The DeKalb History Center (DHC) is a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the wide-ranging stories of the people and places of DeKalb County, Georgia. The DHC is a small organization with a track record of strong growth. We are located in the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in downtown Decatur. We offer excellent benefits to our employees.
Position Summary
This is a new position. You will be responsible for developing and implementing ways for the DHC to better document African American history in DeKalb County. The African American History Coordinator is responsible for outreach and research activities that document and promote DeKalb County’s African American history, such as educational programs, presentations, workshops, written content and exhibit content.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with individuals, organizations, communities, cities, and other public institutions across DeKalb County to research, gather, and share the African American, and as available, BIPOC, history of DeKalb County.
• Plan and coordinate the content of our annual Black History Month Celebration with committee, board, and staff support.
• Conduct oral history interviews with African Americans involved in DeKalb’s history through business, education, church, government, community service, and more.
• Provide history content/articles/posts for newsletters, blog, and social media.
• Collaborate with Programs Coordinator to develop and present programs related to the African American experience in DeKalb County.
• Process and inventory new archival or museum collections brought in through the result of your work following established policies and procedures as guided by our Archivist.
• As needed, periodically work with Exhibits Coordinator to provide content for DHC exhibits.
• Works with the Executive Director to manage new or existing museum collections.
• Review current DHC materials to create an inventory of our existing African American resources in our archives and artifacts; update as needed.
General
Perform other duties as assigned by Executive Director. All members of the staff are required to support DHC programs that are held after normal working hours and to assist with projects that may lie outside their primary areas of responsibility.
Experience and Educational Requirements
• BA in Black Studies, Africana Studies, History, Public History, or related fields, and one year of professional experience in public history, historic preservation, or related field.
• Ideally, the candidate also has professional skills or abilities related to archives and historical research. Prior employment at a small non-profit and knowledge of collections management processes are a plus.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s license.
Skills
Knowledge of African American history, culture, and genealogy and general knowledge of Southern history.
Experience conducting historical research using primary and secondary sources.
Ability to communicate in a clear and effective manner both orally and in writing and to diverse populations and audiences.
Excellent computer skills and the ability to use social media effectively.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative spirit.
Physical Functions
Primary work in an office environment but occasionally outside (city festivals, children’s programming, etc.). Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Sitting, standing and walking for periods of time.
Organizational Relationships
Reports to the Executive Director; works with all staff members as assigned; committees and volunteers as needed.
Time Requirements:
This is a fulltime exempt position. The African American History Coordinator reports 8:30 – 5:00 Monday through Friday with flex time given to compensate for occasional weekend and after-hours work for outreach, programs, and events.
We provide: Excellent benefits package including health insurance; three weeks paid annual leave, 11 paid holidays; sick leave; downtown Decatur parking; 401(k) match; career development.
Salary Range: $38,000 - $44,000
TO APPLY Submit cover letter, resume, and one writing sample to carlson@dekalbhistory.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. No walk-ins or phone calls.
