Job Requisition: JR101565 Head of Public History (Open) Job Posting Title: Head of Public History Department: CC00036 WM001 | PROV | Provost's Office Job Family: Staff - Librarians Worker Sub-Type: Regular (benefited) Job Requisition Primary Location: Swem Library Primary Job Posting Location: Posting Location - William & Mary Job Description Summary: William & Mary Libraries seeks a Head of Public History to advance research, engagement, and storytelling centered on the university’s complex past and its relationship with surrounding communities. The Head of Public History will lead the Lemon Project and Bray School Lab to connect legacy projects about William & Mary’s history, including African American life, slavery, and race in the university and Williamsburg. They will supervise two full-time employees and one part-time employee who support public history initiatives. Reporting to the Director of the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC), the Head of Public History will collaborate with library colleagues, university partners, and descendant communities to conduct original research in the University Archives, develop public history projects, and elevate public understanding of William & Mary’s historical legacies. Key Responsibilities: • Leadership, Research, and Interpretation o Conduct and lead research on the history of William & Mary and the Williamsburg community, emphasizing underrepresented voices and legacies of slavery and segregation. o Foster conversations, elevate, and build synergy across local public history initiatives at William & Mary. o Participate in professional associations related to public history. • Community Engagement o Steward external‑facing public history efforts by cultivating high‑profile partnerships with civic, cultural, and descendant community stakeholders and ensuring that initiatives remain inclusive, ethical, and responsive to community perspectives. o Partner with community organizations, historians, and educators to co-create programs and interpretive projects. o Serve as a liaison between the university and community partners on matters relating to public history, interpretation, and shared authority. o Utilize professional judgement to navigate historical narratives and community concerns. • Public Programming and Education o Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of high‑profile public events, including an annual symposium and associated programming throughout the year. o Lead the design, implementation, and deliver talks, workshops, and exhibitions. o Collaborate with faculty, students, and staff to integrate historical research into courses, public programs, and community events. o Support student learning and mentorship through experiential research opportunities in public history. • Collaboration and Stewardship o Work closely with archivists and librarians to identify, preserve, and provide access to resources relevant to university and community history. o Partner with campus units—including Omohundro Institute, National Institute for American History and Democracy (NIAHD), Office of Strategic Cultural Partnerships, and the Department of History—to coordinate initiatives. o Contribute to grant writing and project planning to support public history programming and research. About the Lemon Project and the Bray School Lab: The Lemon Project is William & Mary’s long-term research and reconciliation initiative that investigates the university’s history of slavery and its ongoing legacies. The Bray School Lab researches and interprets the history of the Williamsburg Bray School, one of the oldest surviving schools for enslaved and free Black children in North America. Together, these initiatives reflect the university’s commitment to inclusive historical interpretation. Hiring Range: $68,250 up to $85,300 commensurate with experience Job Description: Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in history, public history, museum studies, or a related field with equivalent education, training, and/or experience. Demonstrated experience in archival or public history research and teaching. Strong record of community-engaged scholarship or programming. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills as it relates to community. Preferred Qualifications: 3-5 years’ experience working in a university or academic library setting. Knowledge of Virginia and Tidewater regional history. Familiarity with digital humanities tools and platforms for public storytelling. Experience working with descendant communities. Application Instructions: For full consideration, please apply by the review date. A resume/CV and cover letter are required for this position and should address why you are interested and how you meet the qualifications. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy. Conditions of Employment: This is a professional, exempt position. Travel, evening, and weekend work may occasionally be needed to meet the business needs of the department. Duties: 25% Leadership, Research, and Interpretation: Conduct and lead research on the history of William & Mary and the Williamsburg community, emphasizing underrepresented voices and legacies of slavery and segregation. Foster conversations, elevate, and build synergy across local public history initiatives at William & Mary. Participate in professional associations related to public history. 25% Community Engagement: Steward external‑facing public history efforts by cultivating high‑profile partnerships with civic, cultural, and descendant community stakeholders and ensuring that initiatives remain inclusive, ethical, and responsive to community perspectives. Partner with community organizations, historians, and educators to co-create programs and interpretive projects. Serve as a liaison between the university and community partners on matters relating to public history, interpretation, and shared authority. Utilize professional judgement to navigate historical narratives and community concerns. 25% Public Programming and Education: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of high‑profile public events, including an annual symposium and associated programming throughout the year. Lead the design, implementation, and deliver talks, workshops, and exhibitions. Collaborate with faculty, students, and staff to integrate historical research into courses, public programs, and community events. Support student learning and mentorship through experiential research opportunities in public history. 25% Collaboration and Stewardship: Work closely with archivists and librarians to identify, preserve, and provide access to resources relevant to university and community history. Partner with campus units—including Omohundro Institute, National Institute for American History and Democracy (NIAHD), Office of Strategic Cultural Partnerships, and the Department of History—to coordinate initiatives. Contribute to grant writing and project planning to support public history programming and research. Additional Job Description: Job Profile: JP0701 - Librarian II - Exempt - Salary - S12 Qualifications: Compensation Grade: S12 Recruiting Start Date: 2026-04-09 Review Date: 2026-05-09 Position Restrictions: Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility. William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) are vibrant, innovative and engaged communities and we are delighted about your interest in a career with us. William & Mary offers a competitive range of benefits that support employee well‑being and professional growth, including access to on‑campus fitness facilities, university libraries, and other wellness resources. Educational assistance, professional development opportunities, and a robust holiday schedule are also available. Learn more and explore our comprehensive benefits website.