Executive Director — Fort Adams Trust
Location: Newport, RI | Full-Time | Salary Range: $80,000–$100,000 (commensurate with experience)
About the Fort Adams Trust:
Fort Adams is a National Historic Landmark and cultural anchor in Newport, RI. Managed by the Fort Adams Trust (FAT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to protect and promote the historic places and public spaces at the gateway to Narragansett Bay and Newport. We are stewards of one of America’s most unique historic sites, dedicated to public access, education, restoration, and vibrant community engagement. The Fort Adams Trust 2024 Strategic Plan can be found here.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of the Fort Adams Trust and is responsible for the strategic, financial, operational, and cultural leadership of the organization. The ED will guide the staff, lead all fundraising and marketing efforts, and serve as the public face of the Trust. This is a community-facing role ideal for a mission-driven leader with experience in nonprofit management, partnership development, and heritage tourism.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategic Oversight
- Provide vision, strategy, and leadership in implementing the Trust’s mission and strategic plan.
- Cultivate and lead a strong, mission-aligned staff culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and impact.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
- Maintain a strong and productive relationship with the Board of Directors, its committees, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), City of Newport and the surrounding community.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Represent Fort Adams in the community and cultivate relationships with local organizations, tourism partners, government agencies, and cultural institutions.
- Expand inclusive community programming, increase public awareness, and foster deeper community participation.
- Ensure Fort Adams remains a vital and accessible space for events, learning, and connection.
Development & Fundraising
- Lead and manage all fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, corporate sponsorships, grant applications, and capital campaigns.
- Partner with the Board and fundraising committee to increase contributed revenue to support restoration, programming, and operations.
- Oversee the development and stewardship of strategic partners and funders.
Marketing & Communications
- Supervise all internal and external communications including branding, website, newsletters, social media, and media relations.
- Raise the public profile of Fort Adams through proactive outreach, storytelling, and partnerships with press and content creators.
- Build marketing strategies that drive visitation, membership, and donor engagement.
Operations & Financial Management
- Develop and oversee the organization’s annual budget, manage monthly financial reporting, and ensure fiscal responsibility in collaboration with the Finance Committee.
- Provide oversight of day-to-day operations, human resources, legal compliance, and facilities planning.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive, and efficient work environment for staff and volunteers.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years in a leadership role within a nonprofit, public sector, or purpose-driven private organization with demonstrated impact in mission-aligned or community-focused work; Executive Director or senior management experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in community engagement, fundraising, and partnership-building.
- Strong marketing, branding, and public relations skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic and operational agility.
- Proven ability to manage teams, budgets, and organizational planning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Prefer experience with state and local agencies
Benefits:
- Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (commensurate with experience)
- 75% employer-paid medical and dental insurance
- SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer contributions
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Flexible working environment
- Opportunity to lead a historic, mission-driven organization in one of New England’s most iconic settings
Equal Opportunity Employer: FAT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, covered veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to before August 6th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission encouraged.