Preservation Associate
The Historic Districts Council, the citywide advocate for New York’s historic neighborhoods, is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Preservation Associate. This is a contract, part-time position of 20 hours per week, which may include some evening or weekend hours. The expected duration is April-September 2025, with the possibility of an extension as funding allows.
The Preservation Associate will manage HDC’s regular review of applications affecting historic buildings, provide support for HDC’s neighborhood preservation initiatives through our Six to Celebrate Program, and assist with other tasks as needed.
Responsibilities
Preservation Activities
HDC is the only city-wide organization that reviews every public proposal for work affecting historic buildings and districts at the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), and when needed, comments on them. Working closely with the HDC’s board-led Review Committee, the Preservation Associate will:
- Review, with the committee, all publicly proposed applications affecting historic properties;
- Write testimony based on the staff and board review of proposals;
- Communicate with constituent groups and stakeholders about projects in their neighborhood or area of concern;
- Attend public hearings of city agencies including Community Boards, LPC, City Planning and City Council, and deliver written testimony on HDC’s behalf;
- Monitor and report upon public meetings and hearings of the Landmarks Preservation Commission;
- Create email content to share the committee’s testimony with the public.
Advocacy and Outreach Activities
HDC is the only city-wide preservation organization that works directly with neighborhood residents and community groups to provide organizational support and technical services to advance preservation campaigns. The Preservation Associate will:
- Working with community groups and other stakeholders to connect with decision-makers in order to achieve their objectives;
- Collaborating with HDC’s Six to Celebrate designated groups on their advocacy goals
- Other relevant tasks include but are not limited to updating HDC’s Website and representing HDC at public programs and community events.
Qualifications & Compensation
Applicants should have the following:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Historic Preservation, Architecture, Public History or related field (or comparable job experience).
- Knowledge of New York City neighborhoods, history and architecture.
- General familiarity with historic preservation policies and practices.
- Strong writing and communication skills.
In addition, the following are a plus:
- Experience with New York City government agencies is beneficial
- Web or graphic skills
This is a part-time, contract position of approximately 20 hours per week at a pay rate of $27 per hour. The expected duration of April – September 2025, with the possibility of extension. Applicant should be a New York City-area resident. This position is hybrid and requires some in-office work.
The Preservation Associate reports directly to the Executive Director. This is a paid position.
How to Apply
HDC will review applications on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply early. Applicants should submit a single PDF document containing a cover letter and resume to [email protected] by Friday, April 11th.
This is a competitive position, and only qualified applicants with complete applications will be selected for further consideration. Please do not submit applications by U.S. Mail or FAX. No phone calls please.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The Historic Districts Council is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.