEO                                                                  To download a full version of the Opportunity Guide, click here.
 
Naper Settlement is a nationally accredited outdoor living history museum featuring 12 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages.  Located in thriving downtown Naperville, Naper Settlement is just steps away from dining, shopping, high school, college, library, children’s museum, train station, and the Riverwalk.  Visitors will be immersed in the American “can do” spirit as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present – from pioneer times to today.  Highlights include signature events like “Civil War Days”, special events like “Oktoberfest”, and, year-round programs like the “Underground Railroad”.  Each year, this top Chicagoland museum attracts over 125,000 guests, both on- and off-site, including: 35,000 Northern Illinois school children, 30,000 “Last Fling Weekend” attendees, and 10,000 patrons.  Annually, 750 members and 250 donors support the Naper Settlement.
 
Naper Settlement (NS) was established in 1969 by 48 citizens who were interested in saving a historic church from possible demolition. Caroline Martin Mitchell donated almost 13 acres of land for the museum as a gift to the city that also included other surrounding acreage and properties. The Naper Settlement is the physical land and collections that rest on the 12-acre site and an off-site 22,000 square foot collections facility.  The downtown site is owned by the City of Naperville.  The group, called the Naperville Heritage Society (NHS), represented grassroots effort of community members who raised the funds, both in cash and in-kind, to have the historic building transferred to the grounds of the Martin Mitchell Mansion. In 2000, this architectural landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent a three-year, $2.8 million restoration that brought back the Victorian beauty to its original splendor. When it re-opened in 2003, the transformation of the mansion was spectacular, which was instrumental in helping the museum to win numerous awards, including a National Accreditation (and re-accreditation) by the American Alliance of Museums that only a few museums in the United States have received. NHS is the 501(c)(3) that governs the physical space, buildings and programs designed to engage and attract interest from citizens, donors and partners. 

As the Naperville Heritage Society looks to the future, it has developed a 25-year plan with an eye toward sustainability and environmental considerations, in addition to positioning the museum as Chicagoland's outdoor history museum. Its goals are to tell experiential, engaging and compelling stories, instilling a modern-day relevance, and, nurturing a renewed connection with a vital downtown and the community in a broader sense. Naper Settlement's buildings will continue to be placed in a way that engages visitors and helps them to bridge an appreciation and association with the Naperville of yesteryear and today.
 
In 2012, the founder-like Executive Director retired after more than three decades of service.  The NHS Board worked through a process to appoint an Interim President and CEO to begin the process of organizational and cultural change.  This leader, a former NHS Board Member, is a link to the leadership style of the Board, while bringing about current management techniques.  He will remain in the role until the next leader is identified, and, will assist and support the transition as needed.
 
 
The Opportunity: President and CEO
 
This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary and mission-driven professional to lead Naper Settlement to the next level of growth, success, and action.  The succeeding President and CEO will join a world-class, accredited cultural and educational institution, well-established and one that garners a great deal of support from the surrounding community.  Naper Settlement is prominently situated in a vibrant community with an excellent quality of life and very supportive base of residents.
 
The President and CEO will work closely with the Naperville Heritage Society Board of Directors and the Naper Settlement Museum Board to bring about visionary and strategic leadership for the museum.  The next leader will also provide visionary leadership, revenue management, Board relations, external relations/community engagement, and, general oversight of operations and staff.  The position oversees a senior management team comprised of seasoned and tenured professionals including: three Vice Presidents who are direct reports to this position (in Development and Marketing, Museum Services, and Organizational Resources);  and, five Directors (Organizational Resources, Chief Curator, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Director of Finance, and, Director of Learning Experiences). 
 
The NHS Board is currently working to build strategies and goals from a recently redefined vision statement.  The next President and CEO will be responsible for putting into action – in collaboration with the senior management team – the plan to fulfill the vision and achieve the Goals.  The President and CEO will serve as the chief ambassador for future success and active partnerships that advance the museum as an integral contributor to a broad range of community interests and audiences.  These interests are diverse, educationally engaging, family-oriented, business-friendly and collaborative, both locally and in the wider community.  This next leader is charged with successfully packaging and telling Naper Settlement’s story to those diverse audiences, bringing a fresh perspective and best practices.
 
