Chief Executive Officer

Preservation Virginia - Richmond, VA
Preservation Virginia seeks a Chief Executive Officer to assume overall leadership of the organization and ensure that it fulfills its ambitious mission while bringing an inclusive, collaborative approach to its complex organizational structure and diverse base of stakeholders. The Chief Executive Officer will be tasked with the overall management of the three primary programs—Public Policy and Engagement; Historic Jamestowne; and Stewardship of Historic Properties. The Chief Executive Officer will be innovative, collaborative, and highly motivated to ensure that Virginia’s historic places are vibrant, relevant, and recognized for the value that they bring to communities. The Chief Executive Officer will inspire a collaborative approach internally and externally that shapes the next decade of this 135-year-old organization in the changing world of preservation.

Preservation Virginia, a privately funded, statewide historic preservation leader founded more than 100 years ago, works to ensure the relevancy of the Commonwealth’s historic places. The multifaceted and impactful nature of its advocacy programs, six historic sites, and partnerships with other organizations has allowed Preservation Virginia to create a holistic approach to saving the places that connects us to our diverse, complex history. The results can be seen in the rural towns that now have thriving Main Streets, the success stories of endangered historic places revitalized with Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, and studies that show the positive economic impact of historic preservation on Virginia’s economy. Over the past century, Preservation Virginia has helped save more than 400 historic places across Virginia—by engaging communities and embracing the places of the past as vital to present and future generations. Through its ongoing partnerships, it extends its efforts to protect and preserve historic places and communities in all regions of Virginia. Groups and individuals across the state depend on Preservation Virginia as a resource for relevant and timely information and guidance. Through the generosity of its supporters, Preservation Virginia teaches, shares, and collaborates for the preservation and enhancement of Virginia’s communities through its various educational programs. Preserving history requires responsible solutions and an engaged public that recognizes the value of historic resources. As an advocate for Virginia’s historic resources and the public policy tools that aid in their preservation, Preservation Virginia works closely with decision makers to communicate the economic and cultural benefits of preservation. It also encourages the continuation, strengthening, and introduction of important preservation-related policies, funding, and programs. Preservation Virginia believes that the resources of the past offer vital lessons about all facets of the complex and complicated history of Virginia and the nation. It values the strength that rises from the work to research, understand, and commemorate history. It recognizes that historic preservation and preservation policy play important roles in the equitable development of local economies, creating jobs, and preserving the unique character of communities. Preservation Virginia knows that out of collaborations with individuals, partners, and allies, a stronger movement, more effective in recognizing the vibrancy in diverse communities where lives are lived, and memories are made can be built. These places constantly teach new lessons, informing our lives today as well as future generations.

"With the approach of 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary, I firmly believe that the next Chief Executive Officer will be able to build on the strong track record of the last two decades and elevate awareness of the organization’s programs and projects. From the archaeological research at Historic Jamestowne to the anniversary of Patrick Henry’s famous speech to our community engagement efforts with sites of African American and Indigenous history, Preservation Virginia is poised for its next decade of success. I invite you to join our extremely committed board and talented staff team to join us in writing this next chapter." — Ronald L. Hurst, Chair, Board of Trustees

For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.