Historic Preservation Manager

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

The Historic Preservation Manager is responsible for managing and implementing short- and long-term objectives and activities associated with preserving Wilmington's historic resources. This is accomplished by scheduling and assigning tasks and projects; interpreting and applying plans, ordinances, and other policies; recommending changes to programs, policies and ordinances to achieve identified objectives; identifying and resolving issues; managing and participating in steering and stakeholder committees; presenting data and information through written and oral presentations; and ensuring compliance with all codes, plans, policies, and standards.

Typical Tasks

• Manages all aspects of the review process for Certificates of Appropriateness, historic tax credits, and local landmark designations.

• Serves as lead staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission and State Historic Preservation Office.

• Maintains and updates historic district design standards and inventories of historic resources.

• Ensures the City meets the requirements of the Certified Local Government program including annual reporting, submitting comments on behalf of the City in response to federally funded or permitted projects and National Register nominations.

• Develops educational and promotional materials related to Wilmington's historic resources.

• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to research and identify historic resources and promote historic preservation.

• Consults with, assists, and educates design professionals, contractors, developers, and the public regarding the application of historic preservation design standards.

• Researches, applies for, administers, and monitors grants related to historic preservation.

• Participates in damage assessments of historic resources after emergency events.

• Coordinates with zoning compliance staff to address violations of historic district standards and demolition by neglect.

• Supervises and directs staff through the development of annual work plans; planning and prioritizing projects; evaluating work and ensuring policy and procedure compliance; recommending and/or making changes and adjustments to staff work products; coordinating training activities and monitoring staff performance and development.

• Develops and implements workflow procedures and protocols, including procedures for maintaining records in accordance with records retention policies.

• Assists boards and commissions by planning and attending meetings; collaborating on key initiatives; facilitating outreach to citizens and groups; providing public education; providing technical assistance, recommendations, and interpretation; and coordinating committee agendas.

• Develops policy by researching and identifying trends; organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data; researching local, state, and federal regulations; working with city councils, commissions, and boards; tracking legal changes; providing training to staff; and organizing and facilitating public meeting and public outreach efforts.

• Assists members of the public and partner agencies with historic preservation issues and questions by responding to questions and inquiries and providing information.

• Manages projects by developing proposal specifications; developing scopes of service and amendments; evaluating proposals; recommending contracts; and monitoring consultant progress, quality control, public engagement efforts, budget, and schedule to ensure all work is completed.

• Coordinates data collection and publications by creating and coordinating geographic data and maps and developing and tracking metrics.

• Ensures that information is made available to the public by developing and publishing information through methods such as the organization's website, social media accounts, and other public facing platforms.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and Related Experience. Master's degree in historic preservation, architectural history, urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study with four years of historic preservation experience

OR

Bachelors degree and six years of historic preservation experience.

• Supervisory Experience.Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience.

• Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of:

• Philosophies, principles, practices, & techniques of historic preservation;

• Historic architectural styles and building methods;

• Research tools;

• Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation;

• Environmental review procedures; and

• National Register criteria.

Knowledge of local government procedures and practices

Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.Pertinent federal, state, and local laws including recent changes.Methods of effective report preparation and presentation.Citizen involvement techniques and processes.Principles, methodology, and practices of research and data collection.Computer programs and applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, internet applications, Adobe creative software, and geographic information systems (GIS).Skills

• Ability to communicate and foster a cooperative and professional culture.

• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials, residents, and other stakeholders.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including formal presentations.

• Creative problem-solving skills to solve complex problems and manage highly visible/controversial projects.

• Ability to build consensus in developing solutions to problems.

• Ability to identify needed changes to ordinances and procedures to meet goal and policy objectives.

• Ability to evaluate projects for consistency with legal requirements and policy positions.

• Ability to provide effective leadership and staff supervision.

Certifications.American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or ability to obtain within 2 years of hire.Work Schedule.Ability to work nights and weekends.Notes: The selected candidate will be required to complete a driving history check, a post-offer drug screen and Education Verification.

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we arecreating a better city every daywith excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options

• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k)account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System

• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic

• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13paid holidays per year

• 6-weeks paid parental leave

• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community

• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position

• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives

• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.