Director of Historic Preservation and Museums

The State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development invites applications for the position of Director of Historic Preservation and Museums. This position will serve as the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer (Deputy SHPO). This is a full-time, permanent, leadership position, located in Hartford, Connecticut. The state has a robust historic preservation network engaged in the stewardship of a large and diverse collection of cultural resources. In partnership with staff, the Deputy SHPO will promote a statewide historic preservation ethic and ensure measureable actions for the implementation of the 2018-2023 Statewide Preservation Plan.

The Deputy SHPO will have extensive communications with senior officials in federal and state agencies, tribal organizations, and local governments; and represent the office in regular dealings with legislators, citizen groups, professional organizations, the media, and the general public. In this role, the Deputy SHPO shall have an expert understanding of current environmental regulations and compliance processes related to cultural resources; the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties; and National Park Service guidance for historic preservation programs. The successful candidate will have the ability to collaborate with partners and will possess sound analytical, communication, and equitable negotiation skills.

The Deputy SHPO will be responsible for the creation, tracking, and management of the office budget, including reporting under the federal Historic Preservation Fund and the Connecticut Community Investment Act. Annual reporting, or more frequently as needed, of all state and federal grant programs administered by the office also will be required. The Deputy SHPO will support program staff in administering the office’s statutory programs, which includes maintaining an inventory of historic properties; nominating eligible properties to the State and National Registers of Historic Places; providing public education, training and technical assistance; establishing certified local governments; working with local governments in the development of local historic preservation programs; providing consultation for Federal undertakings under the Section 106 provision of the National Historic Preservation Act and for state undertakings under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act; holding and enforcing historic preservation easements; and managing State and Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit and grant programs. This position reports to the Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. The work schedule will include travel throughout the state for in-person meetings and occasional night or weekend hours for special events or public meetings.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include:  a cover letter, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Mitch Samal at mitchell.j.samal@ct.gov.

In the Department of Economic and Community Development, directs and administers the historic preservation and museum initiatives of the agency to create vibrant communities and capitalize on the State of Connecticut's cultural assets.

Directs staff and operations of historic preservation and museum initiatives and programs of the agency; coordinates, plans, manages and analyzes cultural programs, activities and publicity; formulates program goals and objectives; develops or assists in development of related policy; interprets and administers pertinent laws; evaluates staff; designs and implements programs for the field of historic preservation, restoration, education, tax credits and technical assistance; prepares budgets and reports; negotiates and administers contracts; supervises field investigations; oversees operation of four museums; serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer; assures all federal and state requirements for historical preservation and state agencies are met; maintains contact with individuals both within and outside of agency who might impact program activities; represents agency at meetings of professional and community organizations and participates in meetings of Commission and its committees; acts on behalf of Deputy Commissioner, or designee, in his or her absence; may represent agency on state and national organizations; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of placemaking philosophy, planning, design, implementation and sustainability for vibrant communities; considerable knowledge of research source materials; considerable knowledge of American history with particular emphasis on history and architectural history of Connecticut; considerable knowledge of cultural needs of professional resources, communities and individuals; considerable knowledge of methods used to develop and promote public interest and participation in cultural programs; knowledge of principles of museum administration and curatorial practices; knowledge of restoration techniques and practices; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; supervisory ability.

Nine (9) years of professional experience in the study, research and preservation of historic sites, structures, artifacts, and administration of programs related to these fields or in the administration and/or management of cultural programs.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in American history, American studies, archaeology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Graduate degree from an accredited higher education institution in anthropology, archaeology, architectural history, architecture, art history, historic preservation, or history.
• Ten years of professional cultural resources work experience with a company, government agency, or historic preservation organization.
• Experience managing projects in compliance with a Federal preservation program (Historic Preservation Tax Credit, Surveys, Section 106, National Register of Historic Places)

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.