America250KY Research Specialist

Who loves research, writing, and interpreting the past for a wide audience? Who wants to tell diverse stories and help guide how a state remembers its history?

 

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is excited to be the administrative agency for the America250KY Commission, a multi-year, statewide commemoration of the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of our work to tell broad, inclusive stories about this important history, KHS is seeking a creative, experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking researcher who can research and create content for exhibitions, publications, digital history projects, interpretive programs, and more. This position will also highlight KHS collections to the public and will showcase the importance of Kentucky history and research.

 

This is a time-limited position that concludes on December 31, 2026. To learn more about KHS and the America250KY Commission, please visit history.ky.gov.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with KHS staff to conduct research and create content for programs, services, and publications related to the America250KY. These include, but are not limited to:
  • Creating white papers that summarize interpretive themes that help KHS and outside partners guide projects and programs.
  • Exhibitions and public interpretive displays.
  • Digital history projects and online exhibits.
  • Online and external publications, including blog posts, op-ed pieces, and more
• Assist with content for the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, KHS’s quarterly, peer-reviewed journal, including special issues related to the America250KY.
• Assist KHS and tourism partners with research and content creation for statewide or regional tourism/heritage trails and other tourism development opportunities.
• Research and create content for audiovisual programs on various platforms, including local television, public television, online platforms, and more.
• Assist external partners with research and content creation, as needed. May include Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet partners, statewide museums and local history organizations, local tourism offices, public libraries, civic organizations, and more.
• Work collaboratively with KHS staff and community partners to develop public history programs for a general audience.

 

For a complete position description, please click HERE.

 

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:  Master’s degree in history, public history, museum studies, or a related field preferred. Undergraduate degree in history or a related field required. Experience conducting in-depth, history-related archival research is also needed, as is the demonstrated ability to research and write quickly, concisely, and clearly for a public audience.

 

Specialized Knowledge:  Subject knowledge of and familiarity with the field of history is required. Knowledge of Kentucky history is desired. Must also have the ability to work collaboratively and creatively with a broader team and handle multiple complex projects at the same time.

 

Communication:  Excellent research and writing skills and the ability to translate large concepts and synthesizing key talking points or components is also required. The ability to speak professionally with diverse groups of people in both formal and informal settings is preferred.

 

Computer Skills:  Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, online databases, web publishing software, social media tools, and websites.

Working Conditions:

• Work Environment – Ability to organize files and projects and complete them on time. Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion. Must be willing to work some weekends, some evenings, and occasionally travel.

 

Probationary Period:          This job has an initial probationary period of six (6) months.

 

This is a time-limited (expires on December 31, 2026), full-time position located in Frankfort, Kentucky, that reports to the Editor of The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $30,605.28. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, 401(k), and optional deferred compensation plans.  Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to [email protected]. No telephone calls will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is July 25, 2024. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort:  the Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object & archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has full American Alliance of Museums accreditation.

 

KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.

 

Questions concerning this job opportunity should be addressed to [email protected].