JOB SUMMARY

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) established the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF) in 2017 to preserve and uplift sites of black American resilience, activism, and achievement that are fundamental to the nation itself. In partnership with diverse communities and stakeholders, the AACHAF works to center Black American history and historic places at the core of our democracy, while also protecting and preserving the buildings, landscapes, and stories where that history happened. During the AACHAF’s first phase, the NTHP has supported more than 273 grant-funded preservation projects nationally and is leading a national movement that uses preservation as a force for enacting positive social change.

The AACHAF is a department within the Preservation Division that manages a diverse and evolving set of preservation projects and national initiatives. To grow its impact and improved internal efficiencies, the AACHAF is building a talented team of professionals to (1) implement existing strategies and new priorities, (2) collaboratively manage the work in coordination with internal staff and external stakeholders, and (3) deliver quantifiable, equity-driven outcomes. Under the supervision of the Director for the National Grant Program, this position manages AACHAF grant- making activities and awards of the AACHAF National Grant Program. This person will manage key areas of the grant program, manage grantee selection and notification processes, manage grant review committees and tracking of program data, review and approve scopes of work and interim and final reports, serve as a secondary contact for inquiries and grantees, and provide technical preservation consultation. This position also takes on special projects as assigned. Since launching the AACHAF national grant program, the AACHAF has invested millions of dollars to advance over 273 grantee projects and will fund more than 150 grants over the next several years. A culturally competent, passionate, highly motivated, organized, and detailed professional will contribute to the daily management, work, and enhancement of the systems, reporting, and performance of the AACHAF national grant program.

While this position is grant funded through August 2026, there is potential for the position to be extended beyond the aforementioned date based on the availability of continued funding.

DUTIES

• Collaborate closely with the National Grant Program Director to manage the AACHAF grant programs, including reviewing initial proposals for eligibility and managing grant materials in the grants management system Foundant.
• Respond to technical grant assistance inquiries from the field and offer specialized preservation advice for capital/construction projects, project planning activities, and budgeting for grant applications.
• Manage existing and active grants by providing guidance and compliance to ensure successful completion of grantee projects and develop the planning activities and schedules for each new grant round including soliciting grant proposals and establishing review schedules.
• Track grant-making activities and metrics, analyze grants and program data, and produce reports for dissemination to the AACHAF Executive Director.
• Update and create program-related materials, including application materials and grant guidelines on the National Trust online grant management system that align with the larger programmatic goals of the AACHAF.
• Ensure grantee payments are processed timely and according to standard procedures by working with the AACHF Director of Program Finance.
• Review Interim and Final reports to ensure compliance and completion. The Senior Manager will be reviewing project outcomes/deliverables (project planning documents/studies, photos of capital project work, examples of projects completed by grant-funded staff positions, photos/information on programming/interpretation projects, etc.).
• Participate in presentations, workshops, and conference sessions and/or produce content in support of AACHAF programs, outreach and promotion as needed.
• Be highly knowledgeable on all activities related to the AACHAF National Grant Program and act as an internal and external leader to advance this work and support diverse communities in preserving African American history.
• Supervise Associate Manager of National Grant Program.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 8+ years of professional-level experience in historic preservation, particularly in understanding capital projects and technical aspects of the work and having experience in a matrixed and geographically dispersed non-profit. Relevance of experience, size, and type of organization worked for may be considered when considering background/qualifications.
• Knowledgeable about grant management, with experience and/or education in program administration, non-profit administration, or business administration.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and success in engaging historically with underrepresented communities, constituents, partners, and colleagues. A demonstrated interest in and knowledge of African American history, preservation, affinity groups, professional organizations, or related associations is a critically important.
• Be comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, and gender in plain, specific terms as they relate to cultural heritage, equity and social justice. Background in DEIA work a plus.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization.
• Advanced project-management skills, including grant making, project budgeting, and planning.
• Effective presentation skills. Excellent technical writing, spelling, grammar, proofreading skills, and strong verbal communication and customer service skills. Strong organizational skills. Excellent attention to detail.
• Experience successfully managing key stakeholders and relationships. Proven ability to collaborate across departments to implement processes and achieve results. Track record of building and maintaining productive relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• The ability to work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently and respond to high volume of ongoing requests quickly. Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required. Able to handle frequently changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy. Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set a plus.
• Proven ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required. Familiarity with other software, including databases and grant-management software such as Foundant is a plus.
• Relevant experience &/or education required. Degree or equivalent combination of studies, training, and/or professional experience in relevant field is required.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Some or Frequent travel required.