Call for Applications: Humanities EXCEL Fellowship with the MAH – Assistant Education Coordinator 2024-2025

This role is open to work-study and non-work-study students. This role requires work authorization.

Application Deadline: October 13, 2024

The Humanities Division and The Humanities Institute are excited to announce an experiential learning opportunity for undergraduates at UC Santa Cruz to work with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH).

The Humanities Experiential Career Exploration and Learning (EXCEL) Program connects Humanities majors and minors to organizations in the community for paid internships. In this cohort program, EXCEL Fellows gain practical experience and professional training while learning about positions outside of the university that build on their studies in the humanities. At the same time, community partner organizations benefit from students’ assistance and academic expertise. EXCEL Fellowships carry on the success of THI’s Public Fellows program, and they foster positive collaborations between the campus and community, demonstrating the value of a Humanities degree for a range of careers.

About the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is a thriving community gathering place that offers rotating art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, education and outreach programs, and cultural celebrations in collaboration with our many partners.

Position Description: Assistant Education Coordinator

Drawing from your personal experiences, skills, and interests, you will have the opportunity to support and develop the MAH’s overall educational goals and objectives. Your time will be split between creating educational programming and leading school field trips and tours. You will succeed in this role if you have an open mind, are patient and intentional, and carry a passion for community building.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Lead and develop school tours and education events (school tours are Tuesday-Thursday, 10 am-12 pm) [50%]
• Brainstorm, plan, research, and create activities for current or upcoming exhibitions. [20%]
• Upkeep and organize the MAH’s classroom and supplies [10%]
• Work collaboratively with other interns, volunteers, and staff. [10%]
• Hold weekly check-in meetings with the MAH’s Education & Outreach manager to discuss progress and work tasks [10%]

You’re an ideal candidate if:

• You are a declared major or minor in a department in the Humanities Division and are in good academic standing. If you are currently proposed, you can declare by the end of the academic year in June. [required]
• You have work authorization. [required]
• You are available to work Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning once a week in person. Arrive at 9:30 am and leave by noon.
• You have some digital media experience, or you are willing to learn.
• You are interested in education, teaching, public history, art, creativity, and engagement.
• You are dependable, reliable, and a team player.
• You can work independently, are organized, and can communicate effectively.
• You are comfortable interacting with the public
• You are bilingual in Spanish (a bonus but not required)
• You regularly use Google Calendar to manage your schedule.

Internship Term: November 2024–June 2025

Hours: 10-20 hours per week, working around your class schedule

Compensation: $20/hour

Location: This role is hybrid. The Coordinator will be expected to work onsite at the MAH once each week. The location is 705 Front St., in downtown Santa Cruz.

Mentorship: The chosen student for this fellowship will work closely with Oscar Paz, the Education & Outreach Manager, and other Exhibitions & Programs team staff. The partner supervisor will delegate tasks and review your work, provide coaching, and help you understand what working in this field is like. You will meet to check in at least once per week.

Apply By Submitting

1. Your updated resume
2. A short cover letter (no more than one page) answering these questions: Why are you interested in this position? How does your academic expertise and skillset prepare you for this role? What are you hoping to gain from this opportunity?  
   1. Additional questions to consider: What are some ways you have worked in the public history field? If you haven’t, what intrigues you about the possibility? What are some exciting ways you have thought about how one might engage local communities through historical programming?

REVIEW these resume and cover letter resources to ensure you are a strong candidate!

• Address your cover letter to the MAH team.

Once the application window closes, there will be an interview process with top candidates. This job is expected to start by early November.

APPLY NOW

Note: There are two Humanities EXCEL Fellowships at the MAH – You can find out more about the Assistant Archives Coordinator position here.

Please contact the EXPLORE Program coordinator, Kylie Rachwalski, at hum-experiential-learning@ucsc.edu with any questions.

The Mellon Foundation, The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, The Humanities Institute, and the UCSC Humanities Division generously support the Humanities EXCEL Program.