Preservation Maryland is currently recruiting for an Advocacy Associate, a full-time, 12-month term position to join our team and participate in our wide-ranging advocacy efforts and programs.
Organization Background
Founded in 1931, Preservation Maryland has been a leader in the preservation movement of the state and nation ever since. The organization’s mission is the preservation of Maryland’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes and archeological sites through outreach, funding, and advocacy.
Preservation Maryland achieves its mission through an expanding group of core programs. The organization provides leadership to a large coalition of individuals and organizations at the state, county, city, and community level that advocate for critical causes. The organization’s podcast reaches tens of thousands of listeners annually and has produced over 150 episodes since its launch. Additionally, the organization hosts more than a dozen events, large and small, which provide training, award recognition and professional development to historic communities and their leaders. Each year the organization also selects six at-risk historic properties or programs for targeted assistance and support.
Preservation Maryland also leads Smart Growth Maryland, a dynamic program which advocates for state and local policy priorities that directs new public and private investment in keeping with the principles of smart growth. The organization partners with Maryland’s leading historic preservation, environmental conservation and land preservation organizations to help achieve this mission.
The organization also makes flexible grants to support the preservation of Maryland history and historic properties in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, community groups and churches. A historic property redevelopment program now allows the organization to take direct action to protect threatened historic properties through acquisition, loans and partnerships.
Most recently, the organization became the charitable partner of the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center. This partnership allows the organization to support the advancement of historic trades training which can open pathways to successful careers for young adults and returning veterans. To learn more, visit presmd.org.
Position Description
This is a full-time, 12-month term position (with opportunity for continued employment dependent on future funding) exempt position which will work on state and local policy for Preservation Maryland, with a focus on coordinating local coalitions and advocating for plans, legislation, programs, and policies that foster economically vibrant, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable communities. The Advocacy Associate reports to the Director of Advocacy.
Two years of non-profit advocacy, government relations, or related experience is preferred as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Urban, Regional, or Community Planning or a related field. Preservation Maryland provides a generous benefits package including health insurance, retirement, vacations, holidays and a flexible work schedule. Compensation will be between $40,000 and $45,000, commensurate with experience. Remote work until mid-2021 is expected, due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
Position Responsibilities
- Work with the Director of Advocacy to review and monitor plans, legislation, programs, and policies for consistency with the principles of historic preservation and smart growth.
- Work with Director of Advocacy to coordinate state and local legislative programs and strategy.
- Attend hearings and legislative sessions as needed.
- Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings of coalitions comprised of local and state organizations that advocate for smart growth in Anne Arundel, Charles, Frederick, and Howard counties.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the smart growth coalitions in Anne Arundel, Charles, Frederick, and Howard counties.
- Build and maintain relationships with decision makers in the smart growth coalition
- Write bill summaries, fact sheets, updates, and other advocacy materials.
- Engage in education and outreach to build the constituency for historic preservation and smart growth.
- Assist in the planning and execution of the annual Maryland History Advocacy Day in Annapolis.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Two years of non-profit advocacy, government relations, or related experience preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban, Regional, or Community Planning or a related field.
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently.
- Passion for and background in sustainable and smart growth.
- Robust problem solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license.
How to Apply
Preservation Maryland is an inclusive workplace that affirmatively values diversity in all its forms. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Send your resume and a cover letter summarizing your professional skills, relevant work experience, and interest in the position by November 2, 2020 to: submit@presmd.org with the subject line: Advocacy Associate.