Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Organization: The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough Location: Hillsborough, NC (Hybrid work flexibility)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Starting Salary: $50,000 annually

About the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough

The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and sharing the rich cultural, natural, and historical heritage of Hillsborough, North Carolina. Through dynamic programming, visitor services, educational outreach, and community partnerships, the Alliance plays a vital role in shaping Hillsborough’s identity as a vibrant place to live and a premier destination to visit.

Position Description

The Executive Director of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping, promoting, and sustaining Hillsborough’s cultural, natural, and historical resources. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages the daily operations of the Hillsborough Visitors Center, oversees the organization’s financial health, and develops programs that connect residents and visitors to the town’s rich heritage. This high-profile, community-oriented role includes nonprofit management, strategic partnerships, fundraising, marketing, staff supervision, financial oversight, and program development—all in service of growing Hillsborough’s visibility as a place of significant and unique history, a premier destination, and vibrant community.

Core Responsibilities

Nonprofit Management and Internal Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Hillsborough Visitors Center and gift shop
• Supervise and support all Alliance staff, volunteers, and contractors
• Develop and implement internal policies, budgets, and procedures
• Work with Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to ensure all financial reporting and filings are accurate and on time
• Measure and evaluate the impact of programs and services
• Ensure compliance with all applicable nonprofit regulations and reporting requirements

Board Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Staff and support the Alliance Board and its subcommittees
• Lead organizational strategic planning with input from the Board, Tourism Board, and community partners
• Report regularly on progress toward goals, program outcomes, and financial performance

Fundraising & Development

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and individual donations
• Maintain donor relationships and oversee donor records
• Coordinate fundraising campaigns and events with support from the Board

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and implement an annual marketing plan to promote Hillsborough
• Manage all Visit Hillsborough and Alliance for Historic Hillsborough social media channels, website content, and blog posts
• Write and manage press releases, monthly newsletters, and other promotional materials
• Coordinate with regional and state marketing efforts to increase visibility and visitor engagement
• Ensure consistent use of brand standards across all outreach

Community Outreach & Partnerships

• Serve as a liaison to the Tourism Board, local nonprofits, arts groups, and cultural organizations
• Foster relationships with businesses, attractions, and regional partners
• Represent Hillsborough tourism at industry meetings and events
• Maintain and share a community calendar for cultural events and tourism

Preservation & Education

• Develop and support heritage and preservation programs, tours, and events
• Promote and preserve Hillsborough’s historical and cultural assets
• Create innovative educational opportunities to engage all ages in local history

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in history, tourism, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field

● Minimum 2 years of experience in nonprofit or program management

● Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills

● Experience with fundraising, grant writing, or donor engagement

● Skilled in marketing and advertising strategies, including content creation, audience engagement, and promotional planning.

● Proficiency in social media, website content management, and marketing tools including Canva, Adobe, and Google Analytics.

● Strong leadership, organizational, and financial management skills

● Commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming programs and partnerships

Compensation & Benefits

● Starting Salary: $50,000 annually

● Work Schedule: Full time. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM with a 60-minute lunch break. Some evening and weekend work is expected based on event and program schedules. Hours and schedule may vary depending on workload and organizational needs. The position includes the option to work remotely one day per week, with in-person presence expected the remaining weekdays.

● Time Off: Generous paid time off package, including 17 days of vacation (accruing with tenure) and 11 paid holidays annually

● Other Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and a monthly cell phone stipend

● Work Environment: Supportive, creative, and mission-driven team with flexible work options

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three references

The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough is committed to creating an inclusive and

welcoming environment for all applicants and employees. We encourage people from all

backgrounds to apply.