Job Description

Student Programs Coordinator 

At the Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS), a private nonprofit founded in 1791, we believe that historical understanding is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Our historical collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. The MHS has a commitment to a full presentation of the historical record and aims to be inclusive, open, and fair in all that we do, especially in the face of the sometimes difficult historical truths we must preserve and present. 

The MHS’s mission is to promote an understanding of the history of Massachusetts and the nation by collecting and communicating materials and resources that foster historical knowledge. To help the organization fulfill its mission, our education department works with K-12 students and their teachers to equip them with the knowledge and tools to positively shape our communities now and in the future. 

Position Summary 

The Student Programs Coordinator will bring an existing foundation of program development, project management, administration, teaching, and/or customer service experience to provide high-quality learning opportunities for students and support for their teachers in Massachusetts. This role reports to the Director of Education and will be an integral part of an enthusiastic, collegial, and highly collaborative team of three public history and education professionals.  

The Student Programs Coordinator’s efforts will center on coordination of the National History Day (NHD) in Massachusetts program, which the Massachusetts Historical Society sponsors. A student-led interdisciplinary research project for grades 6-12, NHD strengthens students’ critical thinking, argumentation, and communication skills and prepares them for success in college, career, and citizenship. Students are supported throughout the yearlong program through workshops and resources aligned to each stage of the project. A student’s NHD journey culminates in a series of contests and project showcases during which they receive feedback from volunteer judges in the community. 

The Student Programs Coordinator must be able to interact with and support people of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds, including teachers, students, families, and volunteers. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a commitment to furthering the MHS’s goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

This is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt position that is dependent on grant funding which may be renewed. The role can be done primarily remotely, with some in-person attendance required. 

Essential Functions 

• Coordinate the National History Day in MA program, which includes managing in-person regional and state competitions, and stewarding MA participation in the national competition onsite in College Park, MD 
• Manage administrative aspects of NHD programs including but not limited to: registration and scheduling; contest planning and execution; volunteer and judge recruitment; and support for students and teachers  

• Collaborate with education staff to develop and deliver History Day-related workshops to increase participation across the state and connect K-12 audiences to MHS collections 
• Conduct in-person and virtual outreach to schools to cultivate and strengthen engagement 
• Support regional coordinators and lead volunteer NHD MA advisory team 
• Serve as liaison between NHD in Massachusetts and NHD, Inc. 
• Collaborate with education staff to develop appropriate resources for NHD teachers and students 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Support day-to-day activities of education department, including scheduling of meetings/workshops and tracking of income/expenses  
• Produce content for bi-monthly blog posts to promote education department activities  
• Produce content for monthly e-newsletters that connect teachers to MHS resources and programs  
• Other duties as assigned 

Skills and Qualifications 

We are committed to a review process that takes a broad, holistic look at the experience of each applicant, and we recognize that different types of professional experience can produce the desired skill set for this position. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work; please demonstrate in your application how your experience has prepared you to succeed in the responsibilities of this position. 

• Enthusiasm for MHS’s mission and desire to support practices incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 
• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in project and/or event management, administration, program development, or education 

• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex projects with speed and accuracy 
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills and experience working with multiple audiences including staff, youth, volunteers, et al. (including occasionally speaking in front of large audiences) 
• Ability to stay calm under pressure in an occasionally fast-paced environment 
• Strong computer skills within Google Workspace and Office 365 environments with the ability to learn new software applications 
• Able to travel occasionally for required in-person attendance at: NHD contests at the regional and state level within Massachusetts and the national contest in College Park, MD (overnight travel); quarterly department meetings in or around Boston, and some in-person school visits within Massachusetts 

• Valid U.S. driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for in-person responsibilities is preferred, but not required 

Compensation and Benefits 

This is a fulltime, temporary position at 35 hours per week. The salary for this role falls within the range of $42,000-$48,000 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Massachusetts Historical Society offers a generous benefits package including: 

• Medical, dental, and life insurance 

• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts 
• Vacation starting at three weeks plus 12-14 holidays per year 
• Retirement benefits with an employer match of up to 4% 
• Pre-tax commuter benefits and a monthly public transportation incentive 
• Reciprocal entrance to many local education and cultural institutions 

While we hope to make this a permanent position in the future, funding is currently grant-dependent. This position may be renewed after one year based on performance and available grant funding.  

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Massachusetts Historical Society aims to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a workplace free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a “protected class”). 

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: administration, Education, and nonprofit. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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