Job Listing
🔗Executive Director
Website Michigan Historic Preservation Network
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the Michigan Historic Preservation Network in the search for an Executive Director.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead the organization at a pivotal moment in its history—guiding its transition from a strong, established preservation network to a more visible, influential, and financially sustainable statewide leader. This role exists to build upon MHPN’s longstanding foundation while expanding its reach, relevance, and impact across Michigan. The next Executive Director will serve as the organization’s primary ambassador, engaging stakeholders, advancing advocacy efforts, and strengthening partnerships that position historic preservation as a driver of economic development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability.
Working closely with a highly engaged and knowledgeable Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead efforts to diversify and grow revenue, elevate the organization’s public profile, and strengthen its operational and programmatic capacity. This is a rare opportunity for a leader who is both strategic and entrepreneurial, someone who is motivated by building momentum, strengthening an organization’s foundation, and elevating its impact. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape not only the future of MHPN, but also the role of historic preservation across the state of Michigan.
Founded in 1981, the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) stands at a pivotal moment in its 46-year history. As the only statewide organization and largest membership network dedicated to historic preservation, MHPN has built a strong reputation as a trusted convener, advocate, and resource for communities working to recognize and preserve Michigan’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Over nearly five decades, MHPN has played a central role in advancing preservation across the state, bringing together professionals, community leaders, developers, and advocates to protect historic places while demonstrating their value as drivers of economic development, sustainability, and community identity. Through advocacy, education, and innovative programs, including historic tax credit initiatives, preservation financing tools, and statewide convenings, MHPN continues to shape the future of preservation in Michigan.
A minimum of five years of leadership experience, bolstered by experience in historic preservation, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field, is required for this position. The Michigan Historic Preservation Network will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to MHPN, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.
The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000. In addition, MHPN provides a monthly stipend to support the Executive Director’s health insurance coverage, with flexibility to meet individual needs.
The Michigan Historic Preservation Network is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please BJ Davis at bjdavis@aspenleadershipgroup.com.
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.