The Lower Merion Conservancy, a private non-profit community preservation organization that conducts a diverse array of programs and projects to protect and preserve open space, historic resources, and the natural environment in Lower Merion Township and Narberth has an immediate opening for its full-time Historic Preservation Coordinator.

Job Description:

The Conservancy is active in the Main Line communities of Lower Merion and Narberth. These communities include a variety of built environments such as urbanizing suburban commercial corridors, village centers and the historic neighborhoods around them, traditional suburbs, estates and institutions – and a wide range of unique historic resources with varying levels of local and federal recognition.

The Historic Preservation Coordinator leads the Conservancy’s historic preservation programs and projects – acting as the community’s preservation advocate and serving as a technical resource for historic preservation – and collaborates with other Conservancy staff involved in environmental programs, community education, and membership and development.

The ideal candidate will have the capability of managing our ongoing preservation programs, growing our work in new directions such managing change in the built and natural environment and interfacing with the green building movement. He or she will also have a presence that continues our strong public visibility and expands our membership constituency interested in preservation.

The Coordinator reports to the Conservancy’s Executive Director, serves as staff liaison to the Preservation Committee of the Conservancy’s board, and works with a community-based advisory committee whose members include realtors, historic society members, civic association leaders, preservationists and others.

Responsibilities:

Historic Preservation: Manage and coordinate all aspects of the Conservancy’s ongoing historic preservation program, including educational and advocacy programs; working with public agencies and communities to protect historic and cultural resources using tools including, but not limited to, creating historic districts, establish historic markers, and to nominate buildings and districts to the National Register; monitoring planning and development actions as they might impact the community’s historic fabric; establishing and monitoring facade easements and deed restrictions on historic properties; and related activities.

Ongoing Programs: Manage the process that results in the Conservancy’s annual Preservation WatchList, which identifies locally threatened historic resources and important issues. Produce the spring and fall Historic Preservation Lecture Series, each including five lectures and/or walks focusing on the built environment. As appropriate expand the Architectural Hall of Fame to honor locally significant buildings. Create and lead other public programs and special events relevant to historic preservation.

Advocacy and Education: Work with community leaders and residents, local elected officials, township and borough staff, and regulatory agencies as an advocate for the community’s diverse historic fabric (buildings, neighborhoods, special elements of the landscape), and engage the community through lectures, events and public testimony. Support the Conservancy’s broader missions by identifying and developing opportunities for integration with our environmental and education activities. With the Education Coordinator, conduct fall history hikes for students in fourth grade. Recruit and supervise interns as necessary.

Mission Support: Prepare articles and press material as necessary; edit the Landmark, the Conservancy’s quarterly newsletter; develop the annual Preservation WatchList; assist director in developing bi-weekly newspaper columns. Coordinate with the Conservation Director to connect and integrate conservation and historic preservation initiatives. Support the Conservancy’s development activities, by identifying and developing opportunities for preservation-related grant writing, program sponsorship, general membership and individual donor campaigns.

Position Requirements:

While the successful candidate should possess a Masters degree or equivalent in historic preservation, urban planning, and/or architecture, comparable experience in a similar position at a preservation organization will be strongly considered as well. The successful candidate will be self-starter and an experienced communicator and solid researcher, possess sound technical and popular writing skills, and be proficient in use of routine computer programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The Coordinator must be prepared to conduct public outreach and give public testimony with delicate or controversial issues. Experience coordinating events is also essential. Additionally, the Coordinator must provide his/her own transportation to and from programs and hold a valid driver’s license.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time salaried position with benefits. Salary is in the high-thirties, commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation, compensatory time, comprehensive health care package, and retirement IRA contributions after three years of service.

Application Procedure:

Applications can be submitted until April 15, 2013. Send résumé and cover letter with three references to recruit@dragonfly.org. Only electronic submission will be accepted. Prior to hiring, candidates must consent to standard background checks including a child abuse clearance, and criminal background screening. The Lower Merion Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.