HERITAGE MANAGER I

State of Arkansas•Helena-West Helena, AR

2d•$71,027 - $105,120

About The Position

The Division of Arkansas Heritage seeks a Director for the Delta Cultural Center (DCC). The Delta Cultural Center exists to research, document, collect, interpret, and present the heritage of the people of the Arkansas Delta, a 27‑county region. The DCC campus, located in Helena–West Helena, is comprised of nine distinct sites. This position serves as the director of the Delta Cultural Center and works under the general direction of the director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage (DAH). The DCC director plans and oversees the overall operation of the museum, coordinating and evaluating all programs and services to ensure organizational goals and objectives are met. The position directly supervises professional staff and is responsible for formulating, monitoring, and assessing long‑range goals and strategic initiatives. The director provides guidance and budgetary oversight, reviews and consolidates budget requests, monitors operational funds, and directs adjustments as needed. The position also approves or denies purchases of supplies and equipment and reviews all contracts, pricing, and capital improvements under the direction of the DAH director. As the primary spokesperson for the museum, the DCC director represents the institution in the promotion and interpretation of its programs, services, and public events. The role also develops and strengthens partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public and private entities. Candidates must have a thorough understanding of the museum’s mission; strong knowledge of personnel management, fiscal and grant management, and long‑range planning; and the ability to organize and prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively. The position requires the ability to build and maintain relationships with executive leadership and community partners, along with strong written and oral communication skills.

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.

Nice To Haves

Formal educational equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related field plus six years of experience in program development and administration, including three years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

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.