Executive Director--Mather Homestead Foundation

Executive Director – Mather Homestead Foundation

Position Description: The Mather Homestead Foundation seeks an Executive Director

with a passion for history and education and relevant professional experience to lead

the next chapter of our growth as a premier museum and education center of national

significance.

History and Governance of the Mather Homestead Foundation

History:

The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather during the

Revolutionary War and has been meticulously preserved for over two centuries. The

property, originally a 100-acre family farm, served as a safe house and was raided by

Tories in 1781. The Homestead is renowned for its architectural significance and its

association with Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service and

a pivotal figure in American conservation. After passing through seven generations of

the Mather family, the property was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964

and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 2017, the Mather-

McPherson family donated the historic home and property to the newly established

Mather Homestead Foundation, ensuring its preservation and operation as a museum

and educational center for the public. Eight years after its founding, the Mather

Homestead Foundation is a well-loved and young organization with a strong foundation

for future growth.

Governance:

The Mather Homestead Foundation is a nonprofit organization overseen by a volunteer

Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction, fiduciary

oversight, and governance of the Foundation. Board members serve without

compensation and include a Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and multiple directors who chair

and serve on various committees. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board

and is responsible for day-to-day operations, staff supervision, and the execution of the

Foundation’s mission and strategic goals. The Foundation is supported by a small staff

and numerous volunteers and relies on contributions, grants, and fundraising events to

sustain its programming and preservation initiatives.

Mission of the Mather Homestead Foundation

The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather

Homestead, established in 1778 and home to seven generations of Mather descendants,

as a treasured place for historical education and enjoyment. The Foundation raises

awareness of the Homestead’s unique history, dating back to the Revolutionary War,

and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and founder of the

National Park Service.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive of the Mather Homestead Foundation,

responsible for advancing its mission through dynamic leadership, strategic vision, and

operational excellence. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees all aspects

of the Foundation’s operations, including fundraising, programming, collections

stewardship, community engagement, and staff management. The ED will build upon a

strong organizational foundation and further position the Mather Homestead as a

premier historic and educational resource of national significance.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the Board to develop, execute, and evaluate strategic initiatives

aligned with the Foundation’s mission and vision.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.

Operations & Staff Management

• Supervise and coordinate small staff and dozens of volunteers to ensure effective

day-to-day operations and exceptional visitor experiences.

• Oversee facilities management, preservation projects, and compliance with

relevant policies and regulations.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing regular updates

and strategic recommendations.

Development & Fundraising

• Together with the Development Committee, lead all fundraising activities,

including donor cultivation, grant writing, stewardship, and execution of

development-oriented events.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of core fundraising and community events,

such as historical lectures, the Garen Tea, The Fall Harvest Festival, and others.

• Manage donor recognition and partnership initiatives.

Program & Event Management

• Develop, coordinate, and execute a robust calendar of educational and public

programs for all ages, including house tours, lectures, reenactments, and

children’s programming.

• Expand outreach to schools, community groups, and partner organizations to

increase engagement and impact.

• Work with educators and historians to develop programs that connect the

Homestead’s story to broader themes in American history and conservation.

Collections & Preservation

• Oversee the stewardship, preservation, and interpretation of the historic house,

property, and collections, ensuring best practices in collections care and exhibit

curation.

• Implement recommendations from recent assessments to enhance collection

accessibility and preservation.

Communications & Community Engagement

• Serve as the public face of the Foundation, representing the organization to

donors, partners, media, and the broader community.

• Manage communications, including newsletters, social media, and public

relations to grow the Foundation’s audience and impact.

• Build and sustain relationships with local, regional, and national partners.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board

Treasurer.

• Ensure responsible financial stewardship, reporting, and compliance with all

regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Passion for history and education.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in management, museum studies, history, education, or related field preferred.
• Proven success in nonprofit leadership, preferably in a museum, historic site, or educational organization.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing.
• Strong executive functioning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with collections management and exhibit curation.
• Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial drive and self-motivation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, Board, and diverse
• stakeholders.
• Proficiency with digital communication platforms and social media.

Desired Personal Traits

• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated
• Strong people skills and ability to inspire others
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Enthusiastic, creative, and adaptable
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Mather Homestead Foundation

Compensation

• $70,000- $80,000 annual salary depending on experience
• Flexible hours, some nights and weekends

The Mather Homestead Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages

candidates of all backgrounds to apply.