Nonprofit Talent Hiring for President and CEO, Rivers of Steel at Pittsburgh, PA Full Time

Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.

Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation (Rivers of Steel) showcases the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial and cultural heritage through its historical and 21st-century attractions—offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Created in the aftermath of the collapsed steel industry of the 1980s, Rivers of Steel celebrates the region’s industrial history, the landscape that fueled it, and the hardworking men and women who made it possible, linking its communities through their shared cultural and industrial heritage. As both a National and a State Heritage Area, Rivers of Steel honors this history by supporting heritage development, creative placemaking, outdoor recreation, and community partnerships as means to foster economic redevelopment and enhance cultural engagement. Behind the scenes, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization—working at the grassroots level to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.

Integral to showcasing the artistry and innovation of the region’s rich heritage are the five primary attractions of Rivers of Steel: the Carrie Blast Furnaces, the Bost Building, the Pump House, the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry & Machine Shop, and the Explorer Riverboat. Together, these landmarks highlight the illustrious steel-making legacy of the region and provide a backdrop for Rivers of Steel’s many programs and events.

Interpretation through the arts has become an essential way to engage visitors, at the organization’s attractions and in communities throughout the region. Through initiatives like Partners for Creative Economy, Rivers of Steel is fostering the economy by partnering with creative professionals, enterprises, communities to establish the region as a thriving destination. Rivers of Steel has also expanded its educational programs, helping students to discover how southwestern Pennsylvania’s natural resources have shaped its industrial past and cultural heritage—and how the environment today impacts the region’s future.

Rivers of Steel continues to strengthen the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences, whether it is through its attractions and programs or its work behind-the-scenes as a pivotal partner in economic redevelopment. Today, there are many ways to experience Rivers of Steel. What’s common among them is the passion with which each program and project is realized—and the assurance that each engagement will broaden perspectives.

For more information, please visit: https://riversofsteel.com/

The Opportunity

Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation is seeking a dynamic and visionary President & Chief Executive Officer who will continue to grow the organization strategically and programmatically while enthusiastically serving the mission.

As the chief administrative officer, the President & CEO will lead the management entity of the Rivers of Steel National and State Heritage Area, as designated by the United States Congress and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Accountable to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will oversee all aspects of Rivers of Steel’s operations, facilities, office, and staff. The President & CEO will play a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission and strategic plans, focusing on conservation, preservation, education, tourism, and economic development.

A highly visible leader, the incoming executive will also be charged with cultivating and maintaining the many relationships (community, political, philanthropic) that are critical to the continuing success of the organization. As Rivers of Steel continues their successful Carrie On! Capital Campaign to fully purchase and reinvigorate the Carrie Blast Furnaces site, it is critical that the new President & CEO be an accomplished and savvy fundraiser, able to raise support for the organization’s programs and projects while diversifying funding streams.

The President & CEO will be primarily responsible for the following:

Leadership & Management

• Assures Rivers of Steel effectively achieves its mission by providing leadership and development innovation. This includes day-to-day operations, fundraising, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning
• Manages the Staff with transparency and respect, creating a professional and positive workplace.
• Creates a culture of support, collaboration, engagement, and growth, including creating opportunities for team-building, individual professional growth, and organizational development
• Institutes a strong, collaborative work culture and climate that carries across departments in order to make staff feel connected
• Engages employees in strategic discussions and empowers them to work autonomously
• Facilitates the development of Rivers of Steel’s strategic plan(s) for achieving its mission
• Implements the plans, policies, and programs, as adopted and directed by the Rivers of Steel Board of Directors
• Oversees preparation and management of budgets and audits
• Develops and supervises project work plans, requests for qualifications and proposals, negotiates contracts and agreements; manages and monitors progress of individual projects
• Initiates, negotiates, and executes contracts, partnerships, and other relationships required to implement the Rivers of Steel Management Plan and Update, the Carrie Furnaces Capital Plan, and other strategic plans of the organization.

Advocacy, Government, & Community Relations

• Develops and maintains partnerships with all levels of public, private, and civic organizations necessary to carry out the mission of Rivers of Steel
• Serves as the key external voice of the organization, raising the region’s awareness of and engagement in Rivers of Steel’s work and enhances the organization’s visibility, relevance, and credibility. Embraces opportunities to promote the mission and programs of the agency
• Advocates and lobbies at all levels of government to advance Rivers of Steel’s legislative and policy needs
• Maintains in-person working relationships with Rivers of Steel’s federal, state, county, and local elected officials and staff in Washington, DC, Harrisburg, and district/local offices
• Interacts with local, state, and federal agencies regarding projects and programs, policy, and partnership opportunities
• Coordinates with the County of Allegheny, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s departments and agencies, and various federal departments and agencies regarding preservation and development activities
• Maintains in-person working relationships with the foundation community in Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, and nationally
• Develops and maintains effective communication and working relationships with cooperators and partners, including the public, tourists, educators, elected officials, local city and county representatives, agency officials, and the private sector
• Participates in supportive activities of partner organizations that support heritage area policy at the federal and state levels

