Technical Assistance Associate, National Fund for Sacred Places
Partners for Sacred Places
Partners for Sacred Places seeks candidates for the full-time position of Technical Assistance Associate of the National Fund for Sacred Places. The Technical Assistance Associate will work in close collaboration with the Director of the National Fund and the Technical Assistance Coordinator to deliver consulting services to National Fund grantees.
The National Fund, which is a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000+ as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking significant capital projects. This program, supported by the Lilly Endowment, has served over 100 congregations to date; and is funded through 2028.
All grantees are eligible to receive one pro bono consulting service in addition to the capital grant and planning grant they receive from the National Fund. The services (Capital Campaign Support, Communications Support, Economic Halo Effect Study, and Community Engagement) are delivered by a combination of National Fund staff and other Partners’ staff. The services offered via the National Fund are intended to help congregations that are in the midst of large capital projects advance the planning and fundraising efforts they undertake as part of the program.
Key Responsibilities
During the first 6 months on staff, learn to deliver some of Partners’ core consulting services by shadowing current staff who are working in the field.
Work with the Technical Assistance Coordinator and other staff to deliver pro bono consulting services to National Fund grantees (such as economic impact studies and community engagement conversations) for the 2025 cohort and future cohorts.
Produce high quality written reports and presentations as deliverables to the congregations.
Report to and remain in close communication with the Technical Assistance Coordinator, keeping them informed on the status of each project.
Provide assistance, as needed, with special projects related to the National Fund or other Partners’ programs.
Participate in the application review process alongside other National Fund staff.
Respond to inquiries from congregations with questions about the program as needed.
Skills
Able to work with congregations across a range of faith traditions, denominations, cultural backgrounds, and geographic contexts
Able to work with individuals from various sectors, including religious leaders, architects, historic preservationists, etc.
Able to work independently and in a variety of small and large group contexts. Work collaboratively and collegially with National Fund staff
Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively
Confidently facilitate small group meetings and one-on-one conversations
Ability to handle multiple projects at any given time (and keep track of deliverables and deadlines)
Requirements
Interest in and appreciation for community-serving congregations and historic religious buildings
Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, Geography and Urban Studies, Historic Preservation, Architecture, or a related field
At least three (3) years’ work experience
Experience working in a mid-size nonprofit organization or similar
Fluency in Google Workspace
Reside in, or willingness to move to, Philadelphia
Willing/ able to travel domestically to deliver National Fund-related services as needed at least monthly or bi-monthly
Preferred
Proficiency in Spanish or another language
Fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud
