Brief Job Description:

The Director is responsible for leading the newly independent Office of Historic Preservation. The Director is charged with building upon the work of the Preservation Team to execute a vision of historic preservation in the City of Boston that encapsulates all of Boston’s history in an equitable and inclusive manner. 

The Director will lead the Office in setting and executing a vision and strategy that ensures that inclusive and honest historical memory is a crucial public good worthy of attention and resources; that our diverse and intertwined community histories are elevated within the City of Boston and within every neighborhoods of Boston; that communities all over the City have the tools and resources to research, preserve, acknowledge, and celebrate their history; and that historical tourism is a driver of true shared prosperity.

The Director will have oversight of the Boston Landmarks Commission, the City’s ten District Commissions, the Archaeology Program, and the Commemoration Commission. As such, this position will direct historic preservation activities on behalf of the City to promote rehabilitation, adaptive use and restoration of historic resources through identification, evaluation and documentation of the City's historic, architectural, and archaeological heritage. The Director will report to the Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space.

This role will require outstanding leadership qualities, including experience building, managing and supporting successful teams; the ability to build productive partnerships with City departments, non-profit organizations, diverse community-based organizations, businesses and other stakeholders; a deep commitment to centering racial equity and justice; and the ability to translate a broad, aspirational vision of historic preservation into an actionable set of policies and programs, including advocating for legislative changes at the City, state and federal level. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of successfully leading and/or implementing community-centered programs and creative, bold initiatives around historic preservation, as well as being an excellent team leader who will retain and motivate people. This is a role for someone who is prepared to act with urgency to transform Boston into a city where all of Boston’s rich, diverse history is preserved and showcased.

Essential Job Duties/Functions:

• Directs the Office of Historic Preservation with a heavy focus on team management, culture setting and work plan development in alignment with the vision for the office. 
• Work with the team to plan and execute direct services and a comprehensive policy agenda to advance historic preservation in all its forms.
• Collaborates with other Cabinets and departments, including developing, directing and implementing Boston’s comprehensive, interdepartmental and citywide plans around historic preservation and archaeology.
• Represent the Mayor’s historic preservation agenda in communications with internal and external partners.
• Works across a wide range of city programs and policies to integrate historic preservation and archaeology as crucial components of urban and community development, climate and racial justice, arts and culture, and educational and social equity. 
• Manages the Commemoration Commission (CC) which is tasked with developing and executing a plan to mark upcoming historical anniversaries, including but not limited to the United States Sestercentennial (250th) in 2026 and the 400th anniversary of the City of Boston in 2030, while investing in inclusive and robust historical resources and preservation tools. 
• Supports the intent of the Commemoration Commission ordinance to ensure that the many diverse community voices and organizations who steward Boston’s history, and the City departments with responsibilities related to historical narrative, exhibits, curricula, archives, preservation, and event-planning, are all able to work together to deepen the public opportunities to engage with that history, in collaboration with state and federal partners. 
• Oversees collaborative review in partnership with Planning and Development Agency, Civic Design Commission, Art Commission, Public Works, Transportation, Public Schools, Public Improvement Commission, Housing Authority, Inspectional Services, Economic Development, Neighborhood Development, Property Management, Public Facilities, Community Preservation, Public Works, and others.
• Advises City regarding city’s stewardship of historic and archaeological resources. 
• Advises City regarding revisions and updates to policy and statutory requirements.
• Performs related work as required

• At least five (5) to seven (7) years of full-time equivalent experience in historic preservation, public policy or public administration, community engagement, urban planning, or program/policy development.
• Experience envisioning, shaping, building, and implementing community-centered programs and initiatives around historic preservation.
• Experience managing and building diverse teams.
• Experience working with, and facilitating conversations among, diverse partners from public, private, and non-profit sectors.
• Strong planning, organization, and project management skills.
• Excellent judgment, integrity and decency.
• Able to prioritize the most important and pressing work, while managing many issues at once in a fast-paced environment.
• Dynamic leadership qualities and excellent team- and consensus-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, and Google Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully among individuals with diverse cultural, political, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills, with an orientation toward culturally-relevant communication.
• Bilingual skills are strongly preferred.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and focus on detail as required by the job.

Boston Residency Required

Terms:

Union/SalaryPlan/Grade: Non-Union

Hours per week: 35