The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History (GLI) is the nation’s leading American history organization dedicated to K–12 education. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources. Since its founding in 1994, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has created powerful and meaningful ways to teach and learn history. Focusing on primary sources, we illuminate the stories of people and events that inspire students of all ages and backgrounds to learn and understand more about history.

The Institute brings the work of today’s leading historians into classrooms and homes around the globe. Through public events, publications, posters, videos, exhibitions, and essays, the Institute brings every period of American history to life. The Institute’s diverse portfolio of education programs, including the acclaimed Hamilton Education Program, provides opportunities to deepen one’s knowledge and appreciation of history. The Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School network comprises nearly eight million students and 56,000 teachers from more than 30,000 schools worldwide.

The Role

The Gilder Lehrman Institute seeks a PhD in American history who is interested in stepping outside the conventional academic career path to provide rigorous, imaginative oversight to its history education programs. Responsibilities include advising the President and COO on priorities for the Institute’s academic strategy and programs that serve teachers, students, and the general public.

The right candidate will have a strong background in American history, stellar writing skills, teaching experience, administrative ability, and an entrepreneurial spirit. They will share in GLI’s beliefs that the study of history should be rooted in primary sources and should involve creativity and exploration, that we should seek to understand the past on its own terms, not through a presentist or political lens, and that American history, despite its uneven progress, is the continuous pursuit of “a more perfect union.”

This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer. The position is based in New York City. The start date is negotiable but should be no later than September 1, 2022. Some weekend and evening hours are required.

Roles and Responsibilities (including, but not limited to)

In consultation with the President and COO, the Director of Academic Strategy will

• Guide and oversee the intellectual and pedagogical content of all GLI programs, ensuring accuracy and rigor
• Lead the development of new education programs and initiatives to better serve teachers and students, and extend the Institute’s reach
• Determine GLI’s priorities for teacher professional development and curriculum materials
• Oversee the selection of scholars for GLI programs and recipients of GLI college and scholarly fellowships
• Advise on topics for GLI publications, including books and History Now, exhibitions, and course offerings for the master’s degree program
• Lead major initiatives, such as the Declaration at 250 project
• Serve as GLI’s representative to academic organizations
• Collaborate effectively with teams and colleagues within the Institute, including leading cross-departmental teams
• Additional responsibilities as required

Skills and Qualifications 

• PhD in American history
• Excellent writing skills
• Teaching experience
• Experience working in K–12 education a plus
• Experience working well under pressure, meeting deadlines, and developing short- and long-term strategies to meet objectives
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications

To Apply

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume/CV in a single file to hr@gilderlehrman.org. Please include “Director of Academic Strategy” in the subject line of your email. Please also let us know how you heard about the role.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute offers a generous and inclusive benefits package, including free admission to some of the best NYC museums and a paid winter recess from December 26 to 31.