Job Listing
🔗Director of Advocacy

  • Full Time
  • Boston, MA (Remote)
  • $80,000 - $90,000 USD / Year
  • February 21, 2025
  • Department: Historic Preservation
  • Job Qualifications:

    Education, Experience and Knowledge

    • Bachelor’s degree in history preservation or related field, or equivalent experience, preferred.
    • At least five years of relevant professional experience in historic preservation or a related field.
    • Experience managing groups, teams and/or volunteers.
    • Experience with public speaking and media relations.
    • Demonstrated experience successfully managing projects.
    • Good working knowledge of historic preservation practice and policy on the local, state, and national levels.
    • Understanding of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation preferred.
    • Familiarity with City of Boston government structure, urban planning initiatives, and public policy.

    Skills, Abilities and Other Qualifications

    • Ability to work in a high-visibility, fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects, initiatives, and events in parallel.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
    • Ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders including volunteer committees, advisory groups, coalitions, government organizations, neighborhood associations, forums, trade associations, foundations, corporate sponsors, and practitioner groups.
    • Community organizing skills preferred.
    • Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through the Alliance’s advocacy work.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Possess a strong work ethic and ability to be highly organized, efficient, and effective in task and time management.
    • Ability to meet compliance standards, maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
    • Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed with demonstrated passion for the Alliance’s mission and commitment to working collaboratively with others.
    • The Alliance offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(K) retirement plan with an employer match.
    • We also offer a healthy work-life balance that includes a hybrid work environment.
  • How to Apply:

    For more information, visit www.bostonpreservation.org

    To apply for this position, please submit resume and cover letter to admin@bostonpreservation.org

    The Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. The Alliance is passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment. Applicants of all races, color, religion, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, education, national origin, marital status, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

  • Job benefits: The Alliance offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(K) retirement plan with an employer match. We also offer a healthy work-life balance that includes a hybrid work environment.
  • Application Email: admin@bostonpreservation.org
  • Application URL: https://www.bostonpreservation.org/opportunities

Website Boston Preservation Alliance

A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that protects and improves the quality of Boston’s architectural heritage. Through advocacy and education, we bring people and organizations together to influence the future of Boston’s historic buildings, landscapes, and communities.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Alliance is looking for a passionate and energetic leader to spearhead the organization’s advocacy efforts, advancing the organization’s strategic goals by developing and implementing responses (both proactive and reactive) on key preservation issues. Building relationships and communicating and engaging community members is important for this role. Candidates for the position need to have a willingness to develop a strong understanding of the Boston preservation landscape, with robust experience in public speaking and media relations.

The Director of Advocacy will oversee multiple initiatives and ongoing issues, projects, and various campaigns to broaden awareness and support for the preservation and reuse of historic places. This role includes helping to develop effective outreach campaigns and implementing preservation strategies.

The position works closely with local government, nonprofit partners, and elected officials to build support, leverage potential partnerships, and engage diverse constituent groups. Politically savvy self-starters, who are creative and innovative thinkers are encouraged to apply.

The Director of Advocacy will report directly to the Executive Director. The position will staff the Alliance’s Advocacy Committee comprised of Board of Directors, Young Advisors, and volunteers.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • In coordination with the Advocacy Committee and Alliance staff, set advocacy priorities for the Alliance.
  • Act as a spokesperson for the Alliance as an independent voice for historic preservation and the quality of Boston’s built environment.
  • Collaborate with the Alliance’s Advocacy Committee to set the Alliance’s preservation agenda by working with local, state, and federal advocacy and regulatory partners as well as legislators to enhance regulations and policy issues impacting Boston and its neighborhoods.
  • Provide up-to-date information about proposed changes to historic resources through the Alliance’s communication vehicles.
  • Represent the Alliance at public hearings and meetings, and deepen relationships with key public, government, nonprofit and community officials that support the mission and strategic priorities of the Alliance.
  • Be an effective advocate for heritage in citywide policy, planning, and design initiatives.
  • Review and influence development projects that impact historic neighborhoods, often providing public comment or meeting with regulators, proponents and concerned citizens.
  • Collaborate with other Alliance staff and community partners to plan and execute public education activities such as workshops, lectures, and city walking tours.
  • Partner with Alliance staff and volunteer members to recognize quality preservation and appropriate new construction in an annual awards program.
  • Work with other team members to spearhead multi-media public awareness campaigns including through storytelling and social media with the aim of extending the impact of our advocacy and public policy agenda. This may include drafting or editing press materials, background memos, e-communications, social media, website, and other communications forms.
  • Work with other team members on fundraising efforts, such as the pursuit of grants for programs that advance the advocacy agenda.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, regional and national stakeholders and others working in the preservation arena.
  • Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Advocacy Committee members on advocacy issues and efforts.
  • Participate in developing and managing the budget for advocacy efforts.
  • As appropriate, draft support letters and statements for review by the Advocacy Committee and/or Board.
  • Keep abreast of relevant pending and new legislation on the local, State, and National level.
  • Develop, build, and maintain partnerships with local municipalities, other nonprofits and organizations, and funders.
  • Where appropriate, directly recruit, train, and supervise interns, volunteers, and staff engaged in programs, events, or other efforts tied to the advocacy agenda.
  • The ability to work after hours at events and gatherings as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.

Eligible NCPE interns who successfully complete their internships may count their position towards earning a Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority certificate. To be eligible to earn a PLC certificate, an intern must be 30 years old or younger (or 35 if a veteran). Once earned, the PLC hiring authority certificate may be used to apply for eligible Federal temporary, term, or permanent positions. Successful completion of a NCPE internship does not guarantee Federal employment. Contact manager@preservenet.org for more details.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be
*at least 18 years old;
*no older than 30 years of age (or 35 years if a Veteran) when beginning the internship; applicants who are 31 or older (or 36 or older if a Veteran) are not eligible;
*currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program at the college level (or recently graduated within the past 12 months)
*be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Interns are not allowed to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full-time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.

The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.

The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.

Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.

How to Apply

You may review NCPE's internship opportunities anytime without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.

Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your username or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.

Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. A PDF is preferred, labeled Your Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages are preferred. A PDF is preferred but jpg, png, doc, or docx file types are accepted. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.

Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during an application round; there is no limit at other times of the year. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!



Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.