NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE: Project Scholar

DEPARTMENT: History Exhibits

REPORTS TO: Vice President for History Exhibits

 

New-York Historical Society, a preeminent educational and research institution, is home to both New York City’s oldest museum and to one of the nation’s most distinguished independent research libraries. N-YHS is dedicated to presenting exhibitions and public programs, and fostering research that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, its holdings cover four centuries of American history, and include one of the world’s greatest collections of books, manuscripts, graphic materials, historical artifacts, and American art documenting the history of the United States as seen through the prism of New York.

 

JOB SUMMARY:

The New-York Historical Society is seeking a temporary Project Scholar consultant who would contribute to the creation of an exhibit and complementary website about the U.S. presidency that opens in February 2020. This project is part of a museum-wide initiative in civic education.

 

The Project Scholar will be principally responsible for historical research, for writing and fact-checking of exhibit label text, and for advising the curators. Throughout the process, the Project Scholar will work closely with the History Exhibits team and collaborate with other departments at N-YHS, along with outside scholars and institutions. Candidates will be expected to attend meetings at N-YHS, adhere to writing deadlines, and revise their work as needed. Modest administrative tasks may also be involved in order to make the work product available to all team members.

 

The consultant-based position is expected to begin in late May 2019 and extend through December 2019. The specific schedule will be decided upon between the candidate and the Vice President for History Exhibits. Candidates must be able to spend significant time on the project during summer 2019, but requirements will be much lighter in fall 2019.

 

Compensation will meet professional standards and will be based on experience.

 

EDUCATION: Candidate must have a doctorate in a related field or be well advanced in a doctoral program.

 

EXPERIENCE:

• Candidate must have background in presidential history and US government, including a feel for the key issues of the presidency across American history
• Experience working in public history a plus
• Excellent written skills, experience writing for a public audience preferred
• Excellent research and organizational skills, attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a team-based environment
• Computer skills including Word, Google Docs, and Dropbox
• Additional duties as requested.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

 

This position is largely a sedentary role using a computer.

 

TO APPLY:

For consideration please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample  to: resumes@nyhistory.org

Please reference the job title in the subject line.  Preference given to resumes received by May 10, 2019.

 

The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer