Public Engagement Assistant

The Rhode Island Historical Society is seeking a full-time Public Engagement Assistant. This position is an opportunity to engage our audience by assisting with programs and events, social media promotion and outreach, and donor communications.

The ideal candidate should be an excellent communicator, highly organized, and have sound judgment, excellent follow-through, and strong attention to detail. They should also enjoy working collaboratively and share a personal commitment to the RIHS’s mission of honoring, interpreting, and sharing Rhode Island’s past to enrich the present and inspire the future.

This position reports to the Director of Advancement & Public Engagement and will work closely with the Public Engagement Manager, as well as the teams at the John Brown House Museum, Museum of Work & Culture, and Robinson Research Center.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● Monitor social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, responding to messages and comments in a timely manner, and engaging with partner content
● Provide support for staff in the dissemination of press releases, weekly eblasts, calendar postings, and creation of visual promotion material
● Support departmental programs and events by tracking ticket sales and registration, responding to questions or concerns from patrons, and assisting with the running of events, including setup and breakdown;
● Assist with member and donor communication by generating appropriate gift acknowledgments, renewal reminders, and other physical and digital mailings;
● Update and revise content on the RIHS webpage on a regular basis to ensure written and visual consistency with other messaging;
● Track monthly departmental metrics, and;
● Collaborate with department members to build new departmental tools and initiatives.

We are seeking a team member who is detail-oriented, responsive, and organized. The ideal candidate should have:

● Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
● The ability to identify opportunities for streamlining processes
● Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining positive relationships
● A creative mindset and enthusiasm for collaboration
Candidates should also be proficient in the Google Suite of products, as well as Facebook and Instagram. Experience using Canva and WordPress is a plus.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and requires a flexible schedule for regular business hours Monday through Friday, as well as other hours to support and attend RIHS programs and special events that may occur on evenings and weekends.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to the following:
● Noise, such as groups of people working in enclosed areas or crowds at public events
● Typical office environment
Please note, there is no elevator access above the first floor of the Aldrich House (where this position will be based); all attempts at reasonable accommodation will be made with notice of need.

This position also requires candidates to attend meetings and events throughout Rhode Island.

All candidates must have a valid driver’s license and independent transportation.

The Rhode Island Historical Society offers a competitive and comprehensive salary and benefits package. This is a full-time position and therefore includes such benefits as health insurance, optional vision and dental insurance, paid vacation time (starting at two weeks and becoming three after one year of service), paid sick time (accruing at a rate of 1 day per month), and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 403b plan with RIHS contribution after 2 years of service. The salary is $20/hour and will be reviewed annually.

To apply for this position please email your resume/CV and cover letter to jobs@rihs.org with “Public Engagement Assistant” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

About the Rhode Island Historical Society
The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state’s oldest and only state-wide historical organization, is dedicated to honoring, interpreting, and sharing Rhode Island’s past to enrich the present and inspire the future. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is an advocate for history as a
means to develop empathy and 21st-century skills, using its historical materials and knowledge to explore topics of timeless relevance and public interest. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible public programming and educational
opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through its four sites: the John Brown House Museum, the Museum of Work & Culture, the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, and the Aldrich House.

The Rhode Island Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity
and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.