Careers

Position Title:

Historian & Director of Academic Initiatives

Classification:

Full Time/Exempt

Reports To:

Deputy Director & Chair of Collections and Engagement  

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Deputy Director & Chair of Collections and Engagement, the Historian & Director of Academic Initiatives will be responsible for the creation of public-facing historical content, producing a steady stream of articles, podcasts, and other key content for AJHS Digital, AJHS’s burgeoning online repository for learning about American Jewish history. This position will work directly with the AJHS Academic Council and its executive committee on academic initiatives and programs, including the Biennial Scholars’ Conference, the American Jewish History journal, graduate fellowships and postdoctoral opportunities, and other scholarly initiatives as identified. 

 The Historian & Director of Academic Initiatives will also perform professional scholar duties to support the full organization, which include conducting research, reviewing historical content, and responding to potential opportunities and inquiries related to academic partnerships and opportunities. They are responsible for ensuring the historical merit, rigor, and integrity of all materials produced under the AJHS name, including review of blog content, K-12 curriculum materials, exhibitions, podcast scripts, produced videos, and other produced media and written materials. They will also serve as an historical advisor and partner to the Executive Director in the development of all content. 

This position is a collaborative role that works with the Senior Manager for Programs and Digital Media and the Collections and Engagement team to develop high-quality programming, digital content, and exhibitions, and works closely with the Advancement department to identify opportunities for fundraising. 

Other Information About This Role:

Part of the newly-formed American Jewish Education Program supported by Sid and Ruth Lapidus, this is the ideal position for a public-minded historian who is interested in reaching a wide variety of audiences, with particular attention to growing AJHS’s reputation both among scholars and beyond the scholarly community. Founded in 1892, AJHS is the oldest continuously operating cultural archive in the United States, and in the last several years, has undergone a significant transformation to fulfill our mission through digital media and outreach, with the ultimate goal of operating as a “museum without walls.” The right person for this role will continue to publish their own book projects, articles, and research, and will receive one day per week to focus on those outside endeavors. 

Qualifications: 

1. PhD in American history with specialization in Jewish history or a comparable degree is required; no additional specific emphasis is required nor is there any preference given to era of expertise.
2. Expert-level knowledge of both primary and secondary sources on American Jewish history and culture.
3. Comfort with and knowledge of methodology and techniques to conduct historical research, peer review of materials, and teach audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
4. Comfort and flexibility with public speaking, speaking to members of the press, and leading programs on stage, including serving as host at events and public programs. 
5. Excellent project management skills with the ability to develop short- and long-term project plans for historical projects. Experience with conferences, symposia, or similar events is a plus.
6. Ability to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a complex organizational environment.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits: