Join Our Team

Engagement and Research Associate

The Opportunity
Are you passionate about U.S. history and uncovering stories that deserve to be told? The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is seeking a thoughtful and collaborative professional to support and advance our nationwide historical marker grant programs.

As an Engagement & Research Associate, you will play a key role in guiding partners through the marker application process, conducting and evaluating historical research, and helping ensure the accuracy and integrity of publicly commemorated history. This role blends relationship management, research, writing, and program coordination, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how history is recognized and shared across the country.

This full-time, in-person position is based at our Syracuse, NY headquarters and may include occasional local travel.

What You’ll Do

Engagement Responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with a portfolio of partners, encouraging participation and supporting successful engagement with Foundation programs.
• Serve as a program lead for select Foundation initiatives, guiding applicants through the process from initial inquiry to marker approval.
• Communicate regularly with applicants, providing clear guidance, setting expectations, and ensuring a positive and productive experience.
• Present to external audiences—including community groups, partner organizations, and applicants—to promote programs and explain application processes.
• Contribute to internal presentations, trainings, and team discussions on program updates and engagement strategies.
• Foster connections with organizations and communities across the U.S. to expand awareness and participation.
• Promote inclusive storytelling by supporting efforts to highlight underrepresented histories.
• Collaborate with historians, researchers, and community stakeholders to strengthen applications.
• Partner with the Marketing team to support outreach and engagement efforts.

Research Responsibilities

• Review historical marker grant applications to assess whether primary source documentation supports proposed inscriptions.
• Evaluate, interpret, and verify historical records from individuals, organizations, and local governments.
• Guide applicants in identifying and using appropriate primary sources to strengthen submissions.
• Draft, revise, and refine marker inscriptions in collaboration with applicants to meet Foundation standards.
• Exercise sound judgment in balancing historical accuracy, clarity, and interpretive nuance.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in the Foundation’s grant management system (Foundant).
• Write and edit descriptions for markers featured on the Foundation’s digital marker map.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in history (U.S. history emphasis), public history, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 1–3 years of relevant professional experience in research, public history, nonprofit programs, or a related field.
• Experience managing projects, partners, or client relationships is strongly preferred.
• Experience presenting or communicating information to groups is a plus.
• Customer service, institutional advancement, or outreach experience is beneficial.

Skills

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated research skills, including the ability to locate and effectively evaluate primary sources.
• Strong writing and editing skills, particularly for historical narratives.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with a high degree of accountability.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365; experience with databases or grant management systems (e.g., Foundant) is a plus.

What We Offer

• Salary Range: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour
• Full-time position with benefits, based in Syracuse, NY.

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume to jobs@wgpfoundation.org, including “Engagement and Research Associate” in the subject line.

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