Historic Preservation Program Director

Reports to: Brian J. Carter, Executive Director Apply by: Friday October 9, 2026, 12:00 pm PDT Anticipated Start Date: Monday, January 4, 2027 About Us 4Culture is an independent public agency, chartered under state law and King County ordinance in January 2003, after 35 years as the King County Office of Cultural Resources. The ideal candidate for this position champions public support for arts, culture, science, and technology and has demonstrated sustained commitment to advancing racial equity and social justice. As the cultural funding and services agency for King County, Washington, 4Culture works to make the region vibrant. The organization's five program areas—Arts, Heritage, Historic Preservation, Public Art, and Science and Technology—put public resources to use all over King County. Guided by a vision of a King County in which every person has what they need to explore and create culture, we're working to become an actively anti-racist organization. We know that this work is urgent and ongoing; as a public agency, we're committed to being transparent about our successes and failures. 4Culture is part of the system of white supremacy that has historically disadvantaged Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. We are working to understand systems of structural racism, dismantle them with the tools available to us, and build up something equitable that supports and recognizes the value in cultural expression of all of people, especially those in King County.

About the Role: We are seeking qualified candidates for the position of Preservation Department Director. This position provides leadership, direction, and staff coordination for the Preservation Department. The Preservation Department Director is a senior leader and a key contributor to a management team focused on organizational change management, policy development, and strategic planning. You will be most successful in this position if: You are committed to supporting the preservation of historic places across King County, especially those historically underinvested by cultural philanthropy and grantmaking. You are familiar with King County history and its built environment and maintain collaborative relationships with historic preservation organizations, agencies, and professionals. You have experience in the development and management of historic sites or cultural facilities. You want to contribute to the effectiveness of King County cultural organizations and workers. Additionally, you will be prepared to take on this role if you have following experience, abilities, commitments, and skills: Committed to: Advancing racial equity and social justice in your work and in the historic preservation field. Building trust, accountability, and collaborative relationships with 4Culture staff, advisory board members, county and city partners, and community leaders. Supporting the health and evolution of King County's historic preservation and cultural sectors. Propagating best practices and innovation in historic preservation practice and policy. Experienced with: Foundations of historic preservation in the United States, including its framework of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies. Public advocacy for historic preservation and equitable development of cultural space. Effective communication and collaboration with public officials as well as historic preservation and cultural organizations throughout King County. Working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Staff management, coaching, and professional development. Skilled in: Creative problem-solving, strategic planning, program management, and organizational development. Using interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish relationships of trust with colleagues, direct reports, and community partners. Managing several complex projects simultaneously, often in a deadline-oriented environment requiring creative and flexible solutions. Have the ability to: Oversee effective and equitable grant programs that broaden cultural opportunities in historically underinvested communities. Handle controversial and sensitive issues with confidentiality and composure and make dependable, independent decisions. Adapt to changing circumstances and agency priorities, while maintaining calm, steady leadership. Supervisory responsibilities This position supervises department staff and may occasionally oversee interns and volunteers.

Job Responsibilities: Provide expertise in historic preservation matters to 4Culture's Executive Director and staff. Serve as the principal public contact at 4Culture for historic preservation organizations, their employees and volunteers, local governments, members of the community, and other interested stakeholders. Identify, shape, and lead preservation initiatives and projects in response to current issues, gaps, and needs in King County. Advocate publicly for the preservation of historic places in accordance with 4Culture's advocacy framework. Oversee department funding programs, including applicant support, guideline development, panel process, and contract administration. This includes a portfolio of grant programs supporting historic preservation organizations and projects, cultural facilities, and new and emerging cultural organizations. Directly manage Landmarks Capital and Preservation Emergency grant programs, supporting the rehabilitation of designated landmark properties across King County. Collaborate with leading preservation agencies and organizations to acquire, rehabilitate, and reposition highly significant, endangered historic properties through the Preservation Action Fund. Recruit, hire, supervise, and review the work of department staff. This responsibility includes providing individual feedback as part of 4Culture's annual staff coaching process. Department staff consists of five direct reports and one indirect report. Coordinate recruitment, appointments, and activities of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. Develop departmental budgets and work plans in alignment with 4Culture's strategic plan. Contribute to the overall health and welfare of 4Culture by participating in internal sub-committees that address overarching issues affecting the operations of the agency and working collaboratively to create publications, presentations, and other 4Culture outreach and advocacy materials as needed. 4Culture leadership has the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time to ensure the success of the organization.

Minimum Qualifications: We are looking for candidates that can demonstrate they have the skills listed above through a combination of their work, education, and life experience as demonstrated in their resume, and cover letter. Nine (9) years of experience working in a nonprofit, educational, or small government environment Five years' experience supervising employees and creating work plans Preferred Qualifications Degree in historic preservation or related field Work Environment Position works a 37.5 hour work week, Monday-Friday. This position will primarily be onsite 4Culture at 101 Prefontaine Pl S, Seattle, WA. Seattle. This position is hybrid (3 days in the office/2 days remote). Occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours are required. Alternative work arrangements may be considered and will be based on operational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation: Full pay range is Grade 20: $107,688 - $172,163. Starting range is anticipated to be $123,807 - $139,926. Compensation will be negotiated and based on the selected candidate and their experience and includes a competitive package of benefits. It is classified as Regular Full Time, non-exempt. Benefits of Working at 4Culture Working at 4Culture provides the chance to support and learn from the cultural community that makes King County a vibrant region to live in. Our mission affirms a deep commitment to racial equity as we work with our community to end institutional and structural racism. We work toward this goal, while supporting the physical and mental health of all 4Culture employees. Maintaining an appropriate work life balance is essential to our work, and 4Culture prioritizes staff wellness and the continual evolution of a healthy organizational culture. The perks of working at 4Culture include: A 37.5 work week 12 paid vacation days annually, with additional paid vacation accrual after 5 years of service 12 days of paid Holiday (including Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day) Access to a lactation room Orca transit card Attractive comprehensive health insurance package consisting of medical, dental, vision, and basic life and long-term disability insurance for employees No Discrimination in Hiring 4Culture is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. We recognize that diverse perspectives, ideas, cultures, and life experiences of all employees are critical to our success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects our residents, meets the needs of the communities we serve, and leverages the power of our employee's individual uniqueness. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to creed, age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability unless such limitations are necessary for the performance of the role and no less discriminatory alternatives are available. This information is available in alternative format for persons with disabilities. TTY Relay: 711