Associate Editor

The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society seeks an Associate Editor to join the team of Kentucky’s leading scholarly history journal. The Associate Editor will assist in all aspects of production of the Register, beginning with article recruitment and evaluation of new submissions to author revisions and final edits to issue for publication. The Associate Editor serves as coordinator of the KHS Scholarly Research Fellowship Program, which facilitates the sustained production of new Kentucky history scholarship by encouraging the use of KHS collections and resources by scholars. The Associate Editor will build and maintain relationships with fellows and with the scholarly community at large, and work to convert fellows and other researchers into Register authors.

Working with the Register, as well as the larger Research & Publications team at KHS, the Associate Editor supports the organization’s mission to make history relevant for modern audiences. They will apply historiographical knowledge and