African American History Initiative Programming Specialist

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary:

The African American History Programming Specialist is a creative, detail-oriented, passionate, and inspiring professional who focuses on developing and facilitating dynamic public programming for the African American History Initiative (AAHI). AAHI strives to share and promote stories that explore various aspects of the Black experience throughout this region. In addition to the core values of the Missouri Historical Society (MHS), this initiative supports the collection of artifacts, stories, and other materials concerning historically underrepresented communities; the development of future museum professionals; and the preservation and sharing of Black resources and history in the greater St. Louis area. The African American History Initiative includes three full-time staff in addition to the Programming Specialist who work primarily on AAHI duties, a committee of other MHS staff who provide support and guidance, and an external advisory group that provides community input on the direction of the initiative.

The African American History Programming Specialist is responsible for creating programming that examines the complexities of our region’s history and draws connections to today’s relevant societal issues. On average, the programming specialist is responsible for project managing 1-2 programs each month, from start to finish. The programming specialist collaborates with local organizations and individuals as well as other colleagues at MHS to create unique events that range in size and type to reach and engage diverse audiences.

The African American History Programming Specialist reports to the Director of Education and Community Engagement, who oversees and manages signature events, public programming, K-12 education, and early childhood and family programs. The Programming Specialist works alongside these teams to ensure African American history is included in meaningful ways throughout MHS’s program lineup.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an average of one to two AAHI programs each month. The programming specialist collaborates with key community organizations and other MHS staff to develop these programs, and programs should draw strong connections to local history and reflect current issues facing the region. Annual programs include a Missouri Emancipation Day event, an MLK Community Celebration Keynote, a Black History Month program, a Juneteenth Keynote, a national author event, and monthly African American History and Genealogical Society programming, and additional programs should connect to current exhibits, MHS initiatives, and our community’s most pressing issues.
• Collaborate within the Education & Community Engagement department, offering input on the team’s full slate of programs and supporting fellow team members to build a diverse set of program offerings that appeal to a variety of different audiences, including audiences who are new to or unfamiliar with MHS.
• Follow the appropriate procedures, communicate with other departments, and meet deadlines for program logistics, including reserving spaces, creating Runs of Show, requesting volunteers, designing wayfinding plans, drafting contracts, and other logistical duties.
• Adhere to and track AAHI programming budget and follow appropriate procedures and deadlines for paying contractors.
• Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of MHS programs, exhibitions, and collections.
• Work with the AAHI team to support internal MHS communications, the external AAHI advisory committee, community outreach, and other projects as appropriate and as time allows.
• Attend and contribute to regular update meetings with supervisor, AAHI team, Education and Community Engagement department, Public History division, and all-staff meetings.
• Serve on internal teams for exhibits, initiatives, and community advisory groups as time allows.
• Attend and actively participate in educational and professional training as scheduled.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to develop productive and respectful relationships with community leaders and groups, including but not limited to communities of color, immigrant and refugee communities, businesses and philanthropic organizations.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues. Familiarity with issues impacting the St. Louis region is preferred, but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to details, ability to balance multiple projects concurrently, and effectively meet deadlines.
• Ability to work as a member of a team to achieve department and museum-wide strategic goals.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours is required, 4-6 times per month.
• A passion for supporting community building and an understanding of how history and museum programming can serve that goal.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and organizations from diverse communities and backgrounds to achieve mutual goals.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in history, social studies, American studies, urban studies, museum studies, or a related field strongly preferred, or relevant work experience.
• Minimum 2-4 years project management experience, preferably in museums or cultural nonprofits, with an emphasis on event planning.
• Experience collaborating with community groups to develop programs around their shared histories is preferred.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

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An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis