Executive Director | Austin, TX

An invitation to apply for the position of 

Executive Director 

Texas Historical Commission (THC), Austin, TX 

THE SEARCH  

The Texas Historical Commission (THC), one of the nation’s largest and most wide-reaching and impactful state historical commissions, seeks an Executive Director (ED) who will further its mission to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations of Texans. The ED joining this successful agency will have the opportunity to continue its remarkable trajectory of growth and capitalize on significant legislative appropriations to increase the impact of this important work.  

Throughout its nearly 70-year history, THC has built collaborative relationships across county historical commissions, history museums, and historic preservation organizations across the Lone Star State and has become the cultural organization at the center of Texas historical preservation. THC also serves as the regulatory agency for historic preservation and the State Historic Preservation Office. To build capacity for this work and understand the needs of the communities in Texas, the THC invests in research, both quantitative and qualitative feedback, and engages with rural and urban communities and communities that span a variety of diverse identities.    

The ED will serve as the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and will play a pivotal role in overseeing the preservation, conservation, and promotion of the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage and serves as a key advocate, administrator, and coordinator of historic preservation efforts throughout the state. The ED will oversee efforts to identify and designate historic sites and districts that hold significance to Texas’ history and culture. They will also play a critical role in fostering collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders, including state and local governments, communities, property owners, preservation organizations, and federal agencies.  

The successful candidate will be intellectually curious; a superb relationship builder and financial steward with a passion for some aspect of historic preservation, history, archaeology, or architecture; and possess a demonstrated track record of experience in management in a historic preservation agency or comparable organization.  

This is a permanent, full-time position. The compensation range for this role is $156,652 – $168,270. 

The Texas Historical Commission has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in strict confidence to https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/texas-historical-commission/executive-director