About The Esplanade Association
The Esplanade Association is the only independent nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and enhancing the Charles River Esplanade, one of Boston’s most beautiful and iconic public parks. The organization acknowledges that the area that is now the Esplanade was once the Quinobequin River, supporting generations of Indigenous tribes long before the community of park visitors today. The Esplanade Association works to maintain, improve, and preserve the park and engage the community by providing educational, cultural and recreational programs for the millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy the riverside green space.
Formed in 2001 as a friend’s group to help restore and enhance the Esplanade, the Esplanade Association has invested over $28 million in park improvements. Notable accomplishments include the restoration of the Hatch Shell Oval and the Lotta Fountain, the rebuilding of the community boating docks, and the renovation of youth sports fields and playgrounds. This work has been accomplished in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which stewards one of the largest state parks systems in the country and works to protect, promote and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources.
The Esplanade Association hosts a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the Esplanade and invite visitors to enjoy the space, including the annual Community Day and Esplanade 5K, the Summer Dock Party, and the Moondance Gala. The Esplanade is also the location for the popular July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Spectacular. Through a variety of free and inclusive programming, events, and volunteer opportunities the Esplanade Association brings thousands of children, students, and families to the park for free exercise classes, day camps, concerts, tours, and educational events. The Esplanade Association also works to establish new and innovative practices to preserve the park for future generations, engaging and educating the community on sustainable practices and environmental topics. Critical to the Esplanade Association’s mission is Climate Action Work and DEIA Initiatives. The Esplanade Association is committed to ensuring the Esplanade demonstrates the best of what public spaces can be and as an organization, is dedicated to prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in all that it does.
THE OPPORTUNITY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Esplanade Association seeks an experienced and charismatic Executive Director to lead the organization and build upon its track record of revitalizing and enhancing the Esplanade and growing support for this unique public space. Working with an engaged Board and committed team, the Executive Director will further a clear strategic direction for deepening the organization’s impact and reach. A natural relationship builder, particularly with state government, the Executive Director will establish, cultivate, and maintain strong working partnerships with staff, stakeholders, funders, and the DCR.
The Executive Director will be instrumental in ensuring the organization’s continued success by completing the organization’s first capital campaign of $25 million and developing a strategy to increase the organization’s fundraising potential and activities. They will strengthen and extend existing fundraising strategies while also creating new and innovative approaches to elevate the organization’s visibility and financial resources.
The Executive Director will complete major projects, including the very exciting Charlesbank Landing project which will center the organization’s mission-focused work on the Esplanade and expand the ability of the organization to support recreational, cultural, and educational programs in the park.
The Executive Director will be a compelling and spokesperson for the Esplanade Association, motivating and inspiring others to support its mission and programs, and with a clear strategy and strong relationships in working with government officials, key stakeholders, supporters and donors.
The Executive Director will be committed to supporting existing core programs and maintaining a cohesive, positive organizational culture within the Esplanade Association that emphasizes collaboration and accountability while supporting an open climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality people.
Ideal candidates will bring experience leading a growing organization or program, exceptional communications skills, and the ability to develop and implement an effective strategic vision.
This is a full-time position located in Boston, MA.
EXPRESSING INTEREST
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Kim Dukes, Managing Director, and Kristina Dorne, Senior Search Associate, of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials here. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
The Esplanade Association is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
Read and download the position profile here.
