KERNERSVILLE, NC – The Körner’s Folly Foundation and the Town of Kernersville are excited to break ground on the site of the new Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly, located at 411 South Main Street in Kernersville. This site is adjacent to the historic house built in 1880 by visionary artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner. The resulting Visitors Center will function as a community gathering space, providing improved amenities and increased accessibility for visitors to historic Körner’s Folly while also serving as a beautiful introduction to historic downtown Kernersville.

Over the past decade, increased visitation to the historic house museum, rising demand for educational programming, and the limits of the space currently in use by the Körner’s Folly Foundation’s operations have necessitated investment in a facility expansion. These findings were confirmed by a stakeholder survey conducted in 2017. A new facility will allow the Körner’s Folly Foundation to grow sustainably and serve a wider audience in more meaningful ways, while continuing to support and enhance the organizations, businesses, and individuals that make the Town of Kernersville a great place to live and work.

The Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly will provide the Town with a central point for delivery of tourism information, include rotating exhibition space for historical artifacts, flexible meeting and program space, public restrooms, a media room, increased office space, collections artifact storage, a gift shop, and paved parking for tour buses and cars. The center will allow for more diverse programming and will improve access for persons with disabilities.

Construction on the new building will take approximately 10 months. The Körner’s Folly Foundation anticipates being operational in the new facility within the next year. Winston-Salem-based firm West and Stem Architects PLLC has provided design services, and construction will be completed by Wilson-Covington Construction Company.

The Visitors Center groundbreaking is the result of a capital campaign conducted by the Körner’s Folly Foundation. The Foundation engaged professional campaign consultants,
including CapDev in Winston-Salem. The campaign has been successful in securing funding for the Visitors Center as well as a sustainability fund to support maintenance of the new facility and continued restoration of the 22-room historic house museum.

In 2019, the Town of Kernersville and the Körner’s Folly Foundation established a public-private partnership to enable development of the new Visitors Center. The Town committed funding of $750,000, to be fulfilled contingent upon the Körner’s Folly Foundation raising the remaining funds required to complete construction on the multi-million-dollar project. The State of North Carolina and Forsyth County have also supported this effort.

Funding resulting from the Foundation’s capital campaign was secured in part via grants from local and state foundations, including the BB&T/Truist Foundation, Marion Stedman Covington
Foundation, the Kernersville Foundation, the Lawrence E. & Etta Lea Pope Foundation, the Lib Burns Trust, the Richard & Marie Reynolds Foundation, the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Winston-Salem Foundation, the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, and the Kernersville Historic Preservation Society. Generous gifts from private donors and local businesses also played a significant role in achieving campaign fundraising goals.

As part of the groundbreaking ceremonies, the Körner’s Folly Foundation has announced that the Visitors Center will be named in honor of John and Bobbie Wolfe, hereafter referred to as
the John and Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly. The naming is in honor of the notable impact that the couple has had on the organization through many decades. The Wolfes were one of the families who stepped in to “save” Kӧrner’s Folly from destruction in the 1970’s, and they both have served in many critical volunteer capacities since to ensure the preservation
of the house museum for the enjoyment of the public.

“The vision of the Körner’s Folly Foundation is to be a place of connection between the pastand the future, and to help people connect with one another,” says Körner’s Folly Foundation Executive Director Suzanna Ritz Malliett. “We are thrilled to begin construction on this longawaited project that will help the organization further our strategic goals of widening access and deepening connection to this valuable historical and cultural resource, while also contributing significantly to local economic development.”

The fundraising campaign for the John and Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly continues, with donations supporting programming and operations at the center. Gifts are tax-deductible. More information at www.kornersfolly.org/donate.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Operations & Programs Manager (OPM)
Reports to Körner’s Folly Foundation Executive Director (ED)

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Visitor Services Management

• Promote a positive image of Körner’s Folly and the Körner’s Folly Foundation in all interactions and activities
• Assist ED in developing and implementing policies and receive internal and external feedback to ensure positive visitor experiences and engagement with respect to operations, safety, and accessibility
• Respond to phone, in-person, and email inquiries regarding general information, accessibility, ticketing, recommendations, field trips, education programs, policies, and facility rentals
• Train, observe, and evaluate Visitor Services staff
• Manage the daily operations of the Körner’s Folly Admissions & Gift Shop
• Oversee the secure use of the facility, its equipment and supplies, grounds and parking facilities during regular operations as well as special events
• Communicate with contract services to solve security and maintenance issues

