Partners, working with the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia (Preservation Alliance), is working to establish the Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places (PFBSP), a program providing capital grants and other resources to assist Black congregations with the preservation and community use of their buildings. The program director will work with other Partners staff, the Preservation Alliance, and an advisory committee of Black religious and community leaders to shape and manage this important program. As a result of this project, residents in predominantly Black communities throughout Philadelphia will have greater access to community space in historic Black sacred places. In addition, the stewards of these sacred places will have increased capacity to maintain their properties as civic commons, cultural centers, and neighborhood landmarks for future generations.
This is a three-year, grant-funded position; hiring will proceed after grant funds are received.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary point of contact for general inquiries for the Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places.
Serve as the primary point of contact for a program advisory committee.
Serve as the primary point of contact for participating congregations.
Report directly to the Senior Director of Programs.
Perform any administrative tasks associated with the program.
Local travel.
Recruit 5-7 historic Black sacred places to participate in the project in coordination with Partners staff, the advisory committee, and the Preservation Alliance.
Customize training for program participants in coordination with Partners staff, the advisory committee, and the Preservation Alliance.
Provide ongoing coaching and support for program participants, and connect them to appropriate resources to ensure they can complete capital projects in their community spaces.
Customize and manage a re-granting program to distribute approximately $1M to program participants for eligible planning and capital projects.
Work with Partners staff on program communications, reporting to funders, and solicitation of funds to continue the project beyond the duration of initial funding.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s Degree (preferably Master’s Degree) in architecture, historic preservation, religion, or community development
● Strong familiarity with Black congregations is required, and familiarity with Philadelphia’s Black congregations strongly preferred.
● Familiarity with and comfort working with diverse denominational and faith traditions
● Strong writing capabilities
● Flexibility to work independently, as well as collegially as a member of a team
● Readiness to be located in Partners’ Philadelphia office.
● Willingness to travel locally
● Proficiency with basic office technology
● Commitment to the mission and vision of Partners for Sacred Places
Other desirable qualities include:
● Clear and effective communication skills (public speaking, discussion facilitation)
● Experience in teaching or training groups
● Experience in managing capital projects
● Familiarity with historic buildings and/or preservation concepts
● Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and multi-task
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to director@sacredplaces.org. No calls please.