Public History Assistant

Liberty University, Inc.; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Liberty University, Inc. is seeking a part-time Work Study Employee for the Chaplains Museum to assist with daily operations, welcome visitors, and support university initiatives throughout the semester.

You will gain hands-on training in public history while working with the Director of Public History, using PastPerfect and Omeka, and creating digital content for the museum's site and social channels.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: junior in a History program.
• Preferred: senior or graduate student pursuing public history.
• Knowledge of public history concepts is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist daily operations of the museum under supervision.
• Use digital tools such as Microsoft Office, PastPerfect, and Omeka.
• Coordinate and assign student projects.
• Create digital content for the museum's website and social media.
• Catalog and maintain collections records digitally.
• Provide visitor services and support visitor experiences.
• Support internships aligned with academic interests.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Public history knowledge

Research

Education

Junior in History program

Senior/Graduate History student

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PastPerfect

Omeka

Social media platforms

Job description

Working independently, exercising good judgement and discretion, the College of Arts and Sciences Work Study Employee will assist the Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff with projects and administrative tasks as assigned. This includes welcoming all visitors to the College of Arts and Sciences offices, as well as supporting university initiatives including CFAW and Experience LU. This position provides hands‑on training in public history while working closely with the Director of Public History. Responsibilities include welcoming and assisting museum visitors, coordinating student worker projects, supporting daily operations of the Chaplains Museum, managing collections through cataloging and other digital tools, creating social media content, and contributing to a variety of public history, museum, and administrative initiatives as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work 12–15 hours per week in person at the Chaplains Museum throughout the semester.

• Assist with the daily operations of the museum under the supervision of the museum director.
• Use digital tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite, PastPerfect, and Omeka.
• Coordinate and assign student projects.
• Create digital content for the museum’s website and social media platforms.
• Manage museum social media.
• Catalog and maintain museum collections records digitally.
• Conduct historical and collections-based research.
• Assist with exhibit planning, development, and installation.
• Provide visitor services and support positive visitor experiences.
• Participate in internship projects tailored to individual academic interests and major or minor fields of study.
• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Minimum Qualifications Junior in a History program
• Preferred Qualifications Senior or Graduate Student in a History program Pursuing career in Public History

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
• Strong organizational skills.

Computer skills

Computer skills

Problem Solving

Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• May be required to travel
• May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well-lit, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.

Driving Requirements

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

Pay Rate

Starting at $12.77 Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

Whatever capacity you work in at Liberty University, you’ll be playing a supportive role in our mission of Training Champions for Christ.

Liberty has a wide variety of engaging and challenging positions available that are waiting for committed men and women of integrity just like you.

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ since 1971. As one of the nation’s largest Christian universities, Liberty employs a diverse community of faculty, staff, and student professionals who are united by a shared mission and commitment to excellence. Through their dedication and service, Liberty employees help create a collaborative, faith-driven environment that supports meaningful work and lasting impact.