Career Opportunities

Associate Director – Historic Preservation

Description

Under administrative direction of the Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) Director/CEO, responsible for the administration, management and organization of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), an NSHS division which represents a part of the agency’s total operations and consists of complex, multifunctional programs with statewide impact; plan, organize and direct SHPO functions and ensure activities are carried out efficiently and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations through the work of subordinate managers, supervisors, contractors, program staff and volunteers.

Look at what we have to offer!

  • 13 paid holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
  • Military leave
  • 156% (that’s not a typo!) state-matched retirement
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
  • Dental and vision insurance plans
  • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
  • Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
  • Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
  • Training and Development based on your career aspirations
  • Fun, inviting teammates
  • A safe and secure environment

 

Job Duties

  • Administers the daily operations of the SHPO through developing and implementing program objectives, strategies, policies and procedures in compliance with applicable State and federal laws and regulations.
  • Plans, assigns, directs and evaluates the work of managers, supervisors and other professional staff including recommending personnel actions related to selection, disciplinary procedures, performance, leaves of absence, grievances and work schedules and assignments.
  • Develops and implements plans and goals and evaluates SHPO performance relative to established objectives; structures the SHPO’s direction as needed to obtain such goals in conformance with the Agency’s strategic plan.
  • Plans and implements projects and establishes project goals and objectives for SHPO staff; monitors work performed and makes necessary adjustments to ensure attainment of such goals.
  • Develops and implements policies, procedures and other documents relevant to the SHPO to respond to program changes, objectives and priorities and to improve the effectiveness of SHPO operations.
  • Monitors the SHPO budget and approves expenditures to ensure appropriate use of various State and federal funding sources; plans and organizes programs according to budgeted resources.
  • Administers grant and contract-funded projects and prepares required reports. Interacts and communicates with agency management and staff to include the NSHS Director and Deputy Directors, to resolve problems and interpret policies and regulations; participates as a member of the management team to provide input into planning for agency-wide objectives.
  • Serves on various committees within the community or among other governmental entities as a representative of the NSHS; ensures information regarding SHPO activities is accurately conveyed.
  • Represents SHPO as subject matter expert and provides expertise and information to agency management, staff, members of the general public, other state agencies, local community organizations and the media; responds to requests for information concerning activities of the SHPO.
**NSHS collects, preserves, and opens to all, the histories we share. We believe a diverse and inclusive workforce is an essential element in making Nebraska’s rich history available to everyone. The State of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications / Requirements

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in history, historic preservation, public/business administration or other field related to area of responsibility including: American studies, architecture, archeology, anthropology, archival studies, historic preservation, library science, museum studies or related field AND two years experience in cultural resource management; OR a Master’s degree in any of the above mentioned fields. Experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred: It is preferred the candidate has at least three years' experience working with historic preservation projects in some form. Strong candidates will have demonstrated experience with personnel management project management, and budget administration.

Other: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

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