Program Manager click here for pdf description
Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Non-exempt, full-time with benefits
Reporting to this Position: Work Preserve Trainer, Program Assistant; Volunteers
Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, some evenings to support special programming
 

Position Description

Historic Ithaca is seeking applicants for a Program Manager, a new position that will administer the daily operations of the Significant Elements store and the Work Preserve job skills training program, in an approximate 60:40 split. The role will apply strong business and operational practices to maximize efficiency and performance within a nonprofit environment, including planning, organizing, and supervising workflows; ensuring compliance with grant requirements; managing program finances in accordance with all regulatory requirements; and delivering excellent service to customers, program participants, community partners, and supporters.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with other Historic Ithaca staff and Board members to ensure strong alignment among store merchandise, educational programming, and the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.

• Manage daily operations and budgets for both the retail store and the job skills training program, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to achieve financial and experiential goals for retail sales performance and job skills training program participation.

• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with customers, training program participants, donors, local businesses, community partners, and other organizational supporters.

• Coordinate, prioritize, and supervise the work of reporting staff and volunteers, including orientation, training, scheduling, and performance assessment.

• Participate actively in product procurement for the store through salvaging efforts, donor drop‑offs, direct purchases, and auctions.

• Manage store inventory by selecting merchandise, establishing pricing, and creating attractive, mission‑aligned product displays.

• Collect, track, and prepare data relating to both programs as required for grant performance reporting.

• Monitor facility conditions and promptly report or address maintenance and safety concerns to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and the public.

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

• Proven experience in retail management, or equivalent experience combining retail and nonprofit program management. Museum or cultural institution experience desirable.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated commitment to outstanding customer service.

• Experience in managing volunteers or mentoring youth in educational or camp environments.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment.

• Strong verbal, written, and computer-based communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across roles and audiences.

• Strong understanding of business plans, program management, and customer service best practices.

• Proficiency with POS software.

• Familiarity with standard labor laws, safety and compliance issues, accident reporting, and Workers’ Compensation reporting procedures.

• Familiarity with the safe and appropriate use of power and hand tools.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace.

• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily onsite at 212 Center Street, Ithaca, New York between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, Tuesday-Saturday, with occasional evening work to support special programming. Work includes office- and workshop-based tasks plus lifting and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, onsite salvaging, and picking up/delivering donated items. There will be occasional travel generally within a radius of 75 miles of Ithaca for salvage opportunities.

Start Date: The position is open until filled.

Compensation: Starting salary: $25.10 to $27.30 per hour, 35 hours per week. Benefits include 10 paid holidays and 3 paid floating holidays per year; paid vacation and sick/personal days; health insurance (paid via a stipend); and the opportunity to participate in a non-matched 401(k) plan.

How to Apply:

• Prepare a brief cover letter and a resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

• Submit by email (PDFs) to info@historicithaca.org with subject “Program Manager,” or by mail to Human Resources, Historic Ithaca, 210 Center Street, Ithaca NY 14850.

• No phone calls, please. Qualified candidates will be contacted within five business days for an initial interview.

 

Executive Director click here for pdf description​

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Position Title: Executive Director

Reports to: President, Board of Directors

Status: Exempt, full-time with benefits

Reporting to this Position: Preservation Services Director, Program Manager; Volunteers

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Position Description

Historic Ithaca is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Director. This position works in close partnership with an engaged and experienced Board of Directors to provide overall leadership and strategic direction to advance Historic Ithaca’s mission. Advocating for the built environment, the Executive Director is responsible for fundraising and revenue development, cultivating and sustaining key stakeholder relationships, supervising and supporting staff, ensuring the organization’s fiscal sustainability, and overseeing day‑to‑day operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Provide day-to-day leadership for a small, high-impact nonprofit—ensuring smooth operations, strong internal systems, and excellent service to the community.

• Partner with the Board of Directors to set organizational priorities and implement a strategic plan that advances the mission and defines clear goals and direction.

People & Culture

• Recruit, hire, coach, and manage a team of up to six staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture grounded in learning, service, and quality.

• Create and sustain a safe, respectful, and welcoming workplace that supports accessibility (within facility limitations) and values people from diverse backgrounds.

Finance, Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee the organization’s financial health (with third-party bookkeeping support), including budget development and monitoring, cash-flow awareness, and strong internal controls.

• Ensure that staff have the technology, tools, and specialized third-party support needed to deliver programs and services effectively and efficiently.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards; manage organizational risk; and oversee facility and property maintenance to protect Historic Ithaca’s assets and reputation.

Fundraising

• Design and deliver a comprehensive fundraising program consisting of individual giving, corporate sponsorship, and grants to support operations and special projects.

• Partner with Board and committee members to coordinate timely, high-impact personal outreach.

• Oversee grant operations—building sustainable reporting frameworks and the systems needed for accurate progress tracking and compliance.

Communications & Community Relations

• Serve as Historic Ithaca’s public representative—building partnerships with community stakeholders and using communications channels (e.g., website, e-newsletter, social media, media outreach, direct mail) to strengthen visibility and support.

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

• Leadership experience in a similar organization with the ability to inspire and support a team, set clear goals, and make thoughtful decisions.

• Nonprofit financial management, including budgeting and making the most of resources to support sustainable growth.

• Demonstrated fundraising success—cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

• Strong writing and public speaking skills, and a clear, respectful communication style.

• Comfort representing the organization and building positive relationships with community members, partners, and the media.

• A steady, solutions-oriented approach—able to navigate unexpected situations, identify root causes, and collaborate on practical improvements.

• Enthusiasm for diverse histories and cultures, preservation, sustainability, and lifelong learning.

• A college degree in management or a related field is helpful; equivalent professional or lived experience is also valued.

• Experience and/or interest in one or more of the following areas is strongly desired: historic preservation, architecture, city planning, building trades, community and/or economic development, and retail sales.

 

Note: We know that no candidate will bring every qualification. If you’re excited about our mission and feel you’d be a strong fit for this role, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn’t match every item listed.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily onsite at 210 Center Street, Ithaca, New York. Typical hours are 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday with occasional weekend or evening work to support special programming. Work is primarily office-based with occasional lifting/moving up to 30 pounds (and heavier with assistance) and local travel.

Start Date: The position is open until filled.

Compensation: Starting salary: $70,500-$75,500 per year. Benefits include 10 paid holidays and 3 paid floating holidays per year; paid vacation and sick/personal days; health insurance (paid via a stipend); and the opportunity to participate in a non-matched 401(k) plan.

How to Apply:

• Prepare a brief cover letter, resume, and writing sample (e.g., fundraising letter, advocacy position paper, press release).

• Submit by email (PDFs) to info@historicithaca.org with subject “Executive Director,” or by mail to Human Resources, Historic Ithaca, 210 Center Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.

• No phone calls, please. Qualified candidates will be contacted within five business days for an initial interview.

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We appreciate your interest in Historic Ithaca and look forward to learning more about you.

Historic Ithaca is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on age, race, creed (including religion), color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex (including pregnancy-related conditions), disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to every aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff/recall, transfer, leaves, compensation, and training. We also prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports or opposes discrimination or harassment.