Tulsa Foundation for Architecture (TFA) seeks an effective, experienced, and action-oriented Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. The Executive Director is the face and voice of the nonprofit. This is a full-time, salaried position, based in our historic mid-century office in downtown Tulsa. TFA will accept applications until September 19, 2025.

ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Responsible for daily management as well as the realization of long-term goals.

Supports and reports to the Board of Trustees, working collaboratively with the Board to promote TFA’s mission, goals and objectives.

Oversees and coordinates all TFA activities, including organizational management, finance, communications, and public relations.

Major Goals and Opportunities

Shape the Tulsa Center for Architecture and Design by curating compelling exhibitions and expanding programming that brings the Center’s mission to life.

Continue improving our collection techniques and technology, and make the Architecture Archives more accessible to the public through programming, merchandise, and outreach. TFA envisions successful grant writing and fundraising that will bring the Archives to a new level as a community asset for all of Tulsa.

Oversee the development and coordination of high-quality programs consistent with our mission and the needs of the community, leveraging TFA’s Archives assets, community partners, and exhibit space at the Tulsa Center for Architecture and Design.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement organizational, program, and financial strategies to effectively manage the organization and its resources
Lead an active and ongoing fundraising effort with the Board of Trustees and Development Committee
Manage grants and financial support, and oversee revenue-generating programming and sales
Manage administrative aspects of the organization including purchasing, record keeping, and budgeting
Oversee and maintain database systems to track membership and donor activity, ensuring accurate reporting and clear communication with the Board of Trustees.
Provide a strong customer service focus in all organizational activities, ensuring that members, donors, and community partners feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
Help TFA build and maintain strong and productive working relationships with public agencies and policy-makers
Expand and maintain relationships with a wide range of community partners
Develop and conduct ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to foster an understanding of the organization, enhance TFA’s public image, and build support for TFA’s mission
Coordinate speaking engagements, media interviews, and personal appearances to keep TFA programs in the public eye
Manage contract employees, volunteers, tour guides, and professional consultants
Develop, maintain and utilize data and storage systems for the organization’s physical assets in coordination with the TFA Archives Committee
Ensure that TFA Archives and any other public spaces are attractive, professional, organized, and functional
Encourage design excellence in all aspects of promotion and programming
Qualifications

The ideal candidate has a strong background and work experience in architecture, design, nonprofit management, museum studies/education, museum/archive management, urban planning, construction, architectural history, or a related emphasis, with at least five years of management experience.

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

The successful candidate will have:

A demonstrated passion for Tulsa Foundation for Architecture’s mission and goals
A proven record of effective fundraising including grant writing and donor relations, with a minimum of five years of direct professional experience.
A proven record of effective leadership, with specific examples of having developed operational strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth
Requires a minimum of five years’ experience supervising staff or teams
Proven track record of working closely with board members to align organizational goals and ensure compliance
Experience developing and implementing program evaluation frameworks to measure outcomes and improve program performance
Experience leading strategic planning initiatives to define organizational goals, set priorities, and align resources for maximum impact
Ability to set goals, manage time, and meet deadlines
Ability to engage and work effectively with culturally and politically diverse communities
Excellent communications and networking skills
Ability to listen, engage, inspire, educate, and move people to action, as a public speaker, in personal meetings, and in written communication
Technical familiarity with social media in reaching new audiences
Experience with collections care and management is desired; a willingness to obtain archival management skills is required

Compensation

Salary of $75,000 – $90,000 per year, commensurate with knowledge, experience, and skills. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and a 3% retirement matching contribution.