Preservation Maryland

As Marylanders head to the polls, election day provides an opportunity to look back and reflect on the long struggle for universal suffrage – the right of all citizens to vote – and here in the Old Line State, that story is recorded in countless historic places and buildings.

Preservation Maryland seeks applicants for its Policy Manager position. This is a full-time, benefitted position based in Baltimore, Maryland.

Summary of Position

Reporting to the Vice President, the Policy Manager leads Advocacy efforts for Preservation Maryland, which includes direct lobbying efforts at the local, state, and federal levels as well as the Smart Growth Maryland program. Advocating for plans, legislation, programs, and policies that foster economically vibrant, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable communities is the primary duty of the position.

Salary range: $50,000-$56,000

Duties

• Coordinate the organization’s state, local, and federal legislative programs and strategy.
• Develop the organization’s annual legislative priorities to focus during the state legislative session and throughout the year.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key state, federal, and local officials.
• Review and analyze legislative and policy issues related to historic preservation.
• Write position statements, testimony, comment letters and other advocacy materials for internal and external audiences.
• Represent Preservation Maryland/Smart Growth Maryland in state-level coalitions, commissions, and committees that advance organizational priorities.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, organizations, and industry to advance core priorities.
• Lead advocacy efforts related to Smart Growth Maryland program priorities.
• Provide technical assistance to elected officials and advocates seeking revitalization and smart-growth solutions.
• Support Development to achieve program funding goals – including proposals and reporting to foundation and other funders.
• Preform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience

• 3-5 years of non-profit advocacy, government relations, or related experience.
• Passion for and background in historic preservation, community revitalization, and sustainable and smart growth.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Robust problem solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of the legislative process.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with legislative and executive officials at both the State and County levels as well as private groups.
• Ability to attend meetings and perform work assignments at locations outside the office.
• Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license and reliable transportation as some travel will be required.

About the Organization

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, property redevelopment, advocacy and workforce development.

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 250 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.

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 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 allows the organization to take direct action to protect threatened historic properties through acquisition, loans and partnerships.

The organization also serves as the charitable partner of the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center. This partnership, operating as a program called The Campaign for Historic Trades, allows the organization to support the advancement of historic trades training which can open pathways to successful careers for young adults and recent veterans.

The Hogan administration today announced the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), a division of the Maryland Department of Planning, has awarded 16 projects more than $19 million in revitalization tax credits, leveraging more than $92 million in additional investment.

“The Historic Revitalization Tax Credit awards will breathe new life into our communities and towns,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “These awards will allow for refurbishments to revitalize sites in local communities across the state and serve as an effective investment tool for strengthening Maryland’s local economies and redevelopment across Maryland.”