Brief Job Description:

The Office of Historic Preservation is seeking a Preservation Projects Manager to support the department’s work in preparing study reports required for evaluation of proposed Boston Landmark and Historic District designations, with near-term emphasis on reducing the backlog of previously petitioned buildings and neighborhoods that involves considerable research, writing, editing, proofreading, documenting, protecting and managing the City of Boston cultural heritage.

The Historic Preservation department consists of the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) and ten local historic district commissions composed of volunteer commissioners nominated by professional and neighborhood organizations in Boston and appointed by the Mayor. The Commissions are tasked with reviewing exterior changes made to historic properties within their specific jurisdictions. The BLC also manages Article 85 of the Boston Zoning Code, which imposes a nine-month delay on the demolition of a historic building in order for OHP to review for significance and impact on historic resources.

The Historic Preservation department is a part of the Environment, Energy & Open Space Cabinet. The department also includes the City of Boston’s Archeology Program and the Commemoration Commission. An appointed body actively engaged in planning and proposing activities, events, and policy enhancements to mark Boston’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026 and the City of Boston’s 400th birthday celebration in 2030. 

All work of the Office of Historic Preservation elevates the rich and diverse histories, pre-histories, and contemporary voices of the city of Boston and makes certain that the documentation and regulation of the city’s history is inclusive of the many communities that have contributed to the city’s development. Historic Preservation works interdepartmentally to support peer agencies throughout the City of Boston with advice, information, and strategies that support historic preservation and provides neighborhood residents, building owners, and community organizations with the tools and resources to research, preserve, and celebrate their histories. 

The Preservation Projects Manager is supervised by the Deputy Director of Historic Preservation. This role will support the work of the History and Survey Team, the Design Review Team, the Commemoration Commission, the commissions of the Office of Historic Preservation, and the strategic priorities of Historic Preservation.

Assist with Research and Reports

• Prepare study reports required for evaluation of proposed Boston Landmark and Historic District designations.
• Update study reports for existing Landmarks and Historic Districts as required.
• Management of reviews, edits, and dissemination of the study report template among Commission reviewers.
• Preparation of documents and reports for review, including historic property surveys, National Register eligibility evaluations, and photographic documentation.
• Preparation of historic resources surveys and assessments, including research, photography, and written description of historic context statements.
• Update BLC’s reconnaissance surveys of Boston historical resources archived in the Massachusetts Cultural Resources Information System (MACRIS).
• Assist with the development of cross-disciplinary case studies for the evaluation of historic preservation policy areas, such as the impact of climate change and carbon emissions on historic resources.

Assist Boston Landmarks Commission and District Commissions

• Prepare and distribute staff analyses, recommendations, and presentations to commissioners prior to monthly hearings as directed and review with commission chairs.
• Assist in supporting chairs and commissioners during public hearings and meetings.
• Assist with the coordination and scheduling of public hearings and public meetings as necessary.
• Assist with taking minutes during public hearings and meetings as directed.
• Manage records of commission activities with the Preservation Assistant.
• Assist with the preparation of public hearing postings and meeting minutes; write and disseminate decision letters and Commission approvals.

Assist the Commemoration Commission

• Assist the Commemoration Commission Manager in supporting research and related activities related to the 250th anniversary of the nation and the 400th anniversary of the City of Boston.

Assist with Public Outreach

• Update OHP’s website as needed to provide updated access to research, reports, and resources.
• Update the City’s social media accounts regarding proposed Landmarks and other BLC activities.
• Help produce public presentations, participate in neighborhood community meetings and events, and assist neighborhood organizations with historic preservation initiatives.
• Perform related work as required.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields (Architectural History, Historic Preservation) or related field preferred & may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• A minimum of three to five (3-5) years of professional experience in architectural history, historic preservation, or a related field.
• Experience with building research, knowledge of architectural styles and forms, and periods of development and architectural history of Boston.
• Knowledge and experience with the application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties is preferred.
• Experience preparing National Register nominations is preferred.
• Fluency in reading contemporary and historic architectural drawings.
• Proficiently with Microsoft applications and Google Suite.
• Experience with federal and state cultural resource management, with a working command of federal and state cultural resource and historic preservation statutes and regulations, including Section 106, National Register, and National Historic Landmark criteria; knowledge of relevant Massachusetts regulations (Chapter 254 and MEPA) is a plus.
• The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, have a professional demeanor and strong organizational skills, enjoy working with the public, and possess the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work in a team environment and manage tasks as delegated by the project lead.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.
• The ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
• Ability to lead research projects, including fieldwork, archival research, and report writing.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MO-8/Full-time

Hours per week: 35