Jobs

Overview

Since World Monuments Fund (WMF) was founded over half a century ago, it has been a groundbreaking organization conserving in an innovative way the world's irreplaceable treasures — architectural and cultural sites that span the history of human civilization.

Cultural heritage sites are under constant attack by time, neglect, natural forces, and human actions. Preserving this heritage has from the beginning been the principal mission of WMF—working with local partners around the globe to provide financial and technical support for preservation, restoration, and long-term sustainability of these sites.

In continuing this legacy of a pioneering, entrepreneurial, and ambitious spirit, WMF seeks a new Vice President of Programs to craft and implement forward looking projects, identify emerging trends, explore new frontiers in heritage, and create opportunities for communities around the world through preservation of iconic sites and monuments.

Our Activities as executed:

Physical Conservation
WMF is dedicated to working at the highest international standards to conserve exceptional works of historic architecture and cultural heritage sites. Our goal is to ensure that endangered sites have a long-term future and that these places are fully integrated into the social fabric of their local communities.

Responding to the Unexpected
Earthquakes. Floods. Wars and revolutions. Whether natural or man-made, disasters cannot be predicted or foreseen. But once they occur, WMF is prepared to respond quickly and decisively to assess damage to sites that are iconic to communities, undertake emergency conservation, and help develop plans for recovery in coordination with our local partners.

Generating Awareness, Inspiring Action
As much as WMF has accomplished, more remains to be done to act as a voice of vigilance around the world. WMF advocacy programs such as the World Monuments Watch raise awareness of the importance of heritage preservation for people around the globe, today and in the future.

Fostering Sustainable Communities
WMF works with local partners to help foster the economic, technical, and social infrastructures necessary to create opportunities for the present and preserve sites well into the future. When local resources are lacking, WMF assembles teams of international specialists to conduct pilot projects, develop training programs, and plan for the long-term stewardship of sites.

Sharing Knowledge, Teaching Skills
Many of the skills that were used to build the world’s treasures are also in need of preservation. There is a widespread and growing need for craftspeople and professionals who can both revive lost arts and apply modern methods. By incorporating capacity building training programs into many of our projects, we seek to ensure longevity and stability.

Strategic Direction
For this newly-created position, WMF seeks a compelling leader who will bring the mission to new prominence and a rigorous thinker who can champion excellence and execute on that vision.

WMF is at the forefront of forging the nexus of conservation and social impact. Heritage is a dynamic element of the built and social fabric of communities and plays a role in advancing the quality of life of communities surrounding it.

Through cultural heritage, WMF and its local partners address some of the most important issues of our time: the impact of climate change, human migration, encroaching urbanization, and violent conflicts. By creating new programs around the world that preserve monuments and culturally important sites at the highest standards, WMF aims to create empowering opportunities for local communities.

Responsibilities
Vice President of Programs will report to Bénédicte de Montlaur, CEO. He/she is responsible for directly managing a New York-based staff of six and an international staff of nine, supplemented by local hires, consultants, and institutional partners, depending on the projects.

Strategic Leadership 

Initiatives 
Assure, with the CEO and senior management, that the organization executes a long-range strategy that makes consistent and timely progress toward fulfilment of mission. 

Management and Administration 

Location and Compensation 

WMF is located in New York City (NYC). The successful candidate is expected to work in the NYC offices and to travel as the job requires. It is anticipated that an attractive compensation package including competitive salary, health coverage, contribution to a 403(b) and four weeks of vacation will be offered.  Legal authorization to work in the United States is required.

The Successful Candidate 

He or she is likely to have: 

For Confidential Consideration: 

Kindly email a letter of interest and resume to JOBS@WMF.ORG

Position Summary

World Monuments Fund (WMF) is seeking a proven professional for the role of VP of Development & External Affairs. This position is a high-impact role that will integrate sophisticated communications, storytelling, marketing, and fundraising with leadership to enable the next five years of organizational growth and impact.

The qualified candidate will oversee our fundraising, communications and marketing efforts and will implement initiatives that advances World Monument Fund’s mission worldwide. This candidate will be responsible for all levels of giving and project initiatives that will shape the future of WMF, spread mission awareness to all our donors, partners and the communities we serve. The candidate must be a critical thinker that can quickly tap into new opportunities and employ new strategies to global philanthropic challenges.

As a member of the senior leadership team, reporting to the CEO the incumbent will oversee a staff of 7.

With a current annual operating budget of $12.9 million, Philanthropy including special events & membership accounts for $11-12 million; Endowment appropriations account for the balance of revenue.

Major areas of responsibility and related tasks include:

Thought Leadership/Strategy
• Align advancement activities to support mission and vision for the next chapter in WMF’s story
• Provide counsel to CEO and take a lead role in strategic planning, examination of mission, vision, and future direction of the organization
• Work with internal departments to define and articulate a sophisticated case for support
• Expand a culture of institutional advancement throughout the organization at all levels
• Serve as a contributing member of the leadership team, supporting and advancing the vision for WMF and inspiring and communicating that vision internally to enable others at all levels of the organization to understand their roles and performance expectation

Development
• Work with senior leadership and program team to identify major funding opportunities and match those needs with donor interests
• Work with the CEO as a lead fundraising partner while expanding the constituency for major gifts and deepening and institutionalizing existing relationships
• Coordinate outreach work of affiliates, offices, and volunteers abroad to strengthen WMF’s network and build a cohesive global cultivation effort and unified messaging
• Work with the CEO and Development staff to oversee day-to-day management of the Development department motivate and support their efforts to achieve goals, and plan and track engagement strategies and financial outcomes
• Develop comprehensive and sustainable major gifts program and pipeline
• Manage a portfolio of major/leadership gifts from all sources
• Ensure that the WMF is tapping into the entire range of prospective donor pools—from individuals (major and planned gifts) to foundations, corporate partnerships, special events, and membership
• Serve as lead producer of WMF annual gala and other donor cultivation/influencer events collaborating with CEO and
• Development staff to conceptualize the event program strategy with new innovative fresh programming.
• Develop highly-customized travel opportunities in partnership with professional travel providers that showcase WMF's field projects and build loyalty and support for WMF’s mission
• Plan and lead special campaigns, as appropriate (programmatic, capital, endowment)

Marketing/Communications/Donor Relations
• Strategically shape and lead the global identity, brand, communications platform, and delivery efforts
• Develop digital plan to broaden the WMF’s vision and community outreach
• Craft and oversee external communications strategies and press relations
• Visibly position and promote the WMF’s programs and expertise to expand and deepen audience engagement
• Incorporate analytics in shaping strategic positioning
• Promote revenue centers to increase financial support
• Develop partnerships that align with the WMF’s brand, elevate its position and visibility, and, when appropriate, increase revenue
• Maintain a visible role in the community, cultivate and foster relationships with donors, Board members, volunteers, and government and community leaders.

Board Relations
• Nurture relationships with Board members and sustain Board development.
• Lead the transition the Board of the WMF toward becoming a more consistent partner in donor relations, in the identification of new donors, and when appropriate, as peer solicitors
• Collaborate with Board committees to maximize their involvement with fundraising and other initiatives
• Work with the Board to identify and build relationships with a network of potential major funders and additional board members
• Serve as a liaison for board development and relationship management

Administrative
• Supervise, motivate, develop, and evaluate the Development and External Affairs team
• Ensure that technology and other resources are maximized and leveraged in service of fundraising
• Work with the Finance department on the preparation of the annual operating budget and to fully embrace the financial needs and anticipate long-term funding requirements

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required (MBA or graduate degree in a related field a plus)
• Strong work tenure: minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible management positions in development or marketing

Skills
• Strong working knowledge of the principles and best practices of fundraising, marketing and communications
• A strategic thinker with a focus on improving systems and coordinating efforts to reach WMF’s strategic fundraising goals.
• Highly computer literate with solid knowledge of the digital landscape and fundraising systems and analytics.
• The ability to foster a creative, professional, “open door” management culture; to empower senior staff, managers and staff members to fulfill their potential; and to encourage staff to challenge assumptions.

Salary
• Commensurate with experience, including excellent benefits package that includes, medical, dental, life, 403B and more.

Organization
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@wmf.org. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please.

World Monuments Fund is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. WMF is an at-will employer.

World Monuments Fund’s mission is to preserve the world’s architectural heritage of significant monuments, buildings, and sites. In partnership with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF seeks to inspire an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations.

Position Summary

World Monuments Fund (WMF) is seeking a qualified professional for the role of Executive Assistant to the CEO to contribute to our global, creative, and inclusive organization and office environment.   
Reporting to the CEO, the Executive Assistant manages key functions of the executive office, including: serving as primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on matters pertaining to the president; coordinating high‐level meetings both internally and externally; coordinating multiple administrative and special projects; and serving as liaison between the CEO and a variety of audiences, including trustees, staff and peers in external organizations.
Major areas of responsibility and related tasks include:

Executive Support    
• Completes a broad variety of administrative tasks for the CEO including: managing an extremely active calendar of appointments; completing expense reports; composing and preparing correspondence that is sometimes confidential; arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; and compiling documents for travel‐related meetings.   
• Communicates directly, and on behalf of the CEO, with trustees and others, on matters related to CEO's programmatic initiatives.  
• Edits and completes first drafts for written communications/ personal letters & emails to external stake holders 
• Acts as research assistant to the CEO, retrieving information from internal and external sources as needed. 
• Works closely and effectively with the CEO to keep him/her well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately. Acts as a "barometer," having a sense for the issues taking place in the environment and keeping the President updated.   
• Successfully completes critical aspects of deliverables with a hands‐on approach and other tasks that facilitate the CEO's ability to effectively lead the company.   
• Prioritizes conflicting needs; handles matters expeditiously, proactively, and follows‐through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.   

Board Support and Liaison   
• Serves as the President's administrative liaison to WMF’s board of directors   
• Maintains discretion and confidentiality in relationships with all board members   
• Assists the president in overseeing the scheduling and planning of Full Board & board committee meetings including advance distribution of materials before meetings in electronic/paper format.   
• On request, accompanies the president to meetings; accurately records meeting notes and  minutes; manages follow‐up actions;   
Senior Management/Staff Liaison   
• Facilitates the Presidents communication and engagement with staff 
• Assists in preparing scheduling and preparing agenda for team meetings and follow‐up on action items.   
Education and Experience   
• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Strong work tenure: five years of experience supporting C‐Level Executives, preferably in a nonprofit organization   
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms. 

Reports to  
• CEO 
 
Skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with staff at all organizational levels 
• Highly organized and detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects and meet deadlines 
• Ability to work gracefully under pressure   

Salary 
• Commensurate with experience, including excellent benefits package that includes, medical, dental, life, 403B and more.   

Organization
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@wmf.org. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please.  

World Monuments Fund is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. WMF is an at‐will employer.   

World Monuments Fund’s mission is to preserve the world’s architectural heritage of significant monuments, buildings, and sites. In partnership with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF seeks to inspire an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations.  
 

This position is a 12-month appointment located in Beijing – ideal start date February 1, 2020 but flexible.

CRAFT (Conservation Resources for Architectural Interiors/Furniture, and Training)

CRAFT is a training program with an emphasis on the conservation of fine furniture and historic interiors developed and jointly administered by the Palace Museum (PM) and Tsinghua University (TSU) in Beijing. It was established by the Palace Museum and World Monuments Fund as part of a collaborative program to conserve the Qianlong Garden (QLG) located in the Forbidden City with the goal of teaching modern conservation methodology and techniques, while also supporting traditional hand skills. China has a long history of furniture making and related craft work, and understanding this history is important to the conservation approaches taught at CRAFT.

The program admits a class of 10-14 students every two years. The current class began their studies in fall 2019. CRAFT students include selected staff members of the Palace Museum, Tsinghua University master’s degree candidates, other Tsinghua University students, and mid-career conservators from other Chinese museums with furniture collections and historic interiors. Students who participate as a part of the two-year master’s program at TSU earn a master’s degree in Architectural Conservation for Wood Structures and Historic Interiors. CRAFT students who are staff members of the Palace Museum or other Chinese museums receive a certificate of completion.

Overall Goals, Tasks and Responsibilities

Recruited from senior experts in the conservation field, the CIR will act as a liaison and educator for four key CRAFT audiences: enrolled students; visiting international faculty (1-2 per semester teaching intensive week-long seminars); craftsmen working on restoring the QLG; and the Qianlong Garden Task Force/management of the Palace Museum who are dedicated to advancing the conservation capacity of the Museum. The CIR will apply his/her knowledge and expertise to the conservation of furniture and historic interiors from the Qianlong Garden, and will create a learning environment conducive to training, mentoring, and supporting a new generation of conservators in China. The CIR will enhance an understanding of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern conservation practices and approaches, including applied conservation science, documentation, and imaging techniques.

To help maximize the expertise the CIR has to offer, the CIR will work with and mentor a PM-appointed local Conservator who will serve as a protégé for the CIR position. The local Conservator will also help the CIR to translate and document the CIR’s educational/academic activities described below and will work with the CIR to expand CRAFT’s conservation library.

The CIR will help advance the primary goals of CRAFT:

CRAFT Students

• To assist in the development and implementation of the hands-on (“studio”) portion of the CRAFT curriculum: CRAFT offers project-based learning that aims to advance hand-skills and conservation techniques that are needed for the care and conservation of Chinese furniture and historic interiors.
• To provide or supervise weekly studio training of CRAFT students in the Palace Museum CRAFT studio.
• To act as a mentor and resource for the CRAFT students in their individual work, always promoting the most appropriate conservation techniques for each situation.
• To supervise, evaluate and advise student performance with other faculty, including periodic examination and evaluation of CRAFT students.

Local Conservator

• To supervise or team teach with the local conservator specific techniques and concepts in both a studio and lecture format, core to the curriculum.
• To ensure that the sequence, coordination, and content of the courses systematically teaches the CRAFT curriculum, both at the Palace Museum and at Tsinghua University.
• To act as mentor to the local conservator teaching and assisting with the implementation of best practices in the studio as well as in the curriculum.

Craftsmen working on restoration of Qianlong Garden to transfer CRAFT solutions to QLG project

• To develop, as requested, conservation solutions/suggestions for sites or objects from the QLG as part of the CRAFT training program.
• To ensure that conservation standards taught at CRAFT are connected with the conservation work of external professionals working on the restoration/conservation of the furniture and interiors of the QLG. Because the CRAFT training program uses objects from the QLG for project-based learning, the CIR and students will adhere to best practices in the field, and to the highest possible conservation protocols and standards. The CIR will discuss conservation protocols with the responsible PM or PM QLG Task Force Staff and, if needed, guide outside craftsmen involved with the conservation work of the QLG.

Qianlong Garden Task Force/ Palace Museum Management

• To provide, as requested, an assessment to the Qianlong Garden Task Force of the work being undertaken by outside conservators/restorers/craftsmen working on the QLG. To make suggestions for ways to improve their work or make their work more compatible with international standards.
• To provide WMF/PM/TSU with suggestions on how to improve the CRAFT training program in the future and how to further develop the CIR position.

Anticipated Workload Description

• Two days a week dedicated to teaching and instructing CRAFT participants at the CRAFT studio in the Palace Museum or occasionally at TSU according to decisions made by the local CRAFT office. Individual student meetings and tutorials to be included as needed.
• Two days a week dedicated to working with the local conservator to plan current and future course work.
• Assist the local conservator with QLG conservation projects including CRAFT students whenever possible.
• In partnership with the local conservator, advise on the work of outside craftsmen/restorers on current best practices in the field and standards of work.
• Provide feedback to the Palace Museum on the quality and effectiveness of outside craftsmen’s work and suggestions for improvements as needed.
• Provide a brief monthly status report to WMF/PM/TSU on their work with the local conservator and the CRAFT training program with suggestions for any changes or improvements that will make the program more effective.

Stipend and Other Support

World Monuments Fund will provide the Conservator-in-Residence the following financial support:

• Stipend: Consultant fee for two academic semesters, paid to the CIR or his/her institutional employer and based on the level of experience
• Transportation: RT economy-plus airfare between CIR’s home city and Beijing, including visa fees
• Transportation: RT economy airfare to Hong Kong to meet Chinese visa requirements
• Lodging: One-bedroom apartment with kitchen, or the equivalent, in Beijing at TSU faculty housing including utilities and Wi-Fi connection; a larger apartment will be available for CIR’s bringing their family.

In addition, WMF provides the following support on-site in Beijing:

• Local Conservator, as mentioned above.
• Translation as needed for classroom and studio instruction
• Weekly meetings with WMF’s country representative, and Assistant Dean for CRAFT
• Reasonable local travel and petty cash funds for site visits to other local museums or training sites and for supplies and materials when needed.

Applicant

The successful applicant will be a well-trained, practicing hands on conservator. They will have a full understanding of furniture making and the materials involved. They will be able to teach basic woodworking.

They will have a deep knowledge of conservation science and conservation best practices and the ability to apply that knowledge to conservation challenges. They will be knowledgeable about structural repairs, surface cleaning, consolidation and loss compensation. They will be able to reach preventative conservation, documentation and photography. They will be familiar with microscopy and wood identification. They will enjoy teaching and mentoring young people. They will be collaborative with colleagues and able to adjust and adapt quickly to changes in the workplace and possess creative problem-solving skills. They should be adventurous and eager to learn as well as teach. Knowledge of Chinese a plus, but not required.

Organization

Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@wmf.org. Those applicants who are being considered will be contacted, no phone calls please.

World Monuments Fund is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.

World Monuments Fund’s mission is to preserve the world’s architectural heritage of significant monuments, buildings, and sites. In partnership with local communities, funders and governments, WMF seeks to inspire an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations.