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Friends of the Public Garden

Boston, Massachusetts

Friends of the Public Garden (“the Friends”), a celebrated organization dedicated to preserving three of Boston’s most important greenspaces, seeks a visionary, collegial, and compelling leader to serve as its next President. Working at the intersection of greenspace conservation, advocacy, arts and culture, and education, the Friends is a nonprofit organization that collaborates closely with the City of Boston to steward the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Reporting to the organization’s Board of Directors, the next President of the Friends will have the opportunity to usher the organization into its next era of impact, influence, and organizational maturity.

The Friends is one of the oldest public-private partnerships in the country, with tremendous resources and a half-century record of preserving and restoring some of Boston’s most beloved greenspaces. Founded in 1970, the organization has grown from a devoted cadre of neighborhood volunteers into a professional organization that partners closely with the Parks Department to protect and enhance these three parks. Over the course of their history, the Friends has also sought to promote the fundamental idea that all citizens belong in and deserve access to greenspace. In partnership with the Board and a dedicated team of nine along with the benefit of a $29 million endowment, the next President will oversee an annual operating budget of $3.6 million and a capital budget of $1.9 million. Providing strategic vision and inspirational leadership will be paramount as the Friends continues to build momentum.

The next President will possess a passion for protecting urban greenspaces, experience in building and strengthening partnerships with governmental, non-profit, and corporate entities, and deft interpersonal and communication skills. In support of the Friends’ mission, the President will cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key partners including elected officials and other key government agencies, as well as neighborhood civic organizations. The President will be a compelling storyteller and relationship builder, serving as the face of the organization at local, regional, and national levels. Additionally, they will bring a superb leadership skill set including operational sophistication, a successful fundraising track record, an inclusive and accessible approach to diversifying visitorship, a nuanced understanding of Board governance, and a natural inclination toward collaboration and community engagement.

Currently operating on a hybrid, in-office/remote work model, the next President must reside within a commutable distance of the Friends’ office. The projected salary range for this position is $205K to $225K.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

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Friends of the Public Garden

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