This position will start out around 20 hours a week, but given recent political momentum, there is potential for it to grow into a full-time position.

The Public Policy Strategist leads and coordinates public-policy research, government relations, and advocacy initiatives that advance the mission and strategic priorities of The Preservation Society. The position develops and maintains a strategic framework to help shape and influence preservation policy at the local and state levels while monitoring relevant regional and federal developments. The Public Policy Strategist researches proposed legislation, regulations, zoning matters, government initiatives, and community issues affecting historic preservation, cultural resources, historic properties, and PSNC’s institutional interests. The position prepares policy recommendations, briefing materials, correspondence, and educational resources; cultivates professional relationships with public officials, government staff, preservation partners, and community stakeholders; and coordinates PSNC’s participation in policy discussions, public meetings, and preservation-advocacy initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

· Develop and implement a public-policy and preservation advocacy framework that advances PSNC’s mission and strategic priorities.

· Identify, evaluate, and recommend responses to emerging policy issues affecting historic preservation, cultural resources, Newport’s historic character, PSNC properties, or organizational operations.

· Monitor legislation, regulations, ordinances, zoning matters, redevelopment initiatives, tax-credit programs, and government actions relevant to historic preservation and PSNC.

· Conduct historical, architectural, zoning, land-use, and preservation-policy research to support advocacy priorities and organizational decision-making.

· Collaborate with departments across PSNC to identify policy concerns, gather subject-matter expertise, and develop consistent institutional responses.

QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIREMENTS):

· Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, historic preservation, architectural history, urban planning, law, government relations, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

· Three years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government relations, legislative affairs, historic preservation, advocacy, community engagement, public administration, or related work.

· Experience working with elected officials, government staff, public agencies, boards, commissions, community organizations, coalitions, or external stakeholders.

· Excellent research, writing, editing, communication, presentation, and policy-translation skills, including the ability to turn complex information into clear briefs, recommendations, talking points, correspondence, and educational materials.

· Demonstrated discretion, political awareness, sound judgment, professionalism, and integrity when handling sensitive or high-impact matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· This position primarily requires sedentary office work, including sitting for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and other standard office equipment.

· The employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and in writing and must be able to travel to and move through PSNC properties, government offices, public meeting locations, community venues, and other offsite locations related to public-policy, advocacy, or stakeholder-engagement work. 

· The employee may occasionally lift or carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment with regular interaction across departments and occasional attendance at meetings, events, or activities both on and off PSNC properties. The noise level is generally minimal in the office but may vary depending on meeting, event, or project location. Evening or weekend availability may occasionally be required to support CEO priorities, organizational meetings, special events, or time-sensitive projects. 

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Preservation Society of Newport County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs – qualified candidates from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.