Columbus Landmarks Foundation is Looking for a New CEO

Join us in protecting the places and stories that give Columbus its character. This is a hands-on leadership role where your voice will turn passion for preservation and enduring design into public momentum as the region continues to experience dynamic growth.

Position Overview

Columbus Landmarks Foundation seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization to its next phase of preservation impact, financial sustainability, and organizational growth.

The CEO serves as CLF’s principal executive and external representative, partnering with an engaged Board to advance historic preservation, strengthen revenue, and build internal capacity.

About Columbus Landmarks Foundation: Since 1977, Columbus Landmarks (CLF) has served as the region’s leading advocate for the preservation of our built environment and architectural heritage. We believe that historic places are not just relics of the past, but vital assets for a sustainable, vibrant, and economically diverse future. Through advocacy, education, and our Endangered Properties list, we empower the community to save the places that define Columbus’s unique identity.

Preferred Skills

Leadership: Well-developed leadership skills and the ability to work independently during significant change in the organization’s trajectory, specifically as the Endangered Properties Program and the Home Preservation Loan Fund are growing rapidly.
Fundraising: Strong background in fundraising with an emphasis on fund development and donor relations.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication and advocacy skills with knowledge of local, state, and national funders.
Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of preservation, architecture, design, city planning, and history.
Strategy: Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to pursue and communicate a broadening vision.
Experience: Seven years of experience in leadership and preservation.
Education: MA or MS preferred or similar experience

Key Responsibilities

1. Chief Development Executive

Estimated percentage of total efforts: 50%

Develop and implement fund development strategies to support Columbus Landmarks’ advocacy and program efforts.
Develop and implement a donor relations plan to include identifying, cultivating, and engaging individual, corporate, and institutional funders.
Serve as Staff Liaison with the Development Committee.
Oversee the work of the Special Projects Coordinator on fundraising events.
Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of donor and membership records.
Assist the special event fundraising committees in event activities related to fundraising and sponsorship, and ensure the effective execution of major events.
Identify sources of grant funding and draft grant proposals and grant reports.
Develop a marketing plan to assist in achieving maximum income potential.

2. Community Advocate

Estimated percentage of total efforts: 30%

Serve as an advocate for the organization and preservation in the community.
Oversees all marketing, communication, and outreach efforts.
Set direction for all advocacy efforts.

3. Chief Operations Officer

Estimated percentage of total efforts: 20%

Develop and maintain processes for the effective management of the organization and its programs.
Recommend appropriate policies and course of action to the Board of Trustees and implement Board directives.
Develop, with the Board Finance Committee, an annual budget and ensure that monthly financial reports are prepared.
Serve as staff liaison to Advocacy, Partnership, Executive, and Personnel Committees.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all paid positions.
Ensure that all administrative management functions are completed in a timely manner.
Prepare materials for full Board meetings.
Assist in organizing the annual meeting of the organization.
Oversees Endangered Properties Fund, Preservation Services, Educational Outreach and Programs, administrative and bookkeeping, and all associated volunteers and staff members.

Compensation & Benefits

This position operates on a hybrid model with a flexible schedule. As the organization’s executive leader, the CEO has the autonomy to manage their own schedule, balancing remote administrative focus with the essential need to be visible and active within the Columbus community.

Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000

Benefits: Includes a healthcare stipend of $7,000 annually in lieu of traditional healthcare benefits. We offer a comprehensive paid time off package.