Research Assistant - Black Heritage Trail

JOB SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant will conduct research, including engagement with the local community and organizations, about people, places, events, and other information related to local Black history for the Black Heritage Trail. They will also assist in the development of text for BHT signs, historical marker applications, website content, and social media posts. The Research Assistant will attend BHT project meetings with team members and stakeholders and serve as support staff for BHT programming as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Please include a resume, cover letter and writing sample with your application materials.

JOB DUTIES:

20% - Project Collaboration & Administrative Support - attend regular project staff meetings and contribute updates on research, writing and outreach activities; collaborate with project staff to refine interpretive themes and messaging; assist with reviewing and revising written materials based on feedback from project partners and stakeholders; support general project coordination and other duties related to research and content development as assigned

20% - Community Engagement & Public Programs - assist with planning and implementing community engagement initiatives related to the Trail Project; support the development and coordination of public programs and community events; help prepare outreach materials and educational resources for public audiences; participate in community meetings and events, documenting feedback to inform project planning and interpretation; foster positive relationships with community members, partners and stakeholders to support project goals

60% - Research & Content Development - conduct historical, cultural and interpretive research to support trail planning and interpretation; research primary and secondary sources to verify facts and identify relevant stories, themes and community perspectives; write and edit interpretive text for trail signage and other visitor-facing materials; develop clear, engaging website copy and other digital content that communicates project goals and trail resources; maintain organized research files and document sources for future reference

JOB CODE:

UG83

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Time-Limited (TLP) Staff

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in History

Preferred Requirements: Master's Degree in History

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: %

WORKING CONDITIONS:

None: %

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:

37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range

55000 - 60000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

September 3, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.