POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Vice President, this full-time position leads organizational policy and advocacy efforts, 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.
Preservation Maryland provides a generous benefits package including health insurance, retirement fund contributions, vacations, holiday pay and a flexible work schedule. Salary $65,000 - $73,000, annually. Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience
The preferred start date for this position is February / March 2023. The position will remain open until filled.
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.
• Lead organizational advocacy efforts.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key state, federal, and local officials.
• Support President & CEO and Vice President on all level of government relations.
• 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.
• Provide technical assistance to elected officials and advocates seeking revitalization and smart-growth solutions.
• Support fundraising efforts to achieve program funding goals – including proposals and
reporting to foundation and other funders.• Lead infill, redevelopment, revitalization efforts in support of Smart Growth Maryland which may include:
• creation of local smart infill policy framework with pilot communities.
• work with pilot communities to identify existing incentives and barriers to redevelopment and infill.
• identify developed and undeveloped parcels to be prioritized in pilot communities
• convening of affordable housing, real estate development, and smart growth leaders to
• identify state-level policy recommendations to remove barriers and encourage infill, affordable housing, and redevelopment.
• oversee development of local model ordinances that can be implemented across Maryland.
• oversee development of state legislation focused on removing barriers related to building codes and encouraging infill and redevelopment through a loan-loss reserve for infill projects
• oversee development of Web-accessible resources on the existing incentives
and policy recommendations to encourage
• Preform other duties as assigned
• 5-7 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.
TO APPLY
Send a cover letter summarizing your professional skills, relevant work experience, and interest
in the preservation of Maryland history along with your resume to submit@presmd.org with
the subject line Director, Policy & Smart Growth
Applicants will be notified of the receipt of their cover letter and resume. Selected candidates
will be contacted by Preservation Maryland to set up an interview. No phone calls, please.
Preservation Maryland is an inclusive workplace that affirmatively values diversity in all its
forms. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.