We're Hiring - Preservation Programs and Projects Manager

Title: Preservation Programs and Projects Manager (Full-Time, Hybrid) | 3-Year Position

Summary: The Preservation Projects Manager will implement and manage a special, one-time multi-million-dollar historic properties grant program. The Preservation Projects Manager will also oversee Preserve RI’s Easement Program and work collaboratively with the Executive Director and Preservation Coordinator on Revolving Fund projects, and on Preserve RI’s Community Preservation Response (CPR) Program. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities

Historic Properties Grant Program

• Develop grant program application materials including the following:

Understand and interpret regulatory mandates and reporting requirements.

• Assess applications and conduct site visits.

• Provide exemplary customer service and represent Preserve Rhode Island proudly in the community.

• Report to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees on program progress and outcomes.

Revolving Fund 

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

• Oversee 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)

• Manage and delegate responses to requests from the public for preservation assistance.

• Conduct site visits, write letters of support, and provide technical assistance literature, contractor suggestions, and materials.

Preservation Easements

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

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

• Develop easement drafts; negotiates terms with easement grantors.

• Develop, or oversee the development of, baseline documentation.

• Oversee annual monitoring and project review for held easements.

Matching Grant Program

• Provide guidance on the matching grant program

• Participate in the decision-making process for granting

Other Duties:

• Provide guidance and technical assistance for Preserve RI’s Stewardship Services Program.

• Review and update annual budget for Preserve RI’s preservation programs.

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

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

• Collaborate and network with local, state, and regional partners.

• Work with the Communications Team to provide copy and materials for Preserve RI communications including monthly e-newsletters, website, and social media.

• Prepare annual work plans.

Salary/Compensation: Salary range: $52,000 - $65,000. This position is eligible for benefits, including a 401(3)b plan with employer match (after 1 year of service), health benefits, and paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick leave). A full list of benefits will be made available during the interview process. Please note that this grant-funded position is only guaranteed for a three-year period.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• MA in historic preservation or related field.

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

• Experience with preservation and/or other grant programs as a successful applicant, program officer, foundation staff member and/or grant panelist or reviewer. Experience with grant writing and administration.

• Proven knowledge of historic building technology. Ability to read building plans. Deep understanding of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and of how they’re applied. Experience planning and executing capital projects.

• Experience with easement programs.

• Proven ability in written and verbal communications. Proven writing ability 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.

• Proven experience providing high-quality customer service.

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

• Strong computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft 365.

• Must have valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

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

• Supervisory experience.

To apply, please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter (addressed to Sheryl Hack, Executive Director) to jobs@preserveri.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted prior to April 27^th, 2026.