Preservation Services Manager

Historic New England seeks a motivated individual skilled in relationship-building to serve as full-time Preservation Services Manager. This position represents the organization across New England, managing a portion of the organization's preservation easements in Massachusetts and adjacent states serving as a primary steward and institutional expert for a diverse portfolio of historic properties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Conducts annual site visits to easement properties to ensure compliance with conservation and preservation restrictions. Conducts site visits during active repair or rehabilitation projects to document work and confirm the methods and materials used for repairs. Identifies potential compliance concerns and mitigates risk through timely communication, documentation, and follow-up. Cultivates productive working relationships with property owners to support long-term stewardship and compliance. Prepares clear, detailed reports following each visit.

Reviews requests for approval of repairs and alterations to easement properties.

Maintains documentation of discussions with property owners throughout the year and monitors insurance requirements for the purpose of creating a legal record between Historic New England and the property owner.

Responds to inquiries about easements and the preservation easement program. Documents active prospective properties by creating floor and site plans, and oversees documentary photography.

Identifies preservation issues and opportunities and serves as a local resource for the designated region of responsibility. Fosters strategic relationships with external partners and responds to inquiries relating to community preservation issues. Maintains strong connections with Historic New England teams to keep abreast of developing projects and identify opportunities to better connect with the region.

Prepares and presents public programs on preservation topics; supports institutional programs and initiatives; prepares articles on relevant preservation topics for publication.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Historic Preservation or a closely related field (e.g. architecture, urban planning, architectural history) with a minimum one year of relevant professional experience, or equivalent combination of skilled credentials 

Strong written and verbal communication skills.Fully-competent computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, internet research, and email. CAD experience desirable.

Basic digital photography skills. Ability to read construction drawings.

Ability to operate effectively in a regionally dispersed environment, where communication among non-centralized team members and across geographic distance is essential to success.

Valid driver’s license and means of transportation.

Strong belief in, and demonstrated commitment to, Historic New England’s mission and values.

Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA).

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree and two years of relevant professional experience desirable. Equivalent relevant professional training may be considered in place of education.

Other Duties:

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About the Organization:

Historic New England—founded as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities in 1910—is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive independent preservation organization in the United States. Historic New England welcomes the public to thirty-eight exceptional museums  and landscapes, including several coastal farms.

The organization operates a major collections and archives center in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and has the world’s largest collection of New England artifacts, comprising more than 125,000 decorative arts and objects and 1.5 million archival documents including photographs, architectural drawings, manuscripts, and ephemera. Engaging education programs for youth, adults, and preservation professionals, and awardwinning exhibitions and publications are offered in person and virtually. The Historic New England Preservation Easement program is a national leader and protects 127 privately owned historic properties throughout the region.

To learn more, visit historicnewengland.org

Historic New England is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.