HERITAGE MANAGER I

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•$71,027 - $105,120

About The Position

The Heritage Manager I provides leadership for the management, development, and implementation of heritage and historic preservation programs. The role oversees heritage initiatives and resources and ensures compliance with state and federal preservation regulations and professional best practices. The job description also describes leadership and operational oversight for the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. Museum functions include collections management, exhibitions, historic properties, education programs, visitor services, marketing, fundraising support, budgeting, and staff supervision. The museum portfolio includes permanent and temporary exhibitions, K–12 programs, field trips, living history interpretation, public programming, artisan demonstrations, community partnerships, and stewardship of historic structures and collections. The Director works with museum staff, Arkansas Heritage leadership, stakeholders, donors, educators, and community organizations to expand the museum’s impact while maintaining professional museum standards. The Heritage Manager I leads heritage programs and preservation strategies; oversees site management, conservation, and cultural programs; develops long-term maintenance, programming, and outreach plans; evaluates program effectiveness; supports budget development and financial oversight; identifies grants and external funding; represents the agency publicly; and mentors heritage program staff and site managers. The position also assists with policies for heritage conservation and cultural resource management and ensures programs align with applicable laws, federal guidelines, and preservation best practices.

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 for managing complex heritage programs.
Ability to lead large teams, build consensus, and implement policy changes effectively.
Experience developing and executing long-term strategic initiatives.
Understanding of historic 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 for developing 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 and recommend continuous improvements.
Assist in developing and managing program budgets and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship.
Identify and secure grants and external funding for heritage projects and cultural programs.
Oversee financial reports and ensure compliance with state fiscal policies.
Represent the agency at public meetings, legislative sessions, and historic preservation conferences.
Provide leadership and mentorship to 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 historic preservation best practices.
Provide operational oversight for museum functions, including collections, exhibits, historic properties, education programs, visitor services, marketing, fundraising support, budgeting, and staff supervision.
Oversee exhibitions, K–12 educational programs, field trips, living history interpretation, public programming, artisan demonstrations, community partnerships, and stewardship of historic structures and collections.
Work with museum staff, Arkansas Heritage leadership, stakeholders, donors, educators, and community organizations to expand the museum’s impact and relevance while maintaining professional museum standards.