Job Listing
🔗Executive Director – Freedom’s Way Heritage Association, Inc.
Website Freedom's Way Heritage Association, Inc.
Founded in 1994 as a non-profit organization, the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association is identified in the enabling legislation for the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, enacted March 30, 2009, as the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area. As a partnership endeavor, the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association serves as facilitator, host, and guide for heritage area-wide presentations, activities, and initiatives that recognize and preserve the unique identity of the region. We are committed to promoting, preserving, enhancing, and curating the natural, cultural, and historical resources that define its sense of place.
The Freedom’s Way Heritage Association, Inc. (FWHA), the coordinating entity of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA), seeks a creative, entrepreneurial, and proven Executive Director to lead this successful and award-winning organization in its next phase of operations. Since 2009, the FWHA has worked in partnership with the National Park Service to create and support innovative programs and initiatives that enhance, promote, and protect the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the 45 communities comprising the FWNHA. Having successfully executed a ten-year management plan, FWHA is poised to pursue new opportunities and reimagine the organization in its next phase of growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategic Direction:
- Provide overall leadership in developing and executing strategic plans, annual
work plans, and long-term goals for the Heritage Area. - Work collaboratively with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to shape
organizational priorities, evaluate progress, and ensure mission alignment. - Represent the organization publicly as a compelling ambassador for the Heritage
Area’s values, history, and partnerships. - Develop, assess, and implement critical sources of diverse financial support for
the FWHA.
Program Management & Partnerships:
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all programs, grants,
and initiatives within the National Heritage Area.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, municipalities,
state agencies, nonprofit organizations, historical and cultural institutions, land
conservation groups, and educational entities.
• Facilitate collaborative projects that advance preservation, interpretation,
stewardship, and regional identity.
• Support the development and promotion of interpretive themes, trails, events,
and public engagement activities.
National Park Service (NPS) Coordination & Compliance:
• Serve as the primary liaison with NPS staff and ensure full compliance with
federal guidelines, reporting requirements, and cooperative agreements.
• Oversee preparation of annual reports, performance metrics, funding requests,
and documentation required by the NPS and other funders.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of federal heritage area legislation,
standards, and policies.
Fundraising, Finance & Administration:
• Develop and implement diversified funding strategies including grants,
governmental support, donor engagement, sponsorships, and earned income.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget; ensure responsible stewardship of
financial resources.
• Oversee financial reporting, audits, and compliance in collaboration with the
Board Treasurer and financial staff/contractors.
• Manage organizational operations, systems, and policies to ensure effectiveness
and transparency.
Staff Management & Organizational Development:
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff, interns, and contractors.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Ensure organizational capacity and structure support current needs and future
growth.
• Provide support and guidance to Board of Directors
Communications & Public Engagement:
• Oversee communication strategies including branding, digital presence, media
relations, and public outreach.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization at regional, state, and national
levels.
• Promote the Heritage Area’s stories, programs, and achievements to increase
public awareness and engagement.
• Engage the diverse political and philanthropic leaders throughout the area.
Learn more about this opportunity and for application instructions go to: CLICK HERE
Deadline for applications is March 10, 2026.
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.