Jobs
Director of Historic Properties
Job Description
About NRF: The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) exists to preserve and restore Newport’s extraordinary architectural heritage — one of the most significant concentrations of colonial and early American historic buildings in the US. Founded in 1968 by Doris Duke, NRF has spent more than five decades acquiring, restoring, and stewarding, over 80 historic properties throughout Newport and Newport County, ensuring that these structures remain vibrant anchors of community life for generations to come.
Today, NRF stands at an exciting moment in its history. Our properties continue to shape the fabric of Newport, and our work continues to evolve. We are seeking a mission oriented, passionate and strategic leader to join us as our Director of Historic Properties — someone who shares our commitment to the long-term stewardship of these remarkable homes and who is ready to lead the dynamic hands-on work that continues to shape Newport’s culture and unique sense of place.
Title: Director of Historic Properties
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Reports To: Executive Director Salary: $100,000-120,000
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Historic Properties leads the preservation, maintenance, and stewardship of NRF’s portfolio of historic buildings, which includes historic residential and commercial properties and public-facing sites including Rough Point and Vernon House. This role manages large scale capital construction projects, and works alongside architects, engineers, and contractors to uphold the standards of historic preservation practice. The position has oversight of NRF’s property management function and Historic Trades Initiative, strategic planning for preservation and stewardship of NRF’s portfolio of historic properties and leadership and management of the Properties staff. The Director of Historic Properties is both a hands-on field leader and a thoughtful steward — someone equally comfortable walking a job site and navigating a preservation planning conversation.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Preservation & Property Care
- Oversee the day-to-day maintenance, repair, and preservation of NRF’s portfolio of historic properties, ensuring work is carried out in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
- Direct and manage department staff
- Oversee the engagement and coordination of architects, engineers, contractors, and preservation consultants to support complex restoration and repair projects.
- Conduct regular property inspections; identify, prioritize, and track maintenance needs across the portfolio.
Construction Project Management
- Plan, manage, and oversee large scale capital improvement and construction projects from inception through completion, including scope development, bidding, contractor selection, scheduling, and budget management.
- Maintain project documentation and reporting; provide regular updates to the Executive Director and relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, permitting requirements, and historic preservation guidelines.
Crew & Operational Leadership
- Manage departmental budgets; track expenditures and adjust priorities to meet organizational financial goals.
- Collaborate with the property management team to coordinate tenant-related maintenance and stewardship responsibilities, work with property manager to find efficiencies and improvements - including delegating the creation of policies and procedures and supporting staff with tenant communication.
- Support climate resilience planning as it relates to NRF’s historic properties; work collaboratively within the organization to carry out the KHAW Initiative.
- Collaborate on the creation and execution of preservation-related marketing, communications, educational, and fundraising content; providing technical expertise to support NRF’s fundraising efforts and grant applications; policy-related collaborations and projects
- This candidate will lead with an aim to cultivate a positive and supportive team culture and support employee growth and well-being through mentorship and open communication.
Qualifications
Required
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with staff, contractors, tenants, and community stakeholders.
- Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in construction management, historic preservation or building maintenance.
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in Architectural Engineering, Historic Preservation or related field.
- Experience leading and managing staff and cultivating a strong team atmosphere.
- Hands-on knowledge of historic building materials, construction methods, and preservation best practices.
- Experience working with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
- Strong project management skills, including budget development, contractor oversight, and schedule management.
- Working knowledge of building codes, permitting, and regulatory requirements as they relate to historic structures.
- Proficient in reading architectural drawings and specifications.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software, as needed.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license, ability to climb stairs, ability and willingness to work from heights up to three stories.
Preferred
- Supervisory experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
- Experience preparing or working from Historic Structures Reports, plans, and specifications.
- Established relationships with preservation professionals, contractors, and/or local and state government bodies.
- Genuine passion for NRF’s mission and the historic character of Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport Restoration Foundation is an equal opportunity employer
Return to Listings
