Associate Director of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) is the lead managing partner for the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, designated by Congress in 1996. SVBF works to preserve, protect, and interpret the hallowed ground of the Valley’s Civil War battlefields, steward more than 8,000 acres of protected battlefield land, and promote heritage tourism across eight counties in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Through close collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, SVBF ensures these historic landscapes remain protected for future generations while supporting education, outdoor recreation, and economic vitality in the region.

The Associate Director of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships reports to the COO and plays a critical leadership role in advancing the Foundation’s mission. This position is responsible for shaping and executing public policy strategies to safeguard battlefield landscapes from incompatible development, while cultivating and managing high-impact strategic partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, tourism organizations, historical societies, landowners, and other key stakeholders. The role blends policy advocacy, government relations, coalition building, and partnership development to strengthen preservation efforts, secure funding and legislative support, and enhance the Foundation’s influence at local, state, and federal levels.

Public Policy and Government Relations

- Lead the development and execution of the Foundation’s public policy agenda, including monitoring and responding to legislative, regulatory, and land-use issues that could impact battlefield preservation and the National Historic District.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with federal agencies (e.g., National Park Service), Virginia state agencies, local governments, and Virginia’s congressional delegation.

- Prepare policy briefs, testimony, comment letters, and advocacy materials; represent SVBF at public hearings, meetings, and stakeholder forums.

- Track and influence transportation, infrastructure, land-use planning, and environmental policies affecting battlefield integrity and viewsheds.

- Collaborate with legal counsel and preservation partners on easement enforcement, regulatory compliance, and responses to potential threats.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

- Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships with national and regional organizations, including land trusts, heritage tourism boards, and conservation groups, to advance shared preservation and interpretation goals.

- Develop partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and collaborative projects that leverage resources, expertise, and funding.

- Serve as a key liaison to the National Park Service and other federal, state and local partners involved in the work of the National Historic District.

- Work with local communities, landowners, historical societies, and tourism entities to build broad support for heritage tourism initiatives aligned with battlefield protection.

Funding, Grants, and Resource Development

- Identify and pursue public funding opportunities (federal and state grants, appropriations) that support policy, partnership, and preservation initiatives.

- Contribute to grant writing and reporting in collaboration with the development or land preservation staff

- Support fundraising efforts by engaging policy and partnership contacts in donor cultivation and stewardship.

Leadership and Administration

- Provide guidance on policy and partnership matters to the broader team and supervise relevant staff or contractors as needed.

- Represent the Foundation at conferences, symposia, and professional networks in historic preservation, heritage tourism, and public policy.

- Contribute to organizational strategic planning, board reporting, and annual goal setting.

- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.

Required

- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, government relations, historic preservation, history, political science, or a related field.

- Experience public policy, government relations, or advocacy, ideally within historic preservation, and with some experience as an aid or staff member at the state or federal government level.

- Deep familiarity with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, its mission, core projects, and the broader landscape of battlefield preservation in Virginia.

- Demonstrated understanding / knowledge of the Shenandoah Valley region and appreciation for its communities, history, and landscape.

- Demonstrated knowledge of the national and regional battlefield preservation community, including current issues, key players, and emerging challenges facing historic battlefields.

- Working knowledge of American military history, with a particular focus on the Civil War campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley and their strategic and historical significance.

- Proven success in building and leading teams, managing complex projects, and achieving meaningful outcomes.

- Proficient in written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling policy materials and deliver persuasive presentations.

- Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed; occasional overnight travel may be required.

Preferred

- Working knowledge of Virginia’s political and legislative landscape, current historic preservation issues, basic preservation programs, policies and law (e.g., Section 106, National Historic Preservation Act, ABPP, etc.).

-Experience working as frontline staff at a historic site, battlefield or museum providing valuable insight into the visitor experience and public engagement with historic resources.

- Passion for Civil War history and protecting and interpreting America’s battlefields.

- Strategic thinker with analysis and problem-solving abilities.

- Collaborative team player who excels at building trust and consensus across diverse groups.

- High degree of professionalism, tact, and positive personal deportment with exceptional professional presence and polished personal appearance that enables effective representation of the Foundation across all levels of stakeholders

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with policy tracking or tools.

This position is based in New Market, Virginia (Shenandoah Valley), with varying work arrangements and duty stations required depending on organizational needs. The role involves a mix of office work, field visits to battlefields and partner sites, and meetings with government officials and stakeholders across the region.

Salary range $58,000 - $72,000; a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. SVBF is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $58,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000 - $72,000