The President and CEO sits on the Museum Board, which is dually appointed by the NHS Board and the City Council.
 
 
 
Performance Objectives
 
Visionary Leadership

• In collaboration with the NHS and the Museum Board, develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan, which is representative of the mission and the shared vision. 
• Identify and implement plans for the growth of the organization that are collaborative and foster partnership opportunities.  There is a strong desire to grow the organization “to the next level” which will be defined by solid metrics within 36 months.  Target goals include:
  • Growing the on- and off-site guest visits and participation to 300,000
  • Balancing of revenue streams to target no more than 50% dependence on any single source.
  • Engaging 3,000 volunteers annually
  • Maintaining a thriving membership and at least double it from the current base
  • Identifying and cultivating 200 significant supporters that come from within the current donor base as well as a broader, new and engaged group of donors.
• Promote and foster an organizational culture that creates and sustains a productive and motivated climate for staff, Board Members, volunteers and other stakeholders.

 
Earned Revenue, Philanthropy and Public Support

• Nurture partnerships and relationships with current and prospective funders, including the City of Naperville, through donor recognition programs and stewardship activities. Cultivate long-term relationships to ensure continued funding and funder involvement.
• Support the VP of Development and Marketing in the creation and implementation of a plan to identify and build strong relationships with key donors, community leaders and volunteers, and, engage organization, both present and potential NHS partners.

• Collaborate with the senior management team to expand and increase the organization’s donor base, as measured by increased attendance and financial commitments to the organization.
• Mentor and grow Board and staff capabilities in the areas of philanthropy and donor relations.
• Maintain and cultivate a positive working relationship with the City of Naperville, one of the museum’s top partners and funders, in a collegial, assertive and creative manner.
• Stay abreast of public/governmental funding opportunities (local, regional, state, federal, etc.) and position NS as an appealing and strategic use of public support.  Renew existing funding and grow new avenues of support.
• Explore other revenue opportunities that can propel the museum forward into new areas of its mission and vision.

 
External Relations and Community Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership to the organization’s efforts to effectively package and communicate the mission, goals and accomplishments of NHS and Naper Settlement to donors, prospective donors, and the broader community.
• Serve as an articulate, passionate and visible advocate and spokesperson for Naperville Heritage Society, and as the primary face of fundraising and development throughout the organization and in local communities.
• Bring prominence - locally, regionally and nationally - to Naper Settlement as the city’s premiere attraction.
• Maintain active membership and a strong presence in professional organizations, community groups, and other spaces relevant to the work of Naperville Heritage Society and its mission.

 
Board Relations

• Establish and maintain a strong relationship with both governing boards.  The NHS Board is the legal and fiduciary agent. 
• Work with and provide training for the Boards to create an overall culture of philanthropy and to enhance fundraising activities.
• Communicate effectively and promptly with the Boards; and serve as the strongest link of communication between Board members, staff, volunteers, and the community at-large/other stakeholders.
• Work with Board’s Executive Committee to insure that Board Members’ goals are aligned to the new vision that has been established.

 
Operational Leadership and Staff Management

• Ensure maintenance of the national standards for museum governance and operations as established by the American Alliance of Museums.
• Lead the museum services/program staff in its efforts for collaboration/partnerships with schools, businesses and the community.
• Supervise programs and operations of the senior staff team using models of best practice that are in line with the mission and vision of the museum, and build a culture of openness to change, growth and lifelong learning.
• Mentor and lead staff in maximizing their performance in executing operational aspects of Naper Settlement.
• Evaluate policies, roles and infrastructure, ensuring roles are clearly defined and accountable, to achieve maximum impact in the new Vision and strategic plan.
• Serve as an advocate for staff, leading with an open-door policy, flexibility, and acknowledging the wealth of talent and expertise of senior management team leaders and evolving the culture to meet the needs of guests and the community.
• Provide financial oversight of the annual budget.

 
 
The Qualified Candidate:
 
Naper Settlement is in search of a dynamic, energetic, and visionary leader to help propel the mission of the Settlement forward.  The next President and CEO will bring a genuine commitment to the community coupled with experienced leadership and an executive level skill set.  The ideal candidate will have effective relationship building and interpersonal skills; prior experience in Board leadership and development; background in working with quasi-governmental entities; best practices in institutional management; and a strong financial acumen.  Moving Naper Settlement to the next level of success requires a flexible and professional communication style coupled with the ability to work with and garner support/consensus from a diverse audience (Board members, elected officials, parents and families, partner organizations, seasoned museum staff, etc.).  An understanding of the complexities involved in working with historical and cultural institutions and museum collections would be an asset.
 
Specific Requirements Include:

• Proven ability to build strong external relationships with a variety of constituencies, and serve as the chief advocate/spokesperson on behalf of the Naperville Heritage Society and Naper Settlement.
  • A minimum of 10 years of organizational leadership experience in staff development and leading high performing staff teams; leading change amidst organizational transformation is preferred.
• Successful track record in fundraising and philanthropy in a relevant/similar nonprofit, public agency or other organization.
• Proven experience in financial management, stewardship, and developing strategies to successfully increase revenue.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop a highly productive, effective team by mentoring staff, building teams and enhancing professionalism within the museum.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit, creative problem solver, strong collaborator, and relationship builder.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication and presentation skills.
  • A Bachelor’s degree is required, with relevant advanced training or degree in business, nonprofit, or museum administration/management strongly preferred.
  • Full immersion in the Naperville civic, community and business activities will be required. 

 
 
The President and CEO is an employee of the City of Naperville, and will report directly to the two Boards of Directors.  This position offers a competitive salary and benefit package.  Relocation support will be provided based on specific circumstances.  Naperville Heritage Society, Naper Settlement and The City of Naperville are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Naperville Heritage Society is committed to a diverse workforce. 
 
 
To Apply
 
The search is being managed by Heather Eddy, CFRE, President and CEO at Alford Executive Search. To apply, all candidates must submit their cover letter, resume, and complete the online application at http://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/openings.  No applications will be accepted via email. Questions may be addressed to Kelly Monahan at kmonahan@alfordexecutivesearch.com.
 
Alford Executive Search (www.alfordexecutivesearch.com) is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening not-for-profit and public institutions through professional staffing solutions.
 
 
 
 
About Naperville
Nestled along the banks of the DuPage River, 30 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Illinois, is home to approximately 150,000 people living in both DuPage and Will counties.  Naperville consistently ranks with national surveys as a top community in the nation to live, raise children and retire (e.g., as noted in Money Magazine).   In fact, Naperville was voted the second-best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2006.  In a 2010 study, Naperville was named the wealthiest city in the Midwest and eleventh in the nation with a population over 75,000. As of the 2010 census, the City had a total population of 141,853, which was estimated to have increased to 143,684 by July 2012.  It is the fifth-largest city in Illinois, preceded by Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, and Joliet. As of July 1, 2011, Naperville was the 176th most populous city in the United States.
The advantages of calling Naperville “home” include its thriving economic environment and numerous corporate headquarters; two school districts with national reputations and top achievement scores; the best public library system in the country; a diverse population with supporting faith and social organizations; progressive recreational and environmental programs with a focus on the community’s Riverwalk that links to North Central’s campus; an array of healthcare options; an exceptionally low crime rate and cultural opportunities, both locally and in Chicago.  Add ready access to a variety of transportation, housing and employment options, Naperville is termed a “booming suburb” and attracts thousands of new residents each year, making it one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. Naperville's diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approved by Client on March 16, 2014