Director: Nakashima Foundation for Peace

Bryn Mawr College; Bryn Mawr (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization seeks a dedicated Director to guide its mission of peace and craft preservation. The role involves overseeing operations, strategic planning, and fostering relationships with partners and donors. Ideal candidates will have extensive leadership experience in nonprofits, fine communication skills, and a commitment to the Foundation's values. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in advancing the Foundation's mission and expanding its influence in peace initiatives and educational programs.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit, cultural, historical, or educational management.
• Proven ability to advance mission-driven programs.
• Understanding of governance practices and fundraising.
• Experience with boards and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operations of the Foundation.
• Coordinate Board meetings and committee communications.
• Manage partnerships and outreach programs.
• Lead fundraising efforts and grant opportunities.

Skills

Strong leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Relationship-building

Budgeting skills

Education

Minimum of five years in a senior leadership role

Familiarity with collections-based institutions

Job description

The Nakashima Foundation for Peace seeks a strategic, mission-driven Director to lead the organization during a pivotal period of stewardship, preservation, and growth. Working closely with the Board President and Board of Directors, the Director will oversee all aspects of the Foundation’s operations, programs, collections, historic properties, and partnerships.

The Director will advance the Foundation’s mission to preserve and interpret the legacy of George and Mira Nakashima and promote peace through craft and education, while ensuring the long‑term preservation of the Nakashima Family House and related historic structures through partnerships, sound management, and public engagement.

Central to this role is advancing the Foundation’s peace mission, rooted in George Nakashima’s belief that craft and dialogue can foster understanding. The Director will work closely with the Peace Committee to set and achieve strategic goals for expanding the global presence of Peace Tables, strengthening international partnerships, and deepening the Foundation’s role as a promoter of peace through art, design, and cultural exchange.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate all Board meetings and ensure effective communication among Board committees and staff.
• Work closely with the Board and Board President to meet current and long-term strategic planning goals.
• Oversee the activities of all Board committees and support Committee Chairs in achieving annual objectives.
• Establish yearly organizational goals aligned with the Foundation’s mission, Bylaws, and preservation priorities.
  • Direct all Foundation operations, including staff, collections, exhibitions, historic properties, events, tours, and educational programs.
  • Oversee management and stewardship of Foundation-owned historic buildings, working closely with the Board President and George Nakashima Woodworkers COO.
  • Manage all insurance, contracts, easements, and agreements related to operations, collections, and historic preservation.
  • Maintain and update organizational policies, procedures, and compliance documentation.
  • Ensure adherence to legal guidelines, nonprofit standards, preservation requirements, and reporting obligations.
  • Work closely with legal counsel, preservation professionals, and external accountants as needed.
  • Manage all HR-related functions, including benefits administration, employee goal‑setting, staff development, and performance reviews.
  • Supervise staff and consultants and foster a collaborative and mission‑centered workplace culture.
  • Organize and oversee short‑term and long‑term financial planning, including preservation‑related capital needs.
  • Help develop annual operating budget for Board and Finance Committee approval.
  • Manage day‑to‑day financial operations in collaboration with the Board President and Foundation accountant.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, institutional funders.
  • Serve as the Foundation’s primary ambassador and spokesperson, cultivating community, academic, preservation, and international peace partnerships.
  • Support fundraising and fiscal programming tied to preservation projects, Peace Table initiatives, and community engagement events and educational programs.
  • With staff and consultant, develop a strategy to identify and pursue funding opportunities via grants and proposals to private and public sources.

Program and Mission Delivery

In collaboration with the Board President, Board, Advisors, staff and consultants, provide leadership for all Foundation programs and initiatives, including:

• Archives and collections management, including preservation and access.
• Exhibition planning and implementation, both on‑site and off‑site.
• Historic preservation planning and partnerships, including collaboration with preservation organizations, architects, conservators, and agencies.
• Stewardship of the Nakashima Family House and related historic resources, ensuring best practices in preservation and interpretation.
• Educational and public programs.
• Peace programs and related initiatives.
• Marketing and communications.
• Partnerships and community engagement.
• Cooperative and preservation agreements with partner institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, World Monuments Fund, and other cultural, historic, and educational organizations.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, cultural, historic, or educational organization.
• Demonstrated experience advancing mission‑driven programs, including historic preservation, and international or peace‑focused initiatives.
• Strong background in organizational management, budgeting, and governance.
• Experience working with boards, donors, institutional partners, and public‑facing programs.
• Familiarity with collections‑based institutions, historic sites, or architectural heritage preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship‑building skills.
• Deep alignment with the values of peace, craft, and stewardship central to the Nakashima Foundation for Peace.
• Experience or knowledge of Japanese American history, design, and culture.
• Japanese language ability preferred but not required.