Public Historian
Columbia, SC
Full-time
Onsite
1 month ago
About the role
Logo:
Posting Number:
RTF00111PO26
USC Market Title:
Research Specialist
Link To USC Market Title:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156402
Business Title (Internal Title):
Public Historian
Campus:
Columbia
Work County:
Richland
College/Division:
Division of Academic Affairs and Provost
Department:
PROV Civil Rights Center
Anticipated Hiring Range:
$36,608 - $50,000
Part/Full Time:
Full Time
Hours Per Week:
37.5
Work Schedule:
Type Of Staff Position:
Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis :
12 months
Other
Job Search Category:
About University Of South Carolina:
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
South Carolina Retirement:
No
State Insurance Programs:
Yes
Annual Leave:
Yes
Sick Leave:
Yes
Advertised Job Summary:
The Public Historian will support the Center’s public history and collections work by assisting with archival research, preparing draft interpretive materials for digital and physical exhibits, and carrying out collections processing and digitization tasks. Working under general supervision of the Assistant Director for History, Research, and Education, the position follows established procedures to enhance discoverability of internal collections and to support public-facing projects and oral history activities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience:
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Job Duty:
Assist with archival research and draft interpretive materials.
Support faculty and staff by conducting archival searches, compiling source materials, and preparing draft research summaries, label copy, and exhibit scripts for review. Perform background research to support assigned exhibit segments (e.g., JFA, Briggs v. Elliott, BTW Auditorium). All final interpretive text and exhibit decisions are reviewed and approved by the Assistant Director.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage Of Time:
40
Job Duty:
Collections processing, digitization, and metadata entry .
Perform digitization of archival materials, capture basic metadata, and apply established cataloging standards to increase discoverability. Execute workflows and data entry as directed; maintain accurate records of digital and physical holdings and coordinate transfers with Special Collections partners under supervision.
Percentage Of Time:
30
Job Duty:
Support digital and visual exhibit production
Assist in assembling digital exhibit elements, creating basic visual assets from templates, and preparing content for online platforms. Provide logistical support for exhibit setup and coordinate with vendors/IT for content uploads and display requirements; escalate design and interpretive choices to senior staff.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Job Duty:
Oral history recording and transcription support
Provide practical support for oral history activities: assist with interview setup, media capture, file organization, and preliminary transcription. Ensure interview files and associated metadata are stored in accordance with established procedures.
Percentage Of Time:
5
Job Duty:
Administrative, training, and professional development tasks
Coordinate scheduling, assist with event logistics, support student intern onboarding and daily supervision for routine tasks, maintain project trackers, and attend relevant trainings and professional events as assigned.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Hazardous Weather Category:
Non-Essential
Employees In Safety-Sensitive Or Security-Sensitive Positions Will Be Subject To Pre-employment And Post-employment Drug Testing In Accordance With University Policy HR 1.95 Drug And Alcohol Testing.:
No
Number Of Vacancies:
1
Desired Start Date:
07/06/2026
Position End Date :
07/31/2028
Job Open Date:
05/19/2026
Job Close Date:
05/26/2026
Open Until Filled:
No
Special Instructions To Applicant:
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by May 26, 2026.
Quicklink For Posting:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/206545
EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Posting Number:
RTF00111PO26
USC Market Title:
Research Specialist
Link To USC Market Title:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156402
Business Title (Internal Title):
Public Historian
Campus:
Columbia
Work County:
Richland
College/Division:
Division of Academic Affairs and Provost
Department:
PROV Civil Rights Center
Anticipated Hiring Range:
$36,608 - $50,000
Part/Full Time:
Full Time
Hours Per Week:
37.5
Work Schedule:
- 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
- Some requests may be made to assist with events that occur outside of normal hours.
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Type Of Staff Position:
Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis :
12 months
Other
Job Search Category:
About University Of South Carolina:
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
South Carolina Retirement:
No
State Insurance Programs:
Yes
Annual Leave:
Yes
Sick Leave:
Yes
Advertised Job Summary:
The Public Historian will support the Center’s public history and collections work by assisting with archival research, preparing draft interpretive materials for digital and physical exhibits, and carrying out collections processing and digitization tasks. Working under general supervision of the Assistant Director for History, Research, and Education, the position follows established procedures to enhance discoverability of internal collections and to support public-facing projects and oral history activities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience:
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s in History, Public History, Museums, or related field and 1 or more years of previous experience in museums, archives, historic preservation, archival research, and exhibits (digital or physical).
- Experience working with public history collaborative projects, exhibits (particularly digital), and oral history
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license
- Ability to travel for research and fieldwork as needed; estimated 4-5 days per month
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Knowledge of the African American civil rights movement, particularly the role of South Carolina, is encouraged.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
- Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assigned tasks and deadlines
- Ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including the ability to interact professionally with key internal and external stakeholders as needed
- Ability to collaborate effectively and provide routine guidance to student assistants
- Familiarity with digital tools and software relevant to exhibit and archival work (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud).
- Knowledge of and experience with Public History best practices, including exhibit design, digital exhibits, oral history practices, SC archival repositories, archival research practices, and digitization.
Job Duty:
Assist with archival research and draft interpretive materials.
Support faculty and staff by conducting archival searches, compiling source materials, and preparing draft research summaries, label copy, and exhibit scripts for review. Perform background research to support assigned exhibit segments (e.g., JFA, Briggs v. Elliott, BTW Auditorium). All final interpretive text and exhibit decisions are reviewed and approved by the Assistant Director.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage Of Time:
40
Job Duty:
Collections processing, digitization, and metadata entry .
Perform digitization of archival materials, capture basic metadata, and apply established cataloging standards to increase discoverability. Execute workflows and data entry as directed; maintain accurate records of digital and physical holdings and coordinate transfers with Special Collections partners under supervision.
Percentage Of Time:
30
Job Duty:
Support digital and visual exhibit production
Assist in assembling digital exhibit elements, creating basic visual assets from templates, and preparing content for online platforms. Provide logistical support for exhibit setup and coordinate with vendors/IT for content uploads and display requirements; escalate design and interpretive choices to senior staff.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Job Duty:
Oral history recording and transcription support
Provide practical support for oral history activities: assist with interview setup, media capture, file organization, and preliminary transcription. Ensure interview files and associated metadata are stored in accordance with established procedures.
Percentage Of Time:
5
Job Duty:
Administrative, training, and professional development tasks
Coordinate scheduling, assist with event logistics, support student intern onboarding and daily supervision for routine tasks, maintain project trackers, and attend relevant trainings and professional events as assigned.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Hazardous Weather Category:
Non-Essential
Employees In Safety-Sensitive Or Security-Sensitive Positions Will Be Subject To Pre-employment And Post-employment Drug Testing In Accordance With University Policy HR 1.95 Drug And Alcohol Testing.:
No
Number Of Vacancies:
1
Desired Start Date:
07/06/2026
Position End Date :
07/31/2028
Job Open Date:
05/19/2026
Job Close Date:
05/26/2026
Open Until Filled:
No
Special Instructions To Applicant:
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by May 26, 2026.
Quicklink For Posting:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/206545
EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Skills
Online Audio and Video Media