Job Listing
🔗Director of Research
Website NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
Created in 1965, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is the largest municipal preservation agency in the nation. It is responsible for protecting New York City's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites by granting them landmark or historic district status and regulating them after designation. The agency is comprised of a panel of 11 commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor and supported by a staff of approximately 80 preservationists, researchers, architects, historians, attorneys, archaeologists, and administrative employees. There are more than 38,000 designated buildings and sites in New York City, most of which are located in 158 historic districts across all five boroughs. Working at the Landmarks Preservation Commission provides a great opportunity to cultivate intellectual inspiration and professional development.
With wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the Director of Research works closely with senior staff to develop strategic plans for the agency’s landmark designations, oversees the landmark designation process and other special projects related to New York City’s historic buildings and places.
Your Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, with very broad latitude for independent judgment, the Director of Research
• Working closely with the Chair and other senior staff, plans, develops, and manages the agency’s designation program and ensures alignment with the agency’s strategic goals.
• Develops priorities for agency surveys and oversees their execution, and with Research department staff evaluates and responds to requests for evaluation from the public and elected officials.
• Advises the Chair and Commission on all designation matters and carefully oversees landmark designations to ensure they are following legal requirements.
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor North, New York NY, 10007 | P: (212) 669-7817 | www.nyc.gov/landmarks
Sarah Carroll
Chair
• Develops and sets standards for research techniques, content and format of designation reports to ensure that the reports provide the legal basis for designation and works with the Preservation department to ensure they provide a basis for guidance on future regulation.
• Supervises the Deputy Director and other Research department staff, coordinating workflow, setting schedules, and ensuring adherence to agency policies.
• Meets with property owners and community groups to discuss potential landmark designations, makes presentations on potential landmarks at LPC public hearings and to City Council, and other organizations.
• Works as part of a team to develop technology to help track historic building surveys, landmark designations, public correspondence, and other information.
• Works closely with the Director of Strategic Planning and Special Projects on environmental review issues, GIS and technology, and special projects.
• Undertakes special projects related to designated buildings and districts, sharing stories about New York City history, or other agency goals including LPC’s equity framework.