HERITAGE MANAGER I

State of Arkansas; Little Rock, Northern (AR, KY); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas seeks a Heritage Manager I to lead statewide heritage programs, policies, and preservation initiatives across Arkansas. You will oversee resources, ensure compliance with preservation laws, and guide cultural and historical initiatives throughout the agency.

You will develop long-term plans, manage budgets, and pursue external funding while mentoring staff and representing the agency in public meetings and conferences. Experience in heritage management is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading heritage programs or museum administration.
• Ability to oversee policy development and compliance with laws.
• Strong budgeting, grant sourcing, and financial reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of state heritage programs, policies, and preservation strategies.
• Oversee site management, conservation efforts, and cultural programs.
• Identify and secure grants and external funding for heritage projects.
• Represent the agency at meetings and conferences; mentor staff.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Budget management

Grant writing

Public speaking

Communication skills

Policy development

Project management

Job description

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Location: DAH-Central Administration -AH01

County:Pulaski

Anticipated Starting Salary:$71,027.01

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.

Position Information

Job Series: Museums and Archives – Competitive

Class Code: RMA06C

Pay Grade: SPC03

Salary Range: $71,027- $105,120

Job Summary

The Heritage Manager I plays a key leadership role in the management, development, and implementation of heritage and historic preservation programs across Arkansas. This position is responsible for overseeing multiple heritage initiatives, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with state and federal preservation regulations.

Primary 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.

Knowledge and Skills

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.