Oral Historian
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.
About the Indiana State Library:
The Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau is a public library building, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is the largest public library in the state of Indiana, housing over 60,000 manuscripts. Established in 1934, the library has gathered a large collection of books on a vast variety of topics.
Role Overview:
The staff person manages the Historical Bureau's legislatively mandated oral history of the Indiana General Assembly. The oral historian will implement the project's third phase, which prioritizes the development of educational curriculum and outreach as well as the continued improvement of the ILOHI online archive and website, the enactment of an ambitious transcription plan, and the conducting of oral history interviews with former legislators. The oral historian's duties include program administrative duties; performing historical background research; scheduling, conducting, and processing interviews; implementing plans for preservation and accessibility of the oral histories; engaging in outreach; developing educational programming; contributing to Bureau social media, blog, and almanac; identifying project data and trends to contribute to other IHB programs and initiatives. Occasional travel, mostly in-state, will be required.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential elements of the job duties:
- Coordinate and support the development of at least one of the major initiatives of the Indiana Historical Bureau, which may include digitizing primary sources, conducting oral histories, documentary editing, and researching, writing, and proofing historical blogs, digests, reports, or bulletins for electronic publication.
- Understand and promote the mission of the Indiana Historical Bureau by writing articles, creating analog and digital content or exhibits.
- Deliver programs to highlight Indiana history, and bureau services, or educate public audiences on how to access and use primary sources in physical and digital repositories for historical research.
- Identify and devise ways to adapt and repurpose existent agency research and educational resources in formats that are accessible for 21st century audiences.
- Cooperate with the needs of the Historical Marker Program to provide research, textual, and editorial support.
- Act as agency delegate to assigned historical collaborative committees, panels, or conferences.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
- Demonstrated ability to operate independently and collaboratively as a senior subject specialist on modern Indiana political history, especially regarding the work of the Indiana General Assembly from 1970 to present.
- Superb people skills to interact with a variety of personalities and holders of a range of political viewpoints in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner.
- Master's degree in American history, public history, folk studies, political science, public policy, or related discipline. Graduate-level coursework, practicums, or fieldwork in oral history preferred.
- Minimum of two years work experience conducting oral histories is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of oral history professional practice, methodology, theory, and ethics.
- Previously demonstrated project management, planning, or organizational skills.
- Ability to conduct primary and secondary source research in libraries, archives, and digital environments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to edit and proofread transcripts.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities.
- Strong technological aptitude and proficiency to work with various specialized pieces of hardware, software, and digital platforms. Basic knowledge of audio recording and editing preferred.
- Able to provide leadership and vision in coordinating specific division mandates with other employees.
- Integrate ILOHI project with other IHB programming and collaborate with IHB colleagues on related initiatives.
- Ability to supervise the work of graduate interns, volunteers, and contractors.
- Willingness to perform related duties as assigned and contribute to IHB’s larger mission.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
- Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid new parent leave
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected].
The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
