Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is currently searching for a passionate and energetic individual to fill the full-time position of Assistant Preservation Director. This position will serve as a critical member of the Foundation team to help advance the organization’s preservation strategic goals, including advocacy and educational programs.

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Preservation Foundation is a private nonprofit that preserves and enhances the architectural, cultural, and landscape heritage of Saratoga Springs. This is accomplished through advocacy, education, technical assistance, and restoration projects. The Foundation is led by a diverse, volunteer board of active and engaged individuals dedicated to preserving Saratoga Springs. The Foundation currently employs two full-time staff, an Executive Director and Development Director, as well two part-time staff, an Administrative Assistant and a Bookkeeper.

The Assistant Preservation Director will primarily work under the direction of the Executive Director and with support of the Development Director. The Assistant Preservation Director’s primary role will be to assist with formulating, developing, and implementing responses, reactive and proactive, to key preservation issues. Additional responsibilities include development and implementation of educational programs and communications.

Responsibilities

Preservation

• Provide staff support to the Foundation’s Advocacy Committee to develop and implement preservation strategies to address key issues within Saratoga Springs. Conduct research to identify and report on identified issues.
• Prepare materials for the Advocacy Committee for review of Land Use Board applications. Draft advisory opinion letters in partnership with the committee and the Executive Director. Attend and represent the Foundation as needed at Land Use Board meetings, primarily Design Review Board.
• Assist property owners and/or their representative(s) with information about the architecture and history of their building, provide rehabilitation technical assistance, and/or land use board guidance.
• Provide staff support to the Race Course Committee, which is charged with reviewing proposed capital improvement plans at Saratoga Race Course, the oldest sports venue in the United States. Prepare materials and draft letters in response to the New York Racing Association plans in partnership with the committee and Executive Director.
• Oversee the annual Preservation Recognition Awards. Seek nominations, oversee award selection, and assemble necessary materials for the presentation.

Educational Programs

• Create, market and manage diverse educational programs, events, and tours that advance the Foundation’s preservation strategic goals. This includes in person, virtual and hybrid models that engage with the community on topics that highlight our community’s historic resources as well as preservation best practices.
• Collaborate with historians, nonprofits (local, state, and national), the City of Saratoga Springs, and others to develop unique programs that broadens the outreach of the Foundation.
• Provide research for the Historic Building Plaque Program, Historic Homes Tour, and local publications as needed.
• Manage volunteers for educational programs and the Historic Building Plaque Program.

Communications

Create communication materials for advocacy issues and initiatives as well as educational programs, including press (newspapers, radio, and TV); social media (Facebook and Instagram), eblasts (Mailchimp), website, and print materials.

Additional Responsibilities

As a small nonprofit organization, all staff need to contribute to key events and immediate organizational priorities. During major events, such as the annual Historic Homes Tour, and at other times throughout the year additional responsibilities that may fall outside of the staff member’s primary job description will be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Applicants must be creative, energetic, self-motivated, comfortable in a small office environment, and be able to multi-task. Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation or related field required – such as urban planning, public policy, or architectural history – a master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working in a non-profit preservation setting preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, often changing environment.
• Self-motivated with good teamwork and organizational skills.
• Strong public speaking and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher
• Prior experience with website editing, email communication tools and social media preferred.
• Available to work a flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend programs as needed.
• New York State Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

The ideal candidate must be able to complete the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements include: ability to occasionally move supplies and/or equipment of up to 25 pounds, access files on elevated shelves/file cabinets, and sit for prolonged periods of time.

Salary Range

$45,000 -$55,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Health and dental insurance, 3% Simple IRA match, and paid time off includes holidays, vacation, and sick leave. A relocation stipend will be considered.

Saratoga Springs is nestled between the picturesque Adirondack Mountains and Albany, New York’s state capital. The area offers the perfect blend of history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Saratoga Springs is located 30 minutes north of Albany and the Albany International Airport. New York City, Montreal and Boston are within a three-hour drive from Saratoga Springs. The broader region of Saratoga County offers an abundance of opportunities for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities. The area is known for its famous venues including the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Spa State Park, and the Saratoga Battlefield, a National Historical Park. Residents have easy access to the Adirondacks, Lake George, Green Mountains of Vermont, and the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is committed to diversity as a core value and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation maintains a policy of non-discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications, and will not be influenced in any manner with regard to age, race, color, national origin, marital status, gender, (including gender identity and transgender), religion, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, disability, domestic violence victim status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law.