2. Education Coordination

• Provide creative vision and leadership for all Körner’s Folly educational programs
• Develop program, tour, and educational activities that enhance visitor enjoyment and understanding and are aligned with the strategic planning goals of the Körner’s Folly Foundation
• Represent and promote Körner’s Folly to external educational institutions in order to establish a network of useful and productive partnerships
• Conduct historical research to integrate new information into existing interpretation, materials, programming, and events

3. Volunteer Management

• Utilize sound human resource policies to direct and manage all volunteers
• Maintain job descriptions, conduct recruitment activities, hire, evaluate, and dismiss volunteers as needed
• Provide training and maintain a climate that attracts and motivates diverse, qualified volunteers
• Plan and implement volunteer appreciation events and recognition
• Maintain volunteer schedule for public tour hours, private tour requests, educational programs, facility rentals, and special events

4. Collections Management

• Practice sound collections management techniques in alignment with the Körner’s Folly Foundation Collections Policy
• Ensure that weekly, monthly, and annual housekeeping duties are performed
• Train Visitor Services staff and volunteers in safe artifact handling
• Acquire artifacts or collections of interest to Körner’s Folly in accordance with Körner’s Folly Foundation Collections Policy
• Catalogue, document, and inventory collection artifacts
• Conduct historical research on current and potential KFF artifacts
• Display artifacts and interpretive materials in order to provide access to the public for self-guided tours as well as educational programs and events
• Plan, organize, interpret, and present exhibits and lectures for in-person and virtual experiences
• Respond to inquiries from researchers, donors, and the public

5. Marketing and Development Assistance

Assist the ED with various marketing and development programs including, but not limited to the following activities:

• Serve as a spokesperson for Körner’s Folly and/or the Körner’s Folly Foundation when necessary
• Draft materials, articles and press releases for the website, social media, and internal and external publications
• Actively participate in all development activities including solicitations and fundraising events
• Research funding opportunities and draft grant applications
• Promote visibility and general support in the local, regional, and national community

OTHER

Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned or as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The OPM’s work week includes Monday through Friday with occasional nights, weekends and holidays required; Attendance at Körner’s Folly and community events required; Occasional travel and off-site work required for meetings, public speaking, outreach programs, and other related activities.

Work is performed in an office and historic house environment with moderate physical activity, including climbing stairs. Working conditions include moderate exposure to dust, grease, noise, inclement weather, temperature extremes, and unpleasant but not hazardous odors. Occasional exposure to risks controlled by the use of safety precautions. Physical exertion includes exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, especially during special event setup.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent organization, time management, customer service, public speaking, and writing skills
• Strong understanding of and achievement in museum and/or non-profit fields
• Strong understanding of and achievement in planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programming for all ages
• Strong understanding of and achievement in collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of community events
• Ability to inspire, lead, and manage staff and volunteers
• Ability to develop and implement long-range plans
• Ability to work well under pressure and work flexible hours
• Knowledge of historical topics related to Victorian-era history and the ability to apply them in an engaging way to the visiting public
• Ability to connect with stakeholders, potential funders, and community groups to foster the support and appreciation of the Körner’s Folly Foundation’s mission
• Proficiency in social media engagement including Facebook and Instagram
• Proficiency in email marketing and communication (iContact or similar)
• Proficiency in POS Systems (Square or similar)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in History, Museum Studies, Museum Education, Arts Administration, or similar degree program (Master’s Preferred)
• 3-5 Years Related Experience
• Reliable Transportation
• Valid Driver’s License
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Hiring Range: $38,000 – $42,000 annually commensurate with experience, plus annual benefits stipend.

The Körner’s Folly Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested candidates should submit resume and cover letter to employment@kornersfolly.org no later than March 20, 2023.

Anonymous site visits encouraged.

The Körner’s Folly Foundation, a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, is seeking an Executive Director to carry out our mission to foster an appreciation for history, the arts, and enterprise through the preservation and interpretation of historic Körner’s Folly.

The Executive Director leads and directs the daily operations of the historic house museum and works to ensure the sustainability of the organization. Main responsibilities would be tied to oversight, strategic planning, developing relations with the Board of Directors, and specifically: administration, fundraising, financial management, marketing, and Körner’s Folly restoration. The Executive Director will work to oversee and establish the new $2+ million Visitors Center; construction is expected to begin in 2023.

The Executive Director reports to the Korner’s Folly Foundation Board of Directors. For purposes of compliance with the FLSA the Executive Director is exempt based upon the executive exemption.

Examples of work include but are not exclusive to following list:

• Administration & Operations: Reviews and evaluates Operations and Programs Manager, and Visitor Services staff. Helps staff troubleshoot problems. Works with the Board of Directors and Operations & Programs Manager to create policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Finance: Writes annual budget with finance committee, approves expenditures and ensures adherence to annual budget, prepares financial reports for Board or grants.
• Fundraising: Oversees all fundraising efforts including annual membership drive, Oktoberfest fundraiser, and Capital Campaign; writes and manages all grants and grant reports.
• Marketing: Provides strategic direction on marketing campaigns. Ensures adherence to branding and graphic standards. Maintains and creates strategic partnerships with Visit Winston-Salem, Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, Visit NC, Association of Visitor Attractions, and other tourism partners. Serves as spokesperson and media liaison. Approves marketing content, print and digital, by Operations & Programs Manager and Marketing Committee.
• Board Support: Plans and writes committee and board agendas in conjunction with Executive Committee, prepares reports for board. Board member recruitment and training, attends monthly Executive Committee meetings, monthly full Board of Directors meetings, and other board committee meetings as appropriate.
• Restoration: Researches historical interpretation and material culture for each restoration project. Maintains interpretive guidelines per the National Register Acts as project manager for all restoration projects – coordinates contractors and schedules, gets quotes, ensures quality of work, and develops project timelines.
• Visitor Center: Oversees and coordinates Capital Campaign solicitations, works with architect and Town of Kernersville, oversees construction and outfitting.
• Leadership and Strategy: Works with Operations & Programs Manager to carry out strategic planning objectives, maintains and creates new relationships with organizations, foundations, and community partners to ensure long-term sustainability of organization.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of historical topics related to Victorian history and the ability to apply them in an engaging way to the visiting public. The ability to connect with stakeholders, potential funders, and community groups to foster the support and appreciation of the Körner’s Folly mission.

Working conditions include moderate exposure to dust, grease, noise, inclement weather, temperature extremes, and unpleasant but not hazardous odors. Occasional exposure to risks controlled by the use of safety precautions. Physical exertion includes exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. This is seen during special event set-up. The worker is required to have close visual acuity, preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading, visual inspection of small defects or parts, operation or inspection of machines.

The Executive Director is considered exempt under the executive duties test for purposes of FLSA compliance. The position has overall responsibility for managing the organization, supervises the work of equivalent of two or more subordinate employees, and exercises significant personnel authority with discretion and judgment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent organization, time management, public speaking, and writing skills
Strong understanding and achievement in museum and/or non-profit management
Experience in organizational financial management
Strong administrative skills to include experience managing budgets; knowledge of Quickbooks or other financial management software a plus; familiarity with Little Green Light software a plus
Strong writing and editing skills
Experience in educational programming for all ages
Experience in planning and executing events
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with social media management and WordPress websites
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
Ability to inspire, lead, and manage staff and volunteers
Ability to develop and implement long-range plans
Ability to work under pressure and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Preferred
5+ Years Related Experience
Formal education and/or experience are expected in fields such as history, museum studies, nonprofit administration, historic preservation, cultural heritage, heritage tourism, or arts administration
Valid Driver’s License

Hiring Range: $50,000 – $60,000 annually, plus $4,000 annual benefits stipend.
The Körner’s Folly Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and responses to the application questions to employment@kornersfolly.org by January 9, 2023.

Anonymous site visits encouraged.

To download the full job description and application assignment, click the link below.

Executive Director Job Posting and Application Assignment – Korner’s Folly[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]Executive Director Application Assignment

Thank you for your interest in the Executive Director position at The Körner’s Folly Foundation.  Because this position requires a range of creative and visionary tasks, we feel we can’t get the best sense of your abilities and creativity through a letter and a resume alone.  To be considered for an interview, please answer the 5 questions below in three pages, maximum.

1. What interests and excites you about the position of Executive Director of Körner’s Folly?
2. Since 2018, the Körner’s Folly Foundation have been raising funds to build a new Visitors Center. To date, the Foundation has raised over $2 million toward this Capital project, and construction is slated to begin in early 2023. As the incoming Executive Director, please list the questions you would ask to develop a day-to-day operations plan for this new building.
3. Tell us about your leadership style. How do you see the role of the Executive Director working with the Board of Directors? Working with other staff members? Working with volunteers?
4. Getting the job done may require unusual persistence or dedication to results, especially when faced with obstacles or distraction. Give an example of a time when you were able to be persistent in order to reach your goal.
5. Briefly summarize your experience with a historic house, historic site, or historic property.

Leaving the Folly in a Better Place

Kernersville News, December 8, 2022

 

After 11 years leading Körner’s Folly, Executive Director Dale Pennington has announced her resignation.

She writes, “It is with heartfelt appreciation that I share the news that I will be leaving the Folly in early 2023. My time at the Folly has been so very special. This amazing house has a way of inhabiting your heart, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of this amazing organization. My life has changed significantly during my time here, just as this organization has also changed and grown, and now, I’m at a point in my life, where I need to be able to devote more time to my young family. I plan to leave the Foundation in early 2023, assisting with the new executive search, and ensuring a smooth transition.”

During her tenure, Pennington has overseen all the major restorative work at Körner’s Folly, starting with the home’s foundation, porches, and roof from 2012-2015, and then managing the interior restoration program.  She has lead the organization through 16 interior room restoration projects, of Korner’s Folly’s 22 rooms.

In addition to leading the historic preservation program at Korner’s Folly, Pennington also been responsible for all aspects of the operation of the historic house museum and administration of the nonprofit Foundation. Combining a commitment to sustainability and education, together with intentional planning, strategic marketing, and measurable objectives, she has been a wonderful asset to the organization and the Kernersville Community.  Over the last 11 years, Korner’s Folly’s annual operating budget has increased by 50%, they launched two successful Capital Campaigns, staffing and volunteerism has more than doubled, annual visitation has grown by 75%, and the breadth, depth, and relevance of the historical site has significantly widened access.

The educational programming has also been particularly meaningful to Pennington. During her time, she has created memorable programs such as, Christmas by Candlelight, Körner’s Folly’s Girl Scout Program, Family Fun Day, and the Victorian Parlor Series. She has always been willing to roll up her sleeves and help out, and has often been found performing the puppet show right alongside the Folly’s amazing volunteers, pouring beer at the Annual Kernersville Oktoberfest, and leading guided tours to elementary students.

Of her success, Pennington says, “As Executive Director, it has been my privilege to work with some to the most dedicated individuals in the Piedmont Triad community. It has been wonderful to get to know each of the staff, volunteers, and donors, and I feel so fortunate to have worked by their side. I have been supported by a Board of Directors that offered leadership, guidance, and assistance in restoring this wonderful historic house museum. I am so excited to see what’s in store for the future of the Folly. There are so many good things on the horizon that will propel this organization forward for the next 140+ years.”  The Board of Directors looks forward to announcing construction for the Visitors Center at Korner’s Folly to begin in early 2023.

“While transition is a natural stage in an organization, we have appreciated and will miss Dale’s vision and leadership. She has been a strong leader at Korner’s Folly for more than a decade and a well-respected force throughout the community.” said Norma Pearman, Board President of the Korner’s Folly Foundation.

When you walk into Pennington’s office, she keeps a quote above her desk that reads, “When you [work] on a big estate, the first obligation is to preserve it. The second is to improve it. The third is to leave it in better shape than you found it.” —William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil.  We can all agree that Pennington is certainly leaving the Folly in better shape than she found it.