Our Whole History Project Manager, Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) is a New York State public benefit corporation. Established in 1968, the NHT’s mission is to receive and administer gifts, grants and other funds to further public programs for parks, conservation and historic preservation purposes of the State of New York. The NHT is governed by a four-member Board of Directors comprised of the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Chair of the State Council of Parks, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Secretary of State.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is a state agency within the New York State Executive Branch that is responsible for the care and management over 215 Parks and Historic Sites. Collectively, these public facilities provide both residents and visitors access to natural, historic and scenic resources with opportunities for outdoor recreation and places to learn about New York’s rich cultural heritage.

The Community Affairs Unit (CAU) is part of the Community Preservation Bureau at OPRHP’s Division for Historic Preservation (DHP). The CAU works to amplify awareness of the Division for Historic Preservation within and beyond the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This includes activating agency initiatives, supporting special events and programs, providing guidance and training for staff and volunteers, and helping with outreach efforts.

The selected candidate for this position will be an employee of the NHT with work conducted under the supervision of OPRHP Community Affairs Unit.

NHT is committed to building and encouraging an inclusive workplace that strives for respect and promotes and values diversity. We believe that organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective, or any other trait that makes an individual unique, are proven to be better organizations. Please consider joining the team as we work together to build a welcoming workplace where employees recognize their unique characteristics, skills, and experiences are respected, valued, and celebrated.

It is the policy of the State of New York and NHT to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service, member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception. The NHT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

The Our Whole History Project Manager will provide overall project management for the Division of Historic Preservation (DHP) and agency-wide projects falling under the Our Whole History (OWH) initiative, specifically related to African American and Revolutionary War history. The job duties will entail logistics, scheduling, budget tracking, reporting, coordinating meetings, routine check-ins with in-house staff and outside partners, public presentations, responding to queries from the public, participation and assisting in planning historic site events, and promotional efforts.

OWH Background: The OWH initiative seeks to reveal and share historically undertold stories of ordinary and extraordinary people and events across New York State. Falling under the umbrella of OWH is Enslavement to Freedom 1627–1827–2027 (E2F), a landmark, multi-year public education and commemoration initiative that shines a light on New York State’s deeply undertold history of slavery and its enduring legacy. In 2027, New York State will recognize the 200th anniversary of the end of legalized slavery in the state (1827) and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans enslaved in the former New Netherland colony (1627).

Also falling under OWH is the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence in 2026. This work extends beyond the period of the American Revolution and the formation of the United States to ongoing efforts to reach the goals expressed by the nation’s founders. New York has been a significant force in those movements, including such iconic, historic stories as serving as the routes for the Underground Railroad, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, the labor movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Specific Duties:

• The role of the Our Whole History Manager combines strategic planning, operational execution, and public engagement to preserve and promote historical narratives, places, and collections while delivering compelling educational and cultural experiences to the public.
• Reporting and Meetings: Prepare quarterly detailed project expenditure reports and performance reports; submit draft documents for review and comment; set agenda for meetings.
• Budget Management: Develop and monitor project and event budgets and track expenditures.
• Procurement and Contracting: Assist the CAU Coordinator with procurement needs, specifically by preparing Requests for Quotes, Invitation for Bids, and/or Requests for Proposals and selection of qualified consultants/vendors. Provide support to DHP’s Contract Management Specialist by tracking and managing contractor milestones and deliverables.
• Community Engagement and Education: Developing outreach strategies for connecting with different stakeholders and target audiences. Assist in the development of effective promotional and educational materials.
• Planning, Logistics, and Execution: Plan, organize, and coordinate event logistics, including venue setup, audio-visual requirements, vendor contracts, and community outreach.Collaborative Coordination: Work with museum curators, educators, public affairs staff, and other staff to ensure cohesive and well-integrated event programming. Collaborate with other state agencies on partner events.
• Assistance with Marketing and Promotion: Assist the CAU team in developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote events, including social media campaigns and press releases.

Required:
• Bachelor’s or higher degree AND five years of professional experience in the following areas:

• • Managing public programs and special events, including budgets, managing traveling exhibitions, contracts, and timelines
  • Running meetings and preparing financial and project progress reports
  • Logistical planning and execution of public programs
  • Coordinating communication between in-house staff, outside partners, and media outlets.

An interest in historic preservation, history, and historic sites is desirable.

Candidates should be well-versed in Microsoft Suite, social media platforms, and email delivery platforms.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• Outstanding written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Excellent organizational skills with diligent attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects with different deadlines
• A positive public-service mentality
• Knowledge of US and NYS history

Preferred degrees

• Project Management, Tourism Management, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, History, Public History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, closely related field.

Compensation: $68,000 - $75,000 and a benefits package
Work Schedule: Full-time. 37.5 hours; Monday-Friday

To support our employees, NHT provides a generous benefits package similar to what is offered to New York State employees. Our total compensation package includes, but is not limited to:

• Leave benefits (14 paid holidays as well as paid vacation, sick, and personal leave)
• A comprehensive health insurance program, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans
• membership in the NYS Employees Retirement System.

Deadline to apply: COB, Monday, January 12, 2026. Applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample via email: cordell.reaves@parks.ny.gov.