AAHI Community Programming Specialist

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary:

The African American Initiative (AAHI) Community Programming Specialist (CPS) is a creative, passionate, and inspiring leader who focuses on developing and facilitating dynamic public programming for the initiative. 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. Reflecting the goals and priorities of our community, AAHI's mission is to develop inclusive exhibits and programs that educate, empower, and enlighten our visitors. The African American History Initiative includes three staff in addition to the CPS who work primarily on AAHI duties, a core group of internal staff who provide direction and support, a larger internal working group that provides ideas on activities and opportunities for the initiative, and a yet-to-be-formed external advisory group that will provide community input on the direction of the initiative.

The AAHI Community 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. Daily operations include but are not limited to attending community events throughout the region, building relationships on behalf of MHS, and collaborating with local organizations and individuals to create programming that reaches and engages diverse audiences. The CPS reports directly to the Director of Education and Community Engagement who oversees and manages signature events, public programming, K-12 education, and early childhood and family programs. The CPS works alongside these teams to make sure that African American history is included in meaningful ways in all programming efforts.

Essential Functions:

Programming and Collaboration

• • Develop and implement annual AAHI programming that includes Juneteenth/Freedom Month Series, MLK Community Celebration, Black History Month Series, Missouri Emancipation Day, and monthly African American Genealogy programming. The CPS should collaborate with key community organizations to develop these programs, and programs should draw strong connections to local history and reflect current issues facing the region.
  • Work within the Education and Community Engagement Department to advise on programing efforts and contribute accordingly to ensure that MHS's overall slate of offerings includes a diversity of programs that appeal to wide audiences.
  • Maintain and deepen existing partnerships and develop new partnerships with government, non-profit organizations, educational/cultural institutions, and grass roots community groups with the goal of developing unique educational and meaningful events and reaching new audiences.
  • Work with the core AAHI team to help support internal MHS communications, the emerging external AAHI advisory committee, and other projects as appropriate.
  • Support outreach and represent the African American History Initiative and the Missouri Historical Society at off-site events (i.e. community event tabling, networking events, and recognition ceremonies) in order to maintain and strengthen relationships.
  • Work with the Community Initiatives Specialist to contribute to the collaborators database.

  Meetings and Project Management

  
  
  • Follow the appropriate procedures, communicate with other departments, and meet deadlines for program logistics, including reserving spaces, creating Runs of Show, requesting volunteers, designing wayfinding plans, ticketing, and other logistical concerns.
  • Track attendance numbers and work with the MHS Manager of Institutional Evaluation to determine outcomes and measures of success for programs.
  • 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.
  • Serve on internal teams for exhibits, initiatives, and community advisory groups.
  • Attend regular update meetings with supervisor and department, division, and all-staff meetings.
  • Attend and actively participate in educational and professional training as scheduled.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in history, social studies, American studies, urban studies, museum studies, community engagement, social work or related field strongly preferred, or relevant work experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years project management experience, preferably in cultural institutions or nonprofit sector with an emphasis on community engagement and event planning.
• Experience collaborating with community groups to develop programs around their shared histories preferred.

Skills:

• 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.
• 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, business and philanthropy.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues, both regional and national.
• Ability to conduct research with primary and secondary sources.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Exceptional attention to details in an environment with many priorities.
• Ability to work as a member of a team to achieve department and museum-wide strategic goals.
• Ability to balance multiple projects concurrently and effectively meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours is required.

Deadline to Apply: Position open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for AAHI Community Programming Coordinator Jobs at Missouri History Museum