Research Fellow in U.S. History
Pioneer Institute is seeking a Research Fellow in U.S. History
Duration: Start as soon as possible, end June 2015
Location: 185 Devonshire St, 11th floor, Boston, MA
Compensation: Stipend available
About Pioneer. Pioneer Institute is an independent, non-partisan, and privately-funded research organization that seeks to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts through civic discourse and intellectually rigorous, data-driven public policy solutions based on free market principles, individual liberty and responsibility, and the ideal of effective, limited and accountable government. We are a leading state policy think-tank, a resource for legislators on Beacon Hill and staff in the State’s executive offices, and attract more press than any other research institute in Massachusetts.
U.S. History Initiative: Currently, Massachusetts high school students do not have to demonstrate mastery of U.S. history or civics to obtain a diploma. Middle school social studies departments have been eliminated in recent years, and high schools are replacing history and social science electives with other subjects. The Frederick Douglass Prize in U.S. history and an interactive website developed in 2013, ACommonSense.org, are part of a Pioneer Institute initiative to revive U.S. history and civics instruction in Massachusetts. In 2013-14, Pioneer awarded $4,000 in prizes to high school students who participated in a statewide essay contest, and the Institute is holding another contest this year.
Description. The Research Fellow in U.S. History will expand on the strong foundation Pioneer Institute has built through its website, http://acommonsense.org/ and its outreach to Massachusetts high schools and historical landmarks and museums. The Fellow will coordinate, promote and execute the statewide contest, including outreach to schools, professional councils, partnering museums and historical societies; implementation of advertising campaigns and public announcements; selection of judges and communication with contest participants. The Fellow will also be trained in social media promotion and e-marketing efforts. Throughout the semester, the Fellow will learn and develop hands-on experience in:
– website support and content development;
– outreach strategy for entry solicitation;
– marketing the history initiative on various social media platforms
The Fellow will work closely with the Director of School Reform and the Communications Director and will be provided other opportunities to gain experience, conditional on availability and on their qualifications and career goals. Throughout the course of the fellowship, Pioneer will also provide opportunities to enjoy related events, including lectures, tours of local historical landmarks and outings to museums.
Fellowship requirements. The ideal candidate will be a college junior or senior, or a graduate student in US History, American Studies, American Literature, political science, or a related field. Applications from all majors will be accepted, but the following characteristics will help the Fellow maximize his or her educational experience at Pioneer Institute:
– Excellent command of MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
– Interest in using social media for promotion purposes (Facebook, twitter, Reddit);
– High motivation, self-direction, and problem-solving skills;
– Flexible schedule estimated at about two days a week.
All effort will be made to meet requirements for course credit if needed.
To apply, email a resume and cover letter to matt@pioneerinst.wpengine.com. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
