HERITAGE MANAGER I

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for Director of the Arkansas Arts Council. Oversee policies and programs that strengthen Arkansas's artistic landscape, support creative communities, and preserve the state's cultural heritage. Ensure all programs align with state and federal requirements and the Council's mission to advance the arts in Arkansas. Manage program budgets responsibly, ensuring adherence to state fiscal policies and sound stewardship of public funds. Identify, pursue, and secure grants and external funding opportunities. Oversee financial reporting and ensure full compliance with state and federal grant regulations. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in historic preservation, heritage management, museum administration, public policy, or a related field, including one year in a leadership role.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to manage complex heritage programs.
Ability to lead large teams, build consensus, and implement policy changes effectively.
Experience in developing and executing long-term strategic initiatives.
Understanding of historical preservation practices, cultural programming, and museum administration.
Familiarity with state and federal historic preservation laws, grant programs, and funding processes.
Experience in public speaking, media relations, and legislative advocacy.
Proficiency in budget management, grant writing, and financial oversight.
Strong project management skills to coordinate multiple programs, contracts, and funding sources.
Excellent oral and written communication skills to develop reports, presentations, and policy recommendations.
Ability to translate complex heritage policies and preservation guidelines into accessible information for public use.
Ability to interpret statistical data and performance metrics to assess program success.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of state heritage programs, policies, and preservation strategies.
Oversee heritage site management, conservation efforts, and cultural programs.
Ensure compliance with state and federal historic preservation laws, grant requirements, and best practices.
Develop and implement long-term plans for historical site maintenance, programming, and community outreach.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
Assist in developing and managing program budgets, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship.
Identify and secure grants and external funding sources for heritage projects and cultural programs.
Oversee financial reports, ensuring compliance with state fiscal policies.
Represent the agency at public meetings, legislative sessions, and historical preservation conferences.
Provide leadership and mentorship to a small to medium sized heritage program staff and site managers.
Assist in drafting and implementing policies related to heritage conservation and cultural resource management.
Ensure programs align with Arkansas heritage laws, federal guidelines, and best practices in historical preservation.