Independence Historical Trust (the Trust) is entering its next chapter with a strong core partnership with the National Park Service, a just-completed signature public/private restoration project, sound finances, and an expanding, engaged board.
Founded in 1972 as the first Friends organization in the history of the National Park Service, the Trust is the official philanthropic partner of Independence National Historical Park, home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other sites in Philadelphia's historic district. Over five decades, the Trust has acquired more than 1,000 artifacts for the Park's collections, funded the rehabilitation of historic buildings and landscapes, and delivered free public programming. The reopening of the First Bank of the United States building on July 1, 2026, following a $43M public/private restoration effort, is a foundational moment and building block for the future. The incoming President & CEO will build on this history and standing to lead the Trust through a period of deliberate growth as the nation looks ahead to the 250th anniversary of the Constitution in 2037.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive who pairs fundraising results with political judgment and who is equally comfortable closing a major gift, partnering with the Park Superintendent, testifying before public officials, and walking the Park with a supporter. This is an opportunity to lead a lean organization with an outsized footprint and convert a generational moment of visibility into durable institutional strength for the places where our nation’s founding ideals were first articulated.
Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range is $180,000 to $220,000. The range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education.
Independence Historical Trust offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, fully matched to 3% and half matched to 5%
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee
- 10 paid vacation days, 10 sick days, and 2 personal days annually
- Professional development support for programs, seminars, workshops, and coursework that build job-related skills
- $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement
Location
The President & CEO works from the Trust's offices at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia's historic district. This position is not eligible for remote work. The role requires consistent presence in the Park and the surrounding historic district, flexibility to attend evening and weekend events, including donor events, the annual gala, public programming, and civic and commemorative occasions, and occasional regional and national travel.
Start Date
Early 2027
To Apply
Select "Apply Here" below. Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply by November 29, 2026 for priority consideration. The position is open until filled.
For More Information
For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Andrew Leider, Potrero Group Managing Director and Search Lead, at aleider@potrerogroup.com.
More information about Independence Historical Trust can be found at inht.org.
