The Los Angeles Conservancy is looking for a passionate and energetic individual to join and lead its advocacy team, advancing the organization’s strategic goals by formulating, developing, and implementing responses (both reactive and proactive) on key preservation issues affecting the architectural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles County (encompassing 4,751 miles and 88 cities). Politically savvy self-starters, creative and innovative thinkers, and those that are able to multi-task and collaborate are encouraged to apply.

Through the management of a team of three staff members (Community Outreach Manager, Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator, and Preservation Coordinator), the Director of Advocacy oversees multiple initiatives and ongoing issues, projects, and various campaigns to broaden awareness and support for the preservation and reuse of historic places. This position works closely with local governments, grassroots nonprofit partners, and elected officials to build support, leverage potential partnerships, and engage diverse constituent groups.

The Director of Advocacy helps develop effective public outreach campaigns, and has strong skills and experience in public speaking, media relations, and implementing preservation strategies. The position oversees an established conservation easement program that includes design review, regular monitoring, negotiating, and expanding the portfolio. Candidates for the position will already have or need to develop a strong understanding of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The Director of Advocacy is a full-time, exempt position. This position reports to the President and CEO and spends more than fifty percent of his/her time on discretionary, independent decision-making.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage a team that works with community advocates and partners to help save historic places.
• Set priorities, develop calls to action, and implement broad efforts to advocate on behalf of and preserve diverse historic places throughout greater Los Angeles.
• Represent the Conservancy at public hearings and meetings, providing statements and testimony.
• Track public policies and legislative issues relative to preservation and development at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Work with local governments, elected officials and staff to adopt and/or improve public policies, including preservation ordinances.
• Collaborate with the Conservancy’s Administrative, Communications, and Development departments, and work especially close with the Director of Education and team to coordinate, develop, and implement initiatives and programming that broadens the Conservancy’s reach and audience.
• Cultivate working relationships with community advocates, media, public agencies, and elected officials.
• Ensure advocacy interventions and decisions include a broad range of perspectives and experiences that reflect the vast diversity of Greater Los Angeles.
• Develop and shape innovative initiatives and identify new organizational partnerships to address new and emerging issues, and opportunities for neighborhood outreach and engagement within diverse communities.
• Monitor, evaluate, and prepare appropriate responses to Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and other environmental impacts through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Apply the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation through project and design review, including the Conservancy’s conservation easement program.
• Generate written content on advocacy issues and initiatives for internal and external communications, including the Conservancy’s website, newsletter, and public comment letters.
• Identify, develop, and manage relevant grant projects, as appropriate.
• Provide staff support for the Conservancy’s Board Advocacy Committee.

Required Qualifications:

• At least five years of relevant professional experience in historic preservation, with a degree in historic preservation or a related field.
• Good working knowledge of historic preservation, urban planning, public policy, and architectural history.
• Familiarity with and full understanding of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
• Strong understanding (existing or ability to acquire) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Politically savvy and familiarity with government decision-making on historic preservation and planning issues in the City of Los Angeles, other local governments, and state and national levels.
• Strong “people skills,” including the ability to interact with and motivate individuals.
• Excellent writing, editing, research and analytical skills.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with good teamwork and organizational skills.
• Strong public speaking and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to speak Spanish or other languages is a plus.
• Familiarity with Asana and other project management systems.
• Experience managing staff and project teams.

The Los Angeles Conservancy is committed to diversity as a core value. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. To read more about our commitment to DEI please read the L.A. Conservancy’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Benefits

Excellent benefits including health, dental, and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with 5% match (after one year of continuous employment); paid holidays and vacation. Salary range is between $125,000-$145,000 and is commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Email cover letter and resume/CV to jobs@laconservancy.org with “Director of Advocacy” in the subject line.