African American History Programming Specialist

Position Summary:

The African American History Programming Specialist is a creative, detail-oriented, passionate, and inspiring professional who focuses on developing and executing 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 director, a curator, and a public historian.

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 managing 2-4 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.

This position reports to the Director of Education and Community Engagement for administrative supervision, departmental coordination, and alignment with museum-wide programming priorities. As part of the African American History Initiative team, the Programming Specialist works under the creative direction of the Director of AAHI to develop programming that advances the initiative’s mission and priorities. As part of the Education and Community Engagement Department, the Programming Specialist works alongside colleagues across public programming, signature events, K–12 education, teen programming, and early childhood and family learning to support large-scale programming as needed to ensure African American history is thoughtfully integrated throughout MHS's programming calendar.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute an average of two to four AAHI programs each month under the strategic and creative direction of the Director of AAHI. The programming specialist collaborates with key community organizations and other MHS staff to research, develop, and execute these programs. Programs should reflect AAHI’s annual priorities, strengthen community partnerships, connect to exhibitions and institutional initiatives, and both celebrate and examine from multiple perspectives the historical and contemporary experiences of Black St. Louis.
• Collaborate with the Director of the African American History Initiative to identify annual programming priorities; cultivate relationships with community organizations, scholars, artists, and cultural leaders; develop program concepts; identify speakers and partners; and translate strategic ideas into high-quality public programs.
• 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 way-finding 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, relationship building with community collaborators and stakeholders, 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.

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.

Skills and Expertise:

• 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, 6-8 times per month (time off to balance hours can be scheduled during weekdays).
• 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.