The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation (BGT) is now accepting applications for the position of Coordinator of African American Preservation. This is a full-time, grant-funded senior position supported by the Mellon Foundation, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Starting Salary Range: $54,000-$58,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed starting on April 1, 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The position is expected to be filled by July 1, 2026.

Position Overview

The Coordinator of African American Preservation is a senior position dedicated to bridging community outreach and historic preservation practice. As Kentucky’s first full-time preservationist focused specifically on African American heritage, this role will be central to building long-term relationships with a diverse array of communities, helping to identify and preserve African American cultural landmarks, and advancing a more inclusive preservation movement across the Commonwealth.

Funded by a transformative Mellon Foundation grant, the Coordinator will work closely with Central Kentucky’s grassroots preservationists, partner organizations, and preservation professionals. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates across all areas of BGT’s work.

The ideal candidate is a trusted relationship builder, experienced preservation professional, and thoughtful communicator with a deep commitment to community-led work.

Key Responsibilities

• Community Engagement & Relationship Building
  • Build and sustain meaningful relationships with Central Kentuckians engaged in the preservation of historically African American sites and structures, including property owners, churches, neighborhood organizations, local governments, and cultural institutions
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for grassroots preservationists seeking preservation guidance, advocacy support, and technical assistance
  • Conduct outreach through site visits, listening sessions, workshops, and public programs to better understand community priorities and preservation needs
• Preservation Planning & Technical Assistance
  • Provide guidance on preservation tools including surveys, documentation, National Register nominations, local landmark designation, and preservation planning
  • Assist communities in navigating funding opportunities, incentives, and grant programs related to historic preservation
  • Support the identification, documentation, and protection of African American historic sites, landscapes, and cultural resources
• Research, Documentation & Advocacy
  • Help expand and diversify the documentation of African American heritage in Kentucky, including underrepresented sites and stories
  • Collaborate with BGT staff and partners on advocacy initiatives that protect threatened African American historic resources
  • Contribute to reports, case studies, and other materials that elevate the preservation of African American historic sites
• Education, Outreach & Public Programs
  • Develop and participate in public programs, workshops, and educational initiatives focused on African American preservation
  • Collaborate on interpretive, digital, and print content that highlights African American history and preservation success stories
  • Represent BGT at conferences, meetings, and community events throughout the Commonwealth
• Organizational Leadership & Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with BGT staff to integrate diverse preservation priorities across programs and initiatives
  • Assist with grant reporting, data collection, and evaluation related to Mellon Foundation-funded work
  • Contribute to strategic planning efforts that advance fair accessibility within the preservation field

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation, public history, African American studies, urban planning, architecture, history, or a related field (master’s degree preferred)
• Demonstrated experience working in historic preservation, cultural heritage, community development, or a related field
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competence, with experience working collaboratively with diverse communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects across a wide geographic area
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout Kentucky

Preferred:

• Experience specifically related to African American history or heritage preservation
• Familiarity with National Register of Historic Places nominations, historic surveys, or preservation planning
• Experience with grant-funded projects or nonprofit work
• Public speaking, facilitation, or workshop leadership experience

Work Environment

The Coordinator of African American Preservation will report directly to the Executive Director, Dr. Jonathan Coleman, and work closely with staff across the organization. The position is based at the Blue Grass Trust campus in downtown Lexington, with flexibility for regional travel and community-based work. Dedicated workspace, on-site parking, and walkable amenities are available.

This is a full-time, in-person position that includes a mix of in-office, field-based, and community-centered work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual starting salary: $54,000-$58,000 commensurate with experience
• Paid holiday, vacation, personal, sick, and parental leave
• Healthcare reimbursement account
• Employer-matched IRA
• Cell phone stipend
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Our Commitment to Equity

The Blue Grass Trust is committed to creating a more just and equitable Kentucky and to addressing historic inequities within the preservation field. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. BGT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.