Opening for Director of Preservation at Drayton Hall in Charleston, SC

DIRECTOR OF PRESERVATION

Drayton Hall, a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, seeks an experienced and innovative professional as Director of Preservation. Currently, Drayton Hall has a staff of 24 full time employees and 35 part time, with an operating budget of $2.2M, an endowment of $20M, and attendance of 55,000/year, about 10,000 of whom are students. Its 2006-2011 strategic plan calls for sustainable growth and for the site to become a preservation resource and learning center by developing facilities for collections, exhibitions, education, and offices and by working in partnership with local, state, national organizations.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Preservation is responsible for management of the Preservation Department and for the professional stewardship of our historical buildings and landscapes and our collections of manuscripts, artifacts, and images.

• Contribute to the overall success of Drayton Hall in achieving its mission.
• Manage the Preservation Department in keeping with the strategic plan. Play a key role in the planning, design, and development of a multi-purpose facility (or facilities) for collections storage, interpretation, educational spaces, and offices.
• Implement collections management plan.
• Oversee maintenance staff responsible for all buildings and grounds and ensure that the site's historical resources are preserved in the face of daily public visitation and site use.
• Develop and manage preservation programs for historical buildings and landscapes.
• Conduct research and produce presentations and publications for professional and lay audiences.
• Assist Site Council, Executive Director, and Director of Development in fund-raising efforts.
• Coordinate inter-departmental special projects as required.
• Be a team player and be able to tactfully lead, follow, and/or support colleagues.

This person should be experienced in outreach and partnerships, for the person will work closely with Drayton Hall’s Site Council and consultants, with Trust sites and departments, with museums and preservation/conservation organizations, and with schools, public agencies, and community members. Writing and interpersonal skills are critical.

Criteria for evaluating success: Performance measures will include realization of Drayton Hall's strategic goals in collaboration with staff and outside partners.

Master's Degree in historic preservation, museum studies, history, architecture, archaeology, or related field required; PhD, a plus. Minimum 10 years in professional capacity working with historic sites, preservation organization, or related setting. Proven managerial, administrative, oral, and written skills, along with fundraising experience. Knowledge of CAD, GIS, related software a plus.

Resumes should be sent to the attention of Dr. George McDaniel, Executive Director of Drayton Hall.

E-Mail: George_McDaniel@draytonhall.org
Phone: (843) 769-2602

Mailing Address: