News

The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission (MSAAHC), a non-profit that is working with both the city and the state to revitalize this culturally significant portion of Buffalo, is seeking an Executive Director.  As part of Buffalo’s renaissance the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor features a host of landmarks in local and national black history. This includes the Underground Railroad, the abolitionist movement, the jazz age and Civil Rights Movement.  The Executive Director will lead the next phase of development, which includes near-term capital expenditures of up to roughly $7M, focused on key corridor assets/institutions in the vicinity of Michigan Avenue and Broadway, and additional funding for long term capacity building efforts.  Reporting to the President of the Commission, the Executive Director will coordinate projects undertaken by/for the Commission, while promoting the neighborhood and educating other stakeholders about heritage tourism activities. In this newly created position the Director will also lead the organization in developing a management plan, increasing revenue and act as a liaison between the Commission and public and private entities within the Corridor, the City of Buffalo, New York State and other funders.

The management plan defines the guiding principles for Corridor revitalization, developed through stakeholder and community consensus. These include:

• Create an interpretive approach to highlight the impact of Buffalo’s African American heritage on the history of Buffalo and America
• Integrate the African American cultural history with preservation and economic development strategies
• Restore the Corridor at urban scale, grounded in the expectation for transformation.

The ideal candidate must be a highly motivated and innovative leader, have the ability to work independently, and have expertise in community outreach and engagement.  Experience in project and/ or program management related to cultural/heritage tourism and not-for-profit management is also desired.  Required competencies include: action orientation, collaboration, facilitation, visionary outlook, political savvy, listening, organization, consensus building, basic leadership orientation, and oral and written communication skills. 

A Master’s degree is preferred and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in urban planning, community engagement, community development or other related fields is required.  Qualified candidates may apply by emailing a resume and cover letter to MaryEllen Carlo, Director of Search Services at Career Partners International Buffalo | Niagara at mecarlo@cpibn.com.