STATUS: Full-time, regular position located at the History Center in St. Paul, MN

HOURS: 2,088 annual hours

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) seeks applicants for the Head of Historic

Preservation to administer and coordinate the activities of the Historic Preservation Department of the MHS.

This department has three central purposes: 1) to administer the state’s program of identification, evaluation,

registration and treatment of historic properties, as a component of the federal historic preservation program;

2) encourage the development of state and local history programs and organizations in Minnesota; and 3) to

administer the Society’s Grants-in-Aid program to increase the capacity of external partners and support the

work of historic preservation and history statewide. Responsibilities include: 1) supervises staff in the

administration of identification, registration and protection aspects of the historic preservation program; 2)

oversees the Grants-in-Aid program to assist history and historic preservation projects in the state; 3) provides

leadership in fiscal and business operations of the department; 4) oversees the Government Programs and

Compliance work unit to provide support and technical guidance in carrying out the State Historic Preservation

Office’s (SHPO) regulatory responsibilities under federal and state law; 5) oversees the development and

submissions to the National Park Service of documentation required for participation in the federal historic

preservation program to assure the state’s continued participation in this program; 6) develops a

comprehensive planning process for historic preservation in conformance with federal planning standards to

provide a coordinating framework for the planning and operation of several facets of the preservation program;

7) oversees the Outreach Services programs to provide support and technical guidance to the organizations and

individuals for the development of history programs and conservation throughout the state; and 8) provides

overall direction for hiring, training, supervision and motivation for the Department’s staff, interns, and

volunteers and ensures compliance with MHS policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- B.A. in history, historic preservation, urban and regional planning, law or related field with specialized

courses in historic preservation, plus 8 years program experience or equivalent OR an advanced degree

plus 6 years program experience or equivalent.

- Practical knowledge with federal historic preservation programs.

- General knowledge and experience in the field of grants administration.

- Flexibility and versatility in judgment, analysis, and organizational ability to develop, coordinate, and

manage a wide variety of projects and procedures.

- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to speak effectively to both large and small

groups.

- Demonstrated ability to effectively represent an agency program and to maintain positive, strong longterm

working relationships with a wide variety of clientele.

- Experience and ability in personnel management and supervision.

- Management experience, and leadership qualities in formulating objectives, setting priorities, and

planning.

- Ability to budget and exercise fiscal responsibility.

- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel and work on evenings and weekends.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

- Advanced degree in history, historic preservation, urban and regional planning, law or related field with

specialized course in historic preservation, land use development, or environmental protection.

- Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in one of the following

disciplines: architecture, history or architectural history.

- Five to seven years recent experience in working with federal Historic Preservation Fund programs.

- Highly developed interpersonal skills to negotiate, mediate and collaborate with a wide variety of people

with a diverse range of knowledge and skills and diverse backgrounds, education and interests.

- Advanced problem solving abilities with experience in mediation and negotiation.

- Extensive knowledge of the state and federal laws and regulations relating to historic preservation and the

larger environmental review process within which these laws function.

- Extensive experience in developing and administering complex programs involving grants and tax credits.

- Knowledge of Minnesota history or prehistory.