Executive Director

Executive Director & Site Manager of Moravian Church Settlements - Bethlehem, World Heritage Site & Professor of Practice

Moravian University seeks an Executive Director & Site Manager of Moravian Church Settlements - Bethlehem, World Heritage Site & Professor of Practice.

The successful candidate will oversee the operations and strategic direction of the Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem World Heritage Site. This role is pivotal in driving tourism dollars into Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area while promoting the historical and cultural significance of the Moravian settlements.

The Executive Director & Site Manager will have faculty rank at Moravian University and may teach one to two courses annually. Faculty responsibilities will be outlined in a separate Statement of Expectations (SoE) upon hire.

Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance the visibility and tourism appeal of the Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem World Heritage site.
• Collaborate with local, national, and international tourism agencies to promote the site.
• Develop partnerships and coordination with Transnational World Heritage sites (Christiansfeld, Herrnhut, Gracehill).
• Foster relationships among other World Heritage sites both nationally and internationally to exchange knowledge and resources.
• Acquire knowledge of and maintain a sensitivity to the Moravian Church as a living practicing religious denomination.
• Develop a relationship with each of the strategic partners and foster a spirit of collegiality among them.

Operational Management:

• Oversee daily operations of the World Heritage site, ensuring effective management and maintenance of the historical properties.
• Coordinate with the Governance Board and other stakeholders to align operational activities with strategic goals.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the community and stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes and foster a positive and inclusive environment.

Tourism Development:

• Partner with Discover Lehigh Valley and the appropriate staff at each of the strategic partners and the Director of Communications and Marketing for Seminary and World Heritage in the University Marketing department to oversee marketing strategies aimed at attracting tourists to the Lehigh Valley area.
• Develop tourism packages and promotional materials in collaboration with local businesses and tourism-related institutions.
• Monitor and analyze tourism trends to adjust strategies and maximize economic impact.

Fundraising and Development:

• Work with appropriate staff at each of the strategic partners and Moravian University's Office of Development for fundraising efforts to support the operations and programs of the World Heritage site.
• Work with appropriate staff at each of the strategic partners and Moravian University's Grants Office to identify and apply for grants and other funding opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and stakeholders to secure financial support as directed by the VP of Development.

Community Engagement:

• Engage with local communities to foster a sense of ownership and stewardship over the World Heritage site.
• Organize and participate in community events, workshops, and educational programs.
• Promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit the local community and preserve the site's heritage.

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Teach one or two courses on tourism or cultural heritage per year.
• Develop course materials and curricula that integrate the historical and cultural significance of the Moravian settlements.
• Mentor students and provide opportunities for hands-on learning experiences related to heritage tourism.
• Participate in professional organizations and societies.
• Contribute to the institution's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community.
• Actively participate in service to the University through academic advising, committee membership, and/or mentorship of student clubs and organizations.

Requirements:

A Ph.D. in Business Administration, Tourism, or a related field is required, along with extensive experience in tourism development, preferably with a focus on cultural or heritage tourism.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic planning, operational management, and fundraising, demonstrating strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

Proficiency in project management and stakeholder engagement, coupled with a passion for historical preservation and cultural heritage, is also required.

The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively with diverse groups and build strong partnerships.

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