Public Historian

The Public Historian works closely with the Executive Director to develop public programs including lectures, symposia, and workshops, as well as digital presentations and online outreach that showcase Avery’s growing archival material. The Public Historian drives the academic arm of the Center and conducts scholarly research around specific themes and or aspects of African American history and culture in collaboration with the Executive Director. Primary responsibilities include production of relevant scholarship, identifying and pursuing grant-funded initiatives, organizing conferences and relevant public history colloquia in addition to programs and outreach designed for the wider public. Having full access to Avery’s robust collections, he/she maintains his/her own research and publications in academic journals and manuscripts and direct Avery publications.

The Public Historian is a faculty member in the library and reports to the Executive Director of the Avery Research Center. With affiliation in African American Studies, history, anthropology, sociology or related department, the Public Historian teaches one course per academic year and develops collaborative programs among Avery and academic departments across campus to foster high-impact learning opportunities for students.

Responsibilities and Duties                                                                          Percent of Effort

Programming Duties                                                                                                      40%

• Leads the development and delivery of public programs including conferences, symposia and workshops) in partnership with academic departments and programs on campus and in the region.
• Contributes to the framework for the Lowcountry Digital History Initiative.
• Curates, develops and coordinates digital initiatives to deepen the cultural, historic, artistic and civic relevance of Avery’s collections, exhibitions and mission.
• Curates and coordinates content of Avery’s social media efforts; develops social media channels that appropriately manage the museum’s reputation and leverage social media to meet Avery’s goals.

Teaching and Research                                                                                                     20%

• Teaches one course annually in the African American Studies, history, anthropology, sociology or related department,
• Serves as affiliated member of an academic department.

Administrative Duties                                                                                                        30%

• Collaborates with the Curator to develop exhibitions that showcase the Avery Collections and highlight important aspects of the African American historical narrative as well as relevant topics around contemporary African American issues.
• Works with the Curator to develop clear, informative and comprehensive text for exhibition panels and promotional materials for each exhibition.
• Serves as Saturday Administrator on duty on a rotating basis.
• Works with the Executive Director to identify potential funding opportunities and write grant proposals.
• Communicates research and Center initiatives via publications including the Avery Messenger, the Avery website, and digital exhibitions and gives presentations at professional meetings and conferences as well as other scholarly publications developed by the Avery Research Center, the African American Studies Program and the CLAW Program. Provides copy for Avery website and other marketing materials.

Library, Avery and College Affairs                                                                                            10%

• Serves on Avery, College and professional committees, elected or assigned.
• Represents the College of Charleston at meetings and conferences locally and nationally.

Job Requirements

• PhD in humanities or social sciences
• Ability to articulate academic values to diverse constituencies
• Event coordination and management experience
• Experience designing and working with website
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-faceted programs and projects
• Demonstrated ability to work and prioritize in multi-project deadline driven environments

Salary Range   $54,000 – $58,000

The College of Charleston is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

To apply and for additional information, please go to http://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/5746