Application: Public History & Engagement Specialist

Our Streets seeks a curious and community-focused part-time Public History & Engagement Specialist to help integrate history of Minnesota communities and how they have been impacted by transportation policy into Our Streets’ advocacy and policy work. The Specialist will also build community relationships and collaboration through history work, coordinating programming and events that share historical information and educational resources with advocates, community members, and decision-makers. This role plays a critical part in advancing our mission to build people-first transportation systems and strengthen community power through organizing, advocacy, storytelling, and systems change.

About Our Streets

Our Streets works to lead the nation in putting people first by transforming transportation and infrastructure in the Twin Cities, the metro region, and the state of Minnesota. We envision streets and neighborhoods that are vibrant places to live, work, and play—designed for people, not cars—and rooted in public health, climate resilience, and racial and economic justice. Our work creates bold, people-centered futures that repair past and present harms caused by unjust transportation decisions. We elevate community voices—especially those most harmed or historically excluded—through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and transparent, community-led action. Together, we build shared power and pursue concrete, systemic change.

Position Overview

This position is a part-time, non-exempt position with an expectation of 20 hours a week. The Public History & Engagement Specialist will lead Our Streets’ research into the history of communities impacted by transportation decisions, organize and assist with events and community engagement to share historical information and collect oral histories, and coordinate the Twin Cities Transportation Academy and Street Smarts Book Club. This position reports to the Community Development & Events Senior Manager.

This role is ideal for a curious and self-motivated public historian who is passionate about building meaningful connections with community members through storytelling and education, who enjoys uncovering and amplifying the histories of local communities and public institutions, and who is fascinated by integrating the impact and implications that past events and decisions have on present realities and projects.

This role will require some evening and weekend availability for events and community programs.

• $28.85/hour with the expectation to work 20 hours per week
• Our Streets offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support well-being, sustainability, and work-life balance. Including:
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Flexible Location (Hybrid)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement
  • Bike/Walk/Transit Stipend
  • Health, Dental and Vision Stipend
  • Sick and Safe Time

Core Responsibilities

Note: Core responsibilities of this position may vary depending on funding availability for specific projects and campaign needs. Below is a comprehensive overview of responsibilities that may be required during the course of employment.

Research integration, content creation, & events (65%)

• Integrate research on the history of communities and how they have been impacted by transportation policy and infrastructure
• Apply appropriate research techniques to thoroughly document local, regional, and national transportation policies and the context in which they were developed.
• Organize and conduct research in local, state, and federal archives and other types of repositories.
• Develop partnerships with local and regional historical societies, librarians, academic institutions, and other aligned organizations to broaden the field of research and strengthen relationships in impacted communities.
• Collect and record oral histories from impacted community members
• Work with the advocacy team to develop and execute oral history outreach strategies.
• Analyze, assess, and compile research and archival documents. 
• Prepare compelling materials, reports, and presentations that put impacted people, communities, neighborhoods and their histories at the center of the narrative.
• Collaborate with the communications team to share community narratives and public history on Our Streets’ website and through other channels.
• Collaborate with the Community Development and Events Senior Manager and the advocacy team to produce community storytelling events, presentations, mobile museums, walking tours, and other events.
• Share research with the community at public events.

Twin Cities Transportation Academy (20%)

• Lead coordination of the Twin Cities Transportation Academy, a multi-week program that empowers active and emerging community advocates to engage more deeply in the transportation planning process.
• Plan curriculum in collaboration with the advocacy team.
• Facilitate the application process for academy participants & evaluate and select applicants
• Schedule academy dates in collaboration with the Community Development & Events Senior Manager and advocacy staff.
• Identify and book location(s) for in-person academy sessions.
• Coordinate virtual options and other administrative needs with the Community Development Coordinator.
• Prospect and book speakers and presenters, working with administrative staff to properly document and remit payments.
• Work with the communications team and other staff to promote the academy to community members.
• Conduct regular communication with academy participants before and during the session.
• Continue to engage with academy participants after the session ends and share opportunities for academy participants to get involved with Our Streets work.
• Work to build a sense of community among participants and collaborate with Our Streets staff to more deeply connect participants to Our Streets work.
• Consider opportunities for TCTA Alumni engagement, and potentially develop ongoing engagement specifically tailored to TCTA Alumni.

Street Smarts Book Club (10%)

• Lead coordination of the Street Smarts Book Club.
• Conduct book selection process with input from the Community Development & Events Director, Communications Manager, and other relevant staff.
• Lead coordination of book club meetings, including: identifying and securing location(s), sharing information prior to the meeting, ensuring meetings have necessary supplies and refreshments, etc.
• Work with the communications team and other relevant staff to promote the book club and associated events.
• Seek partnerships with bookstores and/or libraries to ensure that copies of the book are available and to connect with new audiences.
• Identify authors and local experts to participate in book club discussions and coordinate their participation.
• Develop discussion questions and/or reading guides

Grant Support (5%)

• Assist with grant writing and grant reporting activities as needed

Required Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to and experience in working towards justice and equity, particularly within marginalized communities.
• Scholastic or professional experience in historical and archival research and communications.
• Strong interest and comfort level in engaging strangers in one-on-one conversations and in groups.
• Experience working with deadlines and managing overlapping projects.
• Experience tracking email communications and following up promptly with multiple contacts.
• Skilled in written communication and public speaking.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and independent problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Google Apps.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in and alongside Twin Cities communities.
• Experience in community outreach, campaigns, or organizing.
• Language proficiency in Spanish, Somali, Oromo, or Hmong.
• Experience developing and/or designing exhibits.
• Proficiency in graphic design, zine making, Adobe programs, and/or Canva.
• Experience in education and/or designing curriculum.
• Experience working with project management software such as Asana.
• Experience developing creative engagement activities and/or events.
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in history, American studies, urban studies, geography or a related field; degree flexible with preference for Public History or a related field.

Work Conditions

• Hybrid and flexible work environment with some required in-person work and frequent remote work.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
• Ability to attend community events, meetings, or field activities.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 40 lbs as needed. Elements of this work condition can be flexible to accommodate accessibility needs

How to Apply

Your resume should reflect relevant experience, including paid, volunteer, and academic work. Your cover letter should describe your interest in this role, your connection to Our Streets’ mission, and how your experience prepares you for this position.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Our Streets is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; people with disabilities; transgender and nonbinary people; and others historically excluded from nonprofit leadership.