Position at Heritage Preservation

Director
Heritage Health Index II
Heritage Preservation

Heritage Preservation, a national, public policy nonprofit dedicated
to preserving the cultural heritage of the United States and located
in Washington, DC, is seeking a professional with research, library,
museum, and/or archives experience to direct the Heritage Health
Index II survey.

The Heritage Health Index <URL:http://www.heritagehealthindex.org>
was conducted in 2004 and was the first ever comprehensive survey to
assess the condition of U.S. collections held in archives,
historical societies, libraries, museums, and scientific research
organizations, large and small, from internationally renowned art
museums and research libraries to local historical societies and
specialized archives.

The study documented the number of artifacts held in public
trust-4.8 billion-and concluded that immediate action was needed to
preserve them. The results of the survey were published in

    A Public Trust at Risk:
    The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America's
        Collections
    <URL:http://www.heritagepreservation.org/HHI/summary.html>

and received widespread press. Professional associations and
collecting institutions across the country consistently use the
survey data to make their case for support of collections care.

Heritage Preservation in cooperation with the Institute of Museum
and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the
Humanities (NEH) will conduct the survey again in 2014. The Heritage
Health Index II will update the data and measure the extent and
effectiveness of preservation activities and initiatives over the
past 10 years. The Heritage Health Index II will recommend actions
to improve the care of collections to ensure they will be available
for public access now and in the future.

The Heritage Health Index II will be based on the survey instrument
used in 2004, in order to collect similar information and track
trends. However, questions regarding digital collections and digital
preservation may be revised or expanded. To assist with this,
digital experts will be convened and consulted. The survey
methodology and sampling will also be reviewed and planned in
consultation with a survey research firm and mathematical
statistician.

Director of the Heritage Health Index II will work with the
President of Heritage Preservation and staff at IMLS and NEH to:

    Select and manage work of a consulting survey research firm and
    statistician;

    Review and revise the survey questionnaire;

    Convene digital preservation experts;

    Plan survey methodology and sampling;

    Compile the survey sample mailing list;

    Prepare survey instrument and methodology for approval by the
    Office of Management and Budget (OMB);

    Collaborate with related federal agencies and professional
    associations to publicize the survey;

    Manage the survey distribution and online survey administration;

    Encourage response rate and assist respondents completing the
    survey;

    Review collected data with the survey research firm to plan
    further analyses;

    Gather and organize case studies to feature in final reports;

    Author survey reports;

    Publicize and distribute survey results;

    Assist with project fundraising strategies;

    Write funder reports.

Required skills:

    B.A. (M.A. preferred) in a related field;

    Familiarity with a wide range of collecting institutions,
    including libraries, archives, historical societies, and
    museums;

    Knowledge of and interest in conservation and preservation;

    Understanding of statistical research methodology and practices
    and survey software reports;

    Experience with planning and managing project budgets and grant
    reporting;

    Strong writing skills and experience writing reports for
    professional audiences;

    Excellent organizational skills;

    Ability to manage multiple tasks;

    Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs particularly
    Microsoft Office Excel and database applications such as
    FileMaker Pro;

    Experience with public speaking; and

    Positive and energetic work ethic.

The director of the Heritage Health Index II is a full-time,
grant-funded position that will conclude in February 2015.

Salary is commensurate with experience. An excellent benefit package
includes a commuting stipend through DC Metro. The position is full
time at 37.5 hours per week; the hours are 9-5:30. Relocation
expenses will not be covered. Heritage Preservation offers congenial
staff, contact with a wide range of cultural institutions, and a
convenient downtown location. For more information on Heritage
Preservation, see

    <URL:http://www.heritagepreservation.org>

Heritage Preservation is an equal opportunity employer.

By August 8, 2013, send a resume with a cover letter describing
relevant skills, experience, and interest to

    Lawrence Reger
    President
    Heritage Preservation
    jobs<-at->heritagepreservation<.>org

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 27:6
                  Distributed: Saturday, July 20, 2013
                        Message Id: cdl-27-6-038
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