Director Curriculum & Outreach (Slavery North)
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Job Summary
The Director of Curriculum and Outreach manages Slavery North's developing strategies to interpret and share research findings with academic and professional organizations, the community, and the media. The Director collaborates with active researchers at UMASS and in the field, as well as reviews related academic publications to help publicize the history and art historical depiction of slavery in the northern part of North America. The Director plans and organizes panel discussions, exhibitions, screenings, conferences, workshops, and other in-person and virtual events. Additionally, the director is responsible for developing historical and art historical curricula for all educational levels and for academic and lay audiences in this emerging field of study.
Essential Functions
Promotes academic outreach by organizing conference panels and panel series, exhibitions, screenings, conferences, lectures, interviews, workshops, and other in-person and virtual events. Plans all logistics for Institute events, such as participant communication, venue selection and reservations, technical support, photographic and video documentation, participant releases, lodging accommodations, catering, travel, and venue set-up. Serves as program manager at events to ensure successful execution.
Records, documents, archives, and disseminates all Institute events and programming. In collaboration with the Institute Administrative Assistant, documents all Institute outcomes for funding and grant applications and for updates to the Institute website and other social media, digital, and face-to-face dissemination.
Supports Slavery North Fellows and provides guidance and assistance in creating suitable visual and art historical content to elevate and publicize their research projects across Slavery North’s social media platforms.
Secures all necessary legal releases for image, recording, and copyright permission for Institute outcomes.
In collaboration with the Director, Associate Director, and others, identifies and writes grant and funding applications for Institute events and outcomes.
With the support of the Director, Associate Director, and others, creates, writes, packages, and delivers original, research-based, art historical curriculum on Institute mandate areas for workshops and events directed at various constituents.
Coordinates with other campus departments and programs at UMass Amherst and the Five Colleges (as well as other external stakeholders and affiliates) to promote the mission and goals of Slavery North by hosting national and international conferences, events, and symposia.
In concert with the Director of Research and Engagement, curates mandate-related art exhibitions and plays a significant role in formulating the overall direction of Slavery North’s artistic and cultural research outcomes. Works with the Director to develop, produce, and implement art historical exhibition-related programming, and educational materials.
In collaboration with University Relations and the UMass News and Media Office, acts as Slavery North's media liaison. Schedules, organizes, and supervises media bookings (for Director, Associate Director, fellows, visiting scholars, etc.) and coordinates public outreach and promotion of the Institute’s goals and mission.
Creates original marketing and promotional materials for the Institute to support, maintain, and expand its reputation and to promote knowledge of its work and outcomes within academia and the general public.
Develops, oversees, and manages social media channels of the Institute. Develops a dynamic and professional Institute podcast and creative podcast programming and expands the Institute’s podcast and social media presence to enhance its reputation. Organizes guest bookings for podcast materials and oversees the technical and artistic aspects of the productions.
Professionally represents the Institute at various scholarly and academic conferences and with community partners to develop a strong collaborative approach to expanding the Institute’s presence locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Supervises undergraduate and graduate student employees.
Maintains both professional and confidential relationships.
Maintains up-to-date information regarding current events and public opinion in helping the Institute to address and respond to current events and attitudes.
Supervises a staff member.
Other Functions
Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet the Institute’s, College’s, and University’s goals and mission.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
MA level degree in Art History.
Expertise in Transatlantic Slavery Studies, the Visual Culture of Slavery, Black Diaspora Studies, African American Studies and/or
At least three years of experience in a professional or supervisory work setting; with at least one year of teaching or research experience in an academic concentration related to the mandates of Slavery North.
Expertise in Transatlantic Slavery Studies, the Visual Culture of Slavery, Black Diaspora Studies, African American Studies and/or African Canadian Studies or related field(s); specific knowledge of Transatlantic Slavery in Canada and/or the US North.
Evidence of training in and knowledge of primary research in the Humanities and/or Fine Arts as related to the study of Transatlantic Slavery and the Black Diaspora.
History of publication or original creative outcomes in topics of concern to Slavery North. This should include at least four publications and four lectures and/or presentations at academic conferences or symposia.
Demonstrated experience in coordinating academic conferences or symposia and experience moderating and presenting at such conferences.
Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and delivery. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively both collaboratively in a diverse group and independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to represent the Institute professionally amongst a wide array of people from different backgrounds including community leaders, visiting scholars, academics, general public, media, and University administrators.
Ability to work collaboratively with other University media offices to carry out the goals and missions of the Institute.
Ability to commute to various locations beyond the main campus reliably.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
History of demonstrated contributions to, engagement with, and/or interest in the issues related to Institute mandate areas:
Experience and demonstrated ability as effective public speaker and educator.
Demonstrated knowledge of social media and media relations.
Personable, organized, creative, and enthusiastic about education for academic and lay audiences.
Demonstrated interest in the issues and histories with which the Institute engages.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment but will manage set up at various venues for public presentations.
Ability to travel independently and work in various locations on- and off-campus to set up and oversee the successful outcome of Institute events and meet with Institute partners, stakeholders, media outlets, and others.
Additional Details
This position is funded by a grant and the initial appointment is through November 6, 2026.
Work Schedule
hours per week. Flexible schedule. Some night and weekend work will be required.
Salary Information
Salary Level 28
- Location:
- Amherst
- Job Type:
- PartTime