The Challenge and Opportunity

HPA has been led over the past seven years by a passionate and talented executive director who has guided the organization through a period of sustainability and growth during a difficult economic period, and has professionalized the approach to historic preservation. The current executive director has also built a strong network of foundation, community and governmental support for HPAs mission and vision, as well as a strong staff and board.

The position provides an opportunity for a leader to combine a passion for HPAs mission, with creative ideas and operational expertise, towards creating new ways to expand on HPAs impact, as well as broadening an awareness of the benefits of preservation. HPA views historic buildings as community assets that can play an important role in creating value and stabilizing neighborhoods within the city.

The challenge and the opportunity for the new executive director of HPA will be to build upon past successes and upon its current excellent reputation to:

·         Increase public and political outreach

·         Provide new leadership for an organization involved in education, advocacy and revitalization

·         Explore new partnerships, community relations, fund development and volunteer management

·         Work to advance HPA as a key contributor in the development of the City of Hartford

Strategic Goals

In November 2011, the HPA board of directors adopted these strategic goals for 2012-2014:

1.      Advocacy advocate for increased community-wide commitment to preservation

2.      Education build awareness and support for the issues of preservation

3.      Technical Assistance assist property owners to find resources, techniques and cost-effective tools for historic preservation; significantly increase research, analysis and data input, both in-house and on the website

4.      Governance build and maintain ownership of the organization by the board of directors

5.      Resource Development identify and secure resources to support HPA

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

The executive director must be a passionate advocate for preserving Hartfords historic architecture, which is a key element for the revitalization of our city and maintaining ties to our heritage. Candidates must have a professional background that demonstrates an ability to work successfully and respectfully with individuals with different experiences, including the staff, board, volunteers, government, community and professional service partners.

The executive director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of HPA, according to the strategic direction set by the board, and within HPAs stated mission. S/he will have success as a strategic thinker, a problem solver and a community collaboration builder, ideally in an urban setting. S/he will possess excellent communication skills, be well-organized, results-driven, have a strong fundraising acumen and integrity, and be able to lead technical advisory services around preservation.