Director of Historic Preservation @ Lexington Department Planning & Preservation – Fayette County, KY

Lexington is proud of its rich and diverse heritage, recognized at both the local and national levels. The Department of Planning and Preservation is seeking a Director of Historic Preservation to lead efforts to protect and celebrate this legacy by overseeing the preservation of historic structures, districts, and cultural resources.

This position will be instrumental in advancing preservation initiatives while ensuring the integrity and character of Lexington’s historic environments are maintained for future generations. The Director will lead a team that:

• Provides expert technical assistance to owners of historic properties
• Supports and collaborates with the Historic Preservation Commission
• Reviews projects involving federal funding for compliance and preservation standards
• Partners with local, state, and federal agencies to safeguard Lexington’s historic assets

Critical skills and abilities of an ideal candidate include:

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage staff while overseeing complex projects and priorities
• Strong knowledge of preservation principles, architectural history, and applicable standards and regulations
• Ability to evaluate development proposals and federally funded projects for compliance with preservation requirements
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement long-range plans that balance preservation with growth and development
• Excellent written and verbal skills, with the ability to present to boards, commissions, and the public
• Experience working with government agencies, community stakeholders, and preservation organizations

• Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation, architectural history, urban planning, cultural geography, American culture, American studies, history or another related field. Graduate degree is preferred
• Six (6) years of related experience
• Additional years of related education may substitute for years of experience
• Additional years of related experience may substitute for years of education

• Oversees and implements review processes to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local standards for historic preservation and maintain LFUCG’s status as a Certified Local Government
• Provides technical knowledge and leadership in the administration, review, permit issuance, and enforcement of the Local Historic District (H-1) design process
• Represents LFUCG and the division at various internal and external meetings to include, but not limited to, advisory boards and commissions, state and local preservation organizations, community and neighborhood meetings, and conferences
• Assists, advises, and provides information to internal divisions, departments, and City offices, property owners, contractors, architects, and other relevant parties on the appropriate renovation of historic structures
• Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the division to include, but not limited to, financial, budget, and grant administration, staffing, and policy, procedure, and program development
• Manages, trains, reviews, and evaluates the work of subordinate staff
• Creates presentations and technical reports, assists staff with research and surveys, and performs other administrative duties as necessary
• Performs related work as assigned

All positions require drug testing and background check before employment and may require a post-job offer physical as stated in Ordinances 21-14(b), 22-13 and 23-16.