The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is a nonprofit organization that preserves, cultivates, and promotes the natural and cultural heritage of 25 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary to benefit current and future generations. As a leader in cultivating and sustaining the vitality of one of the most biologically and culturally diverse regions in the world, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is the only nonprofit organization serving this 25-county region and the Qualla Boundary that preserves, cultivates, and promotes five nationally significant heritage resources, including agriculture, Cherokee, craft, music, and natural heritage.
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is based in Asheville, North Carolina, but our work takes place in all parts of the region. We are dedicated to transparency and quality in all we do, ensuring every program reflects the distinct character, traditions, and culture for present and future generations. Our organization is committed to equity and fair representation, and we seek to cultivate a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and has a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.
Current Job Postings
Program Manager
Location: Asheville, NC (with extensive regional travel)
Reports To: Executive Director
Salary: $58,000-$62,000
Status: Exempt
Posted: July 31, 2026
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) seeks a self-motivated, detail-oriented, creative individual to develop and implement a programmatic plan of work that combines experience in heritage preservation, arts and culture programming, nonprofit management, community partnerships, grant administration, and public engagement. The position will help ensure the organization meets its mission to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural and cultural resources of the North Carolina mountains and foothills within the BRNHA 25-county footprint.
Core skills include:
– Project and program management expertise; Strong relationship-building skills.
– Interest and experience with Cherokee, craft, and music traditions of Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
– Nonprofit and grant-management experience, excellent writing and communication skills, and event planning and community engagement experience.
– Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and comfort working independently within a small team.
