Join Our Team - Director of Preservation

Summary: The Director of Preservation oversees the preservation of and capital improvements to Preserve RI’s properties; plans and manages Revolving Fund projects; oversees the Community Preservation Response (CPR) Program, Easement Program, preservation grants and other preservation programs; and assists the Executive Director with preservation-related programs and initiatives. The Director of Preservation reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Property Manager.

Primary Responsibilities:

Preserve RI Properties

• Oversees capital projects at Preserve RI’s properties, including developing plans, budgets, work scopes and contractor bid packages, and overseeing contractors.

• Assists the Property Manager on Preserve RI property-related items such as:

  • Updating/conducting annual maintenance plans and budgeting for property projects.

  • Drafting and negotiating lease agreements and rental rates.

  • Maintaining vendor relationships and securing new vendors when necessary.

  • Minor hands-on projects as needed.

  • Serving as a backup emergency contact and assisting with responsibilities during Property Manager vacation and/or sick days.

Preserve RI Programs

Revolving Fund

• Develops budgets, work scopes, contractor bid packages, and contracts for all Revolving Fund projects.

• Oversees construction and paperwork during Revolving Fund projects, including architect and contractor meetings, budget management, processing invoices, reviewing and approving change orders, and troubleshooting unexpected issues.

Community Preservation Response (CPR)

• Manages and delegates responses to requests from the public for preservation assistance.

• Conducts site visits, writes letters of support, and provides technical assistance literature, contractor suggestions and materials.

Preservation Easements

• Serves as the main point of contact for easement inquiries and cultivates relationships with prospective easement donors.

• Develops an understanding of the significance and conditions of prospective easement properties.

• Develops easement drafts; negotiates terms with easement grantors.

• Develops, or oversees the development of, baseline documentation.

• Oversees annual monitoring and project review for held easements.

Matching Grant Program

• Manages the annual bricks-and-mortar grant program for nonprofit organizations.

• Works with the Preservation Coordinator on developing the grant schedule, deadlines, and administration.

• Reviews grant applications; conducts site visits.

• Ranks applications; makes final grant recommendations.

Other Duties:

• Oversees PRI’s Stewardship Services Program.

• Provides preservation assistance for Preserve RI’s grant making.

• Reviews and updates annual budget for Preserve RI’s properties and preservation programs.

• Collaborates with and assists the Executive Director and Preservation Coordinator with management of special Preserve RI programs as needed.

• Staffs Preserve RI Board of Trustees committees for projects as needed.

• Collaborates and networks with local, state and regional partners.

• Provides copy and materials for Preserve RI communications including monthly e-newsletters, website, and social media.

• Prepares annual work plans.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• MA in historic preservation or related field.

• 5+ years’ work experience in historic preservation or related field.

• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Office programs.

• Proven ability in written and verbal communications.

• Proven knowledge of historic building technology and experience planning and executing capital projects.

• Proven writing experience with a focus on preservation practice and architectural history.

• Ability to plan, execute and manage multiple concurrent projects with general guidance.

• High degree of initiative; maturity of judgment.

• Excellent organizational, time management, and people skills; desire and ability to work as part of a team.

• Must have valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with small, membership-based, nonprofit organizations.

• Experience with and understanding of preservation easements.

• Experience with grant writing and administration.

• Experience working with and knowledge of Rhode Island’s historic resources.

To Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to Sheryl Hack, Executive Director, at shack@preserveri.org