JOB OBJECTIVE:  The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is the state agency for historic preservation. Agency leadership consists of a Governor-appointed commission, an Executive Director, three Deputy Executive Directors, and Division Directors. The subject position is the Director of Community Heritage Development with direct responsibility for the programs administered by that division and the approximately 18 staff positions deployed in that division. This position reports to the Deputy Executive Director for Preservation Programs.

The Director for the Community Heritage Development Division leads the staff dedicated to helping communities create and support their historic preservation infrastructure through the Texas Main Street, Certified Local Government, Heritage Tourism, and Texas Heritage Trails Programs. Through its primary programs, the division works to show how historic preservation benefits both the quality of life and economic well-being of communities and citizens.

Using a national model, Texas Main Street assists approximately 90 communities with downtown revitalization in the areas of design, organization, economic restructuring, and promotion. Heritage tourism staff supports the ten Texas Heritage Trail Regions that cover the state and seeks to develop the full potential for using tourism as a tool to protect historic and cultural sites. The Certified Local Government Program serves nearly 80 cities and counties across Texas that have implemented local preservation ordinances to protect their community’s historic assets, character, and identity. The programs of the division implements innovative tools and initiatives such as the Texas Treasure Business Award, DowntownTX.org,  TexasTimeTravel.com, travel publications, grants, and the annual, hybrid, Real Places Conference reaching more than 800 participants. The division collaborates with a broad base of stakeholders, other divisions, as well as public and private organizations such as Texas Downtown, Main Street America, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, Travel Texas, and the Texas Travel Alliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Lead and enhance a multidisciplinary staff of architects, designers, preservationists, project managers, tourism and program specialists, inspiring them to be creative and innovative in how they approach their jobs.
2. Oversee and direct the following division programs: Texas Main Street Program, Certified Local Government Program, and Heritage Tourism.
3. Oversee and direct the following division or agency initiatives: Real Places Conference and Texas Treasure Business Awards.
4. Serve as the primary liaison to the Governor-appointed Commission on all Division program areas. Establish and maintain successful working relationships with the Commission and its members to enact commission goals and objectives through the work of the division.
5. Develop, manage, and evaluate the division budget.
6. Work with the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission in their efforts to raise funds to support division projects and programs.
7. Work constructively with the commissioner appointed to chair the committee overseeing the division’s activities.
8. Maintain a productive, team-oriented work atmosphere by staying involved in the daily functions of the division when necessary and appropriate. Communicate with and set a good personal example for the staff to develop professionally.
9. Assist division staff in their day-to-day operations. Address programmatic issues as they arise.
10. Communicate often and effectively with the Deputy Executive Director. Keep him/her informed about issues affecting the division and its operation.
11. Involve the Deputy Executive Director when issues are sensitive to external customers or involve policy questions.
12. Share concerns and opportunities for improvement with the Deputy Executive Director.
13. Handle special assignments relative to certain state agencies and other partner organizations.
14. Report regularly to the Deputy Executive Director on issues relative to those assignments and make recommendations for improved cooperation and interaction.
15. Manage all aspects of preparing for commission meetings, including compiling agendas, motions, and supporting materials for the Community Heritage Development Committees, as needed. Present division updates by PowerPoint at quarterly meetings of the commission and committee meetings. Attend and provide guidance at all committee and commission meetings.
16. Assist in developing and implementing the agency’s strategic plan, including the State Historic Preservation plan.
17. Work across division lines, helping to support the work of other divisions whenever possible.
18. Provide program consultative and technical assistance to agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public.
19. Work with and speak to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the agency and THC’s heritage development programs.
20. Oversee the development, review, and revision of legislation pertaining to the Community Heritage Development Division.
21. Oversee special investigations, research studies, open records requests, and internal audits.
22. Plan, implement, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the division’s policies and procedures.
23. Identify areas of needed change within the division and make recommendations to improve operations and systems.
24. Represent the agency and Community Heritage Development Division at meetings, hearings, trials, conferences, seminars, or on boards, panels, and committees.
25. Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
26. Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform other duties as assigned.