Massachusetts Jobs

Position is funded by a Community Preservation Act grant for one year from hiring date. Additional annual funding is anticipated but not guaranteed. The Cambridge Historical Commission (CHC) is the City?s historic preservation agency. The Commission was established in 1963 \"to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of ... [significant] buildings and places.\" It has jurisdiction over historic and neighborhood conservation districts comprising more than 3,000 buildings, as well as 48 landmarks and 43 individually restricted properties. CHC?s public archive focuses on the architectural and social history of Cambridge and comprises atlases, manuscripts, photographs, and ephemera; an inventory of the city?s approximately 13,000 buildings; and biographical, business, and municipal files. The Department works with individuals, community groups, city and state agencies, and property owners on matters relating to local history and historic preservation. It communicates with the general public through print publications, near-daily social media posts, and an extensive system of public monuments and historic markers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Historic markers are an important method of communication with the public. Texts must be factually correct and clearly communicate narratives that reflect the city?s goals for diversity and inclusion. Markers should be designed to the highest graphic standards and produced with high quality durable materials. The HMP Manager will work under the supervision of the Executive Director and assume substantial responsibility for development of new markers and maintenance and/or replacement of existing markers. New markers. New marker programs include extension of the African American Trail, currently funded at \$240,000; the African American and Indigenous Peoples Historical Reckoning project, funded at \$180,000; and a Sennott Park marker, funded at \$20,000. The HMP Manager will work with CHC staff to review draft texts and select illustrations; edit, refine, and fact-check subsequent drafts; and in collaboration with a graphic designer develop suitable sign designs; manage the municipal bid processes; and oversee fabrication and installation. Existing markers and public monuments. The HMP Manager will assess existing markers for maintenance or replacement, work with other CHC staff and volunteers to evaluate existing texts for accuracy and appropriateness, prepare specifications for fabrication and installation, and develop budgets. The HMP Manager will supervise graphic design, fabrication, and installation of the replacement markers and panels and participate in the public bidding process. Substantial funds have been appropriated for these activities. Maintenance of other monuments, including grave markers, will follow established procedures. Undertake related tasks and duties as directed. Serve on various staff committees as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: The Historic Markers Project Manager will have practical experience in public signage design, fabrication, and installation. Education & Experience A master?s degree in American history, public history, historic preservation or a related field and two years of public signage project management experience, or a bachelor?s degree in American history, public history, or a closely related field and four years of full-time project management experience. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable about marker production and able to communicate effectively orally and in writing with historians, graphic designers, property owners, city staff, and the general public. Experience with government project administration.