The Black History and Culture (BHAC) Director will be responsible for developing and guiding TPL’s work to protect, create and interpret sites of significance to Black history and culture. This body of work is implemented organization-wide with particular focus in field programs and aligns with TPL’s Strategic Plan. The position will work closely with field leadership, programmatic leads (lands, parks, schoolyards, trails), subject area experts (equity, climate, health, community) and relevant philanthropy partners to build and maintain a robust portfolio of work, secure funding, coordinate field implementation, and align with Strategic Plan objectives. The position will explore and implement on-the-ground projects in collaboration with field staff. The Black History and Culture Director will act as the external lead and contact for TPL mission delivery related to Black History and Culture and will build/maintain relationships with agencies, public officials, stakeholders, donors, and the Black History and Culture Advisory Council.

We are flexible as to location.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Advance Black history and culture work in alignment with TPL’s strategic plan and mission, via strategy development and implementation, internal collaboration among TPL departments, and external engagement with partners and donors.
• Refine and implement a multi-year vision and plan for TPL’s Black history and culture work.
• Monitor and manage the BHAC project portfolio to meet TPL mission and ensure consistency with TPL Strategic Plan; coordinate with field staff and State/Regional leadership regarding budgeting and staffing (management of budgets and staffing lies at the state/region level).
• Explore new projects as needed, working in collaboration with State/Regional leadership, field staff, with guidance from Initiative Leads. If needed, work with State/Regional leadership to develop staffing plan for project implementation.
• Serve as programmatic lead for the Black History and Culture Advisory Council. Coordinate closely on Council support and interactions with Philanthropy, with a top priority of growing the board into an effective philanthropic and networking board.
• Provide assistance and guidance to field programs in project exploration and implementation, via direct project work, partnership development, technical expertise, and connections to the community of practice.
• In close coordination with Philanthropy and Finance, allocate funds raised for Black history and culture work to relevant projects, programs, and organizational support. Work with field leadership and executive team sponsor to make decisions around the allocation of raised funds that will lead to the greatest benefit for projects, programs, and partners.
• Support Philanthropy efforts as natural partner and program lead to secure lightly restricted funding; advise local field staff and local philanthropy staff on restricted fundraising as needed for specific projects. Assist Philanthropy as needed to identify and grow donor pipeline, and steward, cultivate and solicit current and prospective donors.
• Build, maintain, and act as the primary contact for external relationships relevant to the Black history and culture body of work with public officials and partners to advance TPL goals.
• Collaborate with new Institute for Parks and Public Land in order to link field implementation of Black history and culture work to TPL thought leadership.
• Lead on relevant policy issues relevant to TPL in partnership with policy advocacy and government relations staff.
• Work with Federal Affairs on relevant congressional delegation outreach and cultivation. Act as partner and spokesperson to promote TPL’s federal policy goals.
• Work with data and research staff on planning, mapping, conservation economics, etc. efforts that advance TPL’s goals with respect to Black history and culture work.
• Work with Marketing and Philanthropy to strengthen TPL’s identity and reputation as an organization committed to and successful in protecting/creating sites of significance to Black history and culture through outreach events, public speaking engagements, press opportunities, and creating a public presence for TPL in the community.