Apply to be MDPL's Executive Director

Qualified candidates please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Attention: JPS
[email protected]

The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation, seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to steer the organization toward greater impact and sustained growth. The next Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, members, and community partners to advance MDPL’s mission, expand its influence, and ensure long-term success.

In this pivotal role, the Executive Director will redefine MDPL’s engagement with the community, positioning the organization as a vital force in its position as both a Miami Beach Cultural Anchor and as a high-profile design and preservation authority in South Florida.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in municipal or small nonprofit leadership, a deep understanding of historic preservation practices and policies, and experience collaborating with cultural and arts organizations, public administration, public relations, planning, real estate, conservation, business, or law.

The Executive Director will continue MDPL’s trajectory of growth by strengthening public outreach and fostering meaningful collaborations. This leader will play a key role in educating the public on the importance of preservation while working alongside community groups and other professionals. A strong understanding of current trends in travel, tourism, and the local historic preservation market is essential, along with proven success in developing and executing strategic initiatives.

Experience in managing relationships with state and local government agencies as well as community groups is crucial. The ideal candidate will possess multicultural sensitivity and be equally comfortable engaging with individuals who represent diverse viewpoints.

Success in this role requires exceptional communication and organizational skills, decisiveness, and outstanding presentation abilities. The ideal candidate will be a strategic visionary with strong leadership acumen, problem-solving prowess, and the ability to drive sustainable growth. Diplomatic agility, innovative thinking, and high energy will be key in shaping MDPL’s future.

Overview of Responsibilities

Operations and Finance

Promotes the Board of Directors’ engagement in critical thinking, strategic planning, resource/financial development, membership development and overall organizational wellness.
Creates business & marketing plans for achieving goals and objectives set in collaboration with the board of directors to assess and address issues affecting the organization and lead the strategy of the organization within the broad context of the MDPL business plan.
Cultivates a partnership with the Board of Directors in setting governance policies consistent with the mission of Collaborate as needed, with all standing and ad hoc committees of the Board.
Advocate at the local, state, and national levels to protect the industry from business threats of all kinds.
Set, meet, and/or exceed annual financial goals, in partnership with the board of directors, by securing memberships from industry organizations, financial support from corporate sponsors, and governmental funding sources.
Oversee and manage the operating budgets as well as P&L reports for the association in conjunction with the accountant and the Board of Directors and work with the MDPL Finance Committee Chair to provide information and justification for the Board of Directors in its budgetary review and approval process.
Ensures that MDPL is fiscally sound and collaborates with staff and Board of Directors to prepare MDPL budgets in collaboration with the Finance Committee Chair and manages the preparation of the annual budget and other necessary financial documents.
Maintain excellent relationships with agencies, commissions, and associations at the state, and local government levels to gain favorable decisions and legislation on behalf of MDPL.
Oversee the administrative components of all program services, including contract negotiations, grant reporting and any contract work.
Manage and support the development, design, and delivery of program initiatives, assuring that the goals and objectives are aligned with MDPL’s overall strategic plan, grants, and the City of Miami Beach benchmarks.
Accountable for quality assurance monitoring of all MDPL programs and events.

Fundraising-Program Development

Develop in conjunction with the board of directors and staff annual, quarterly, and monthly budgets and goals for fundraising to include activities and potential donors’ lists.
Develop, organize, and lead all the fund-raising activities for MDPL to include grant writing, in kind donations, membership, annual giving campaign, corporate contributions, and special event planning to meet all deadlines and goals.
Cultivate long term relationships with key donor segments based on yearly financial goals established with the board.
Develop campaigns and events on a quarterly basis to increase membership and revenue.
Oversee and review organization’s financial growth to maintain healthy cash flow and financial stability to the organization.
Maintain data files and submit all reports to include MDPL grant applications, interim reports, and final reports. ( i.e. The Festival Grant, the Tourism Development Grant)
Maintain data files and provide all City of Miami Beach Management Agreement Reports: quarterly facility rental reports; quarterly program reports; Visitor Center reports; biannual maintenance reports for the Art Deco Welcome Center
Provide and maintain business updates quarterly to the board of directors including programmatic and financial review.
Oversee the administrative components of all program services, including contracts, negotiations, grant reporting and any contracted work.

Community Initiatives and Media Relations

Build MDPL’s visibility and welfare through participation with committees of affiliated organizations and membership in community forums, civic organizations and activities that are aligned with MDPL mission and vision to obtain and maintain effective representation for all MDPL activities.
Establish and maintain relationships with organizations such as GMBCVB, GMBHA whose support includes the hospitality and tourism industry.
Maintain and develop working relations with elected officials and represent MFDPL at all appropriate public functions.
Participate with staff and board on annual fundraising industry events and oversee all external communications, including websites, marketing collateral, newsletters, and social
Organize and execute major industry events e., the Art Deco weekend.
Maintain communication with members via association newsletter, social media as well as hosting industry panels, and other informational and networking events.
Increase awareness of the organization and advocate on its behalf by being the main spokesperson and liaison with local media by making effective public presentations.
Serve as the face of the organization and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and market brand, and develop strategic partnerships to further increase community awareness and expand programs.

Organizational Management

Build and lead an effective team of staff and volunteers that is dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission through extraordinarily successful programs for both visitors and members to increase engagement.
Lead, motivate and develop staff and board so that they are enthusiastic about MDPL achievements and are committed to working toward continuous improvement.
Oversee the full cycle of human resources activities including hiring, professional development, performance management, compensation and benefit evaluation, policies, record keeping maintaining the proper staff required to provide the services needed for the organization while adhering to state and federal employment laws.
Direct the task assignment and priorities for specific areas of responsibility for MDPL
Administer the Official Art Deco Welcome Center Gift Shop and Visitor Center and outline goals and tasks appropriately as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Sales & Marketing Abilities
Fundraising and Membership Development
Outstanding communication skills, written and verbal.
Excellent public speaking abilities
Experienced in overseeing and controlling operational budgets.
Adept in Government Relations
Knowledge of the market’s specific issues, including zoning, real estate taxes, and construction codes.
Proficient in securing grants and management
Knowledge of historic preservation laws
Expertise in managing natural disasters, terrorism threats or other emergencies.
Capable of leading advocacy efforts to protect the industry from business threats.
Proficient in managing financial, technical, and economic concepts and
Leadership and management experience in principles for nonprofit organizations
Entrepreneurial mindset, with innovative approach to business planning
Dynamic and charismatic collaborator who enjoys being the public face of an organization.
Understanding of the market’s multicultural and diverse tapestry.

Requirements

Resident of Miami-Dade County- preferred
Seven or more years of experience in an executive level position, preferably with the historic preservation, travel & tourism industry.
Bachelor’s degree (MBA preferred) in business, hospitality, and/or sales & marketing.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Programs and technically up to date on use of software and social media platforms
Able to travel if needed, work nights and weekends based on organization events.
Bilingual skills a plus