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Director of Advocacy

Greater Portland Landmarks seeks a dynamic and mission-driven leader to lead the organization’s advocacy efforts.  The Director of Advocacy will partner with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees in the execution and achievement of Greater Portland Landmarks’ comprehensive advocacy goals. This position will work to embolden diverse advocates and stakeholders to preserve and interpret our shared cultural and heritage resources.  The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, cultivating and managing advocacy and policy efforts that will expand the influence, outreach and efficacy of Greater Portland Landmarks’ preservation and sustainability work. Leading Greater Portland Landmarks in its next chapter of advocacy offers an exciting opportunity to help to shape one of the nation’s most beautiful, historically significant, and architecturally rich communities for generations to come. 

Organization Overview 

Greater Portland Landmarks was founded in 1964, three years after the destruction of Portland’s historically significant Union Station, to protect the architecture and landscapes that give the area its distinctive character. Nearly 60 years later, the organization maintains its tradition of advocacy, education, and providing resources to homeowners and developers alike. The nonprofit also serves as steward of the Portland Observatory, the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States.  

Greater Portland Landmarks' mission is to ensure that Greater Portland preserves its sense of place for all and builds vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods and communities for the future. Preservation advocacy is at the heart of our mission as we strive to maintain greater Portland’s sense of place while helping the region develop for the future, balancing preservation with change, and playing an active role in the current needs of our communities. 

Role and Responsibilities

Greater Portland Landmarks seeks a dynamic leader with a mix of advocacy, research, community organizing, and urban policy skills and experience. The Advocacy Director will be a key player in the organization with opportunities to contribute to the significant work of an engaged organization and to make positive impacts on the special character of Greater Portland.  Duties include:  

Advocacy Campaigns and Public Awareness

  • Prioritize current issues, gather background information, draft talking points, write public testimony, and create public presentations associated with these issues.

  • In partnership with the Executive Director and staff, develop educational initiatives and communication strategies for each issue.

  • Support the Executive Director in preservation advocacy issues related to public policy and legislative actions, locally, statewide, and nationally. 

  • Attend and participate in evening meetings with the Historic Preservation Board, Planning Board, City Council, and other obligations, as warranted.

  • Lead research and survey initiatives in support of future designations. 

Community Engagement  

  • With the Executive Director, engage with neighborhood organizations, governmental entities, developers, property owners, and other stakeholders to strategize creative solutions to a wide range of preservation issues, projects, and initiatives while making preservation more accessible and engaging.

  • Respond to all preservation-related general inquiries and connect community members to relevant information and resources.  

Leadership

  • Represent Greater Portland Landmarks and its mission to the public, media, and before government representatives in person and through written public statements.

  • Manage the day-to-day administration of all place-based advocacy initiatives such as the rehabilitation of historic buildings, designation of historic districts and local landmarks, historic resource surveys, rezoning initiatives, Section 106 consultation, and endangered properties.

  • Support the work of the Advocacy Committee, coordinating with the Committee Chair to develop agendas, briefing materials, and to invite guest speakers. 

  • Provide leadership, training and support for the Board of Trustees, Advocacy Committee, staff and volunteers to support advocacy initiatives.

  • In partnership with staff, coordinate and manage the summer internship program.  

    Communications  

  • With the Executive Director, develop and cultivate relationships with community organizations, elected and appointed officials, and media outlets.

  • Manage relationships with members of the public through email, phone, and written communication in a timely manner.

  • Coordinate with staff to promote advocacy issues and preservation programs, including providing dynamic advocacy content for the Landmarks blog, website, e-mail campaigns, and social media accounts that engages the public in important advocacy initiatives.  

Position Requirement and Preferred Experience

  • A passion and commitment to Greater Portland Landmarks’ mission. 

  • Proven and accomplished professional experience in historic preservation with a minimum of 5 years of experience preferred; master’s degree in historic preservation preferred, including working knowledge or interest in preservation’s intersections with public policy, urban planning, architecture, community revitalization and public history.

  • Sound knowledge of local, state and federal historic preservation policy and regulation, as well as the various tools for incorporating historic preservation goals into broader land use initiatives.

  • Proven success in leading projects and volunteer efforts.

  • Ability to build strong relationships and coalitions across disciplines.

  • Familiarity with reading architectural plans and drawings.

  • Demonstrated ability to work well with State and Local Government agencies, building and sustaining professional relationships.

  • Excellent written, verbal and communication skills with experience in public speaking as well as communicating to diverse audiences.

  • Proven ability to utilize strong analytical skills and problem-solving to meet deadlines and work successfully with multiple and competing priorities in a fast paced and at times quickly changing environment.

  • Working knowledge of GIS/online mapping, probate records, and other research resources preferred.

  • Optimism and perseverance.

  • Familiarity with creating visual presentations.

Compensation

The Advocacy Director will earn a competitive salary of $75,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience, and benefits.  Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the successful candidate can expect a formal review after the initial six months, as well as an annual review thereafter. 

Nondiscrimination

Greater Portland Landmarks does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, public assistance, ethnic background, religion, marital status, economic class, age, disability, sex, creed, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and any other legally protected characteristic. The organization complies with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

To apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to the attention of Kate Lemos McHale, Executive Director, at info@portlandlandmarks.org. Applications will be reviewed on a revolving basis and only qualified candidates will be contacted. Deadline for applications is August 16, 2024. 

Volunteer

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer docent at the Portland Observatory or for a walking tours, please see the Portland History Docents for more information.