Knoxville, Tennessee - Director of Preservation Field Services
About Knox Heritage
Founded in 1974, Knox Heritage is the non-profit historic preservation organization for Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee. We are funded primarily through membership dues, special events, grants and fees for service. We have an active and diverse board of directors and solid support across the community. We specialize in creating feasible solutions and strong partnerships to preserve historic architecture and open spaces. For more information, please visit www.knoxheritage.org.
Nature of Work
Knox Heritage has entered into a new partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to provide expanded preservation field services in the Nine County Knoxville Region. The Director of Preservation Field Services will be responsible for planning and carrying out activities that insure the achievement of the program goals.
The Nine County Knoxville Region has a rich Appalachian history that is illustrated in its built environment. Appreciation for this asset has increased in recent years due to the work of preservationists across the region. The region includes Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Roane, Sevier and Union counties in East Tennessee. However, Knox County has the only staffed preservation organization in the region. Grassroots organizations and individuals in the eight surrounding counties struggle to be effective advocates and are straining their volunteer resources to the breaking point.
Knox Heritage has provided limited field services in the past to help fill the gap and between 2002 and 2005 helped organize the Nine Counties Preservation Alliance. Our success in Knox County and the media coverage of our work have increased the demand for preservation field services across the region, while the 5-year-long Nine Counties. One Vision. regional planning process demonstrated that preservation is a priority for residents across the region.
Knox Heritage currently provides field services primarily in Knox County. Through the new partnership with the National Trust we will expand our service area and provide a wide range of services. The Director of Preservation Field Services will be responsible for the following activities:
• Provide technical assistance for the Nine County Preservation Alliance to reorganize the group and create a strategic plan that will increase the effectiveness of its advocacy efforts
• Provide technical assistance for existing preservation organizations in order to make them more effective advocates and increase the level of services they provide in their communities
• Engage in organizing activities in counties without a preservation organization in order to assist interested individuals and organizations in the creation of a preservation organization • Plan and present an annual, regional preservation conference to provide educational and networking opportunities for interested residents, government officials and organizations
• Provide regular workshops in all nine counties to share information on preservation tools and incentives
• Provide one-on-one assistance for local governments and officials interested in increasing preservation efforts in their communities
• Prepare National Register nominations for strategic eligible properties
• Provide assistance in the creation of publications and expansion of the Knox Heritage website in order to provide information and resources throughout the nine county region
• Provide one-on-one technical assistance for homeowners and developers of commercial and residential real estate
• Plan and present workshops for the general public on the tools and financial incentives available to preserve historic structures
• Engage in preservation advocacy activities designed to spur the preservation of endangered historic structures and open spaces
• Provide technical assistance to neighborhood and community organizations engaged in preservation activities
• Provide technical assistance for local governments that impact historic resources
• Plan and present workshops for realtors providing information on historic structures and the benefits of listing historic properties
• Provide networking and educational opportunities for developers and government officials seeking to engage in or promote preservation-based development
• Implement media relations activities to increase public awareness of endangered historic places as well as the community and economic benefits of historic preservation
• Provide technical assistance for sites and organizations engaged in heritage tourism activities
• Assist with planning and presenting educational special events designed to engage more citizens in preservation activities and increase overall community support for preservation as a basic community value
Necessary Requirements of Work
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in historic preservation, real estate, public policy, political science, planning or a related field; at least 5 years of experience in the historic preservation, planning, community organizing, or a related non-profit field; or the equivalent combination of education, experience and ability to provide the necessary critical knowledge, abilities and skills for the position.
The ideal candidate will have a background in historic preservation and community organizing and possess a passion for this type of work. In addition, applicants should have experience building strong grassroots networks and using historic preservation as a tool for urban and rural revitalization, environmental sustainability, protection of rural character and cultural landscapes and exhibit the following:
• High energy level and positive attitude
• Ability to work under deadlines
• Consistent attention to detail and above average work ethic
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of community residents and volunteers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of historic preservation organizations and activities
• Experience in planning and promoting events and activities
• Experience in volunteer recruitment and retention
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with fellow staff members, members of the Board, volunteers and community leaders
• Ability to work evening or weekend hours as necessary
• Computer literacy in Microsoft software applications
This is an opportunity to utilize your experience and knowledge while working for a dynamic organization experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and effectiveness. This is considered a three-year, temporary position with the possibility of creating a permanent position based on available funding. The Director of Preservation Field Services is an employee of Knox Heritage, but will collaborate with and recognize funding of their position by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Director of Preservation Field Services will report directly to the Knox Heritage Executive Director.
Please note: Minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
Salary and Benefits:
$40,000 per year
10% Benefits allowance
Nine paid holidays per year
10 paid vacation days per year
6 days of paid sick leave per year
Compensatory Time
About Knoxville: Located in eastern Tennessee on the banks of the Tennessee River, the city has served as the hub of the region since its founding in 1791. Surrounded by three national parks, bordered by seven lakes, and home of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is steeped in 200 years of tradition and history. The region is currently experiencing a renewed interest in its past as downtown redevelopment and historic preservation have become priorities of the local governments and citizens. We are 40 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and within easy drives of Nashville, Chattanooga, Asheville, Cincinnati and Atlanta. Please visit www.knoxvillechamber.com for more information on our community.
Please respond by sending your resume’ and references to:
Kim Trent
Knox Heritage
P.O. Box 1242
Knoxville, TN 37901
Or kimtrent@knoxheritage.org
Application Deadline: August 22, 2008