Fundraising & Advancement

• Oversees all fundraising through individual memberships, business memberships, foundation support, grants, corporate sponsors, special events, and other means
• Stewards relationships with current philanthropic partners while identifying and cultivating potential opportunities for advancement and diversification in resource development
• Develops and implements plans for financial sustainability of Rivers of Steel as a major part of the organization’s mission and strategic objectives

Board Relations

• Develops, maintains, and supports a high-performing and passionate Board of Directors.
• Provides ongoing education to the Board of Directors on emerging issues and unmet needs
• Generates and tracks metrics that monitor the organization’s performance with respect to the mission and critical objectives
• Provides leadership in developing the organizational, program, and financial plans with the Board of Directors and carries out plans and policies authorized by the Board
• Prepares and presents mission and programmatic information at each meeting to ensure Board understands the work and people associated with the organization

The Candidate

Rivers of Steel seeks a bold and innovative leader committed to the mission of the organization, one who is passionate and knowledgeable about heritage areas, public policy, advocacy, and fundraising. As the capital campaign for the Carrie Blast Furnaces gets underway, the President & CEO will need to articulate the vision for the site and secure commitments in order to realize this vision.

The successful candidate will be comfortable and accomplished in using their political savvy to fortify external relationships including donors, public officials, media, volunteers, and other stakeholders. Internally, the President & CEO will set the tone for Staff and use their strong leadership skills to effectively manage and unify diverse departments while creating a culture of trust, congeniality, and mutual respect.

All candidates should have exceptional and proven nonprofit management, leadership, relationship management, and resource development experience, as well as possess a combination of the following skills and attributes:

• Passion for and commitment to River of Steel’s mission and vision.
• Educational background and work experience aligned with the requirements of the position.
• Past success working collaboratively with partners, including but not limited to philanthropic leaders, like-minded organizational partners, and a Board of Directors.
• A successful record of accomplishment with fundraising from diverse sources.
• An astute understanding of politics and community relations, particularly as they relate to southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, and the Monongahela River valley
• Knowledge of best practices and leading trends, solutions, and innovations in heritage area policy.
• Demonstrated success in creating and promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace environment. A working style that is transparent, encouraging, and collaborative.
• Experience and confidence with public speaking before a wide range of professionals and community audiences
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building strong relationships with a diverse group of individuals at all levels. Can build consensus for ideas and can be effective in navigating sensitive topics internally and externally
• Values an inclusive work environment and can demonstrate cultural competence.
• Adept at building effective teams and motivating others. Working style that is transparent, encouraging, and collaborative

Performance Objectives

In the near term, the new President & CEO will continue to deliver outstanding outcomes while successfully addressing the following in the first 6-12 months:

• Become immersed in the programs and people of Rivers of Steel. Complete personal outreach to and initial evaluation of all current program and fundraising partners in order to deepen understanding of current relationships, both funding and programmatic
• Support current and ongoing progress towards the Carrie On! Capital Campaign for the Carrie Blast Furnaces
• Prioritize filling the Vice President/Chief Operating Officer role to better manage internal affairs, leaving the President & CEO to manage more external relationship building and advocacy work
• Determine feasibility and future of Explorer riverboat programming and assets.

Compensation & Workplace Environment

This position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 – $180,000 and a progressive benefits package that is shared with candidates during the process. ROS has offices in the historic Bost Building in the heart of Homestead, PA. The President and CEO and Staff work out of a number of the facilities operated by ROS with opportunities for flexible work schedules and locations.

DEI Imperative

Rivers of Steel seeks to recruit candidates for employment that represent our diverse community in race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and ability. Inclusive and equitable in our recruitment and retention practices, we are dedicated to uplifting diverse opinions and backgrounds in order to grow and evolve as a welcoming workplace for all.

How To Apply

Rivers of Steel has retained Nonprofit Talent to assist with this important organizational change process. Specific questions related to the position may be emailed to Michelle Pagano Heck, President, at [email protected]. Please direct all inquiries related to this position to Nonprofit Talent, and do not contact Rivers of Steel.

Resume, position-specific cover letter, and salary expectations can be uploaded via this portal.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5PM ON October 30, 2024

About Nonprofit Talent

Nonprofit Talent is a boutique executive search firm with a deep understanding of the nuanced cultural and financial landscape of the nonprofit and philanthropic community. We know the organizations and the people that commit to the sector. Our candidates, through regional and targeted national recruitment, frequently come from the same communities as our clients. We firmly believe in uplifting the extraordinary talent of our region in addition to seeking out new and vibrant talent through national networks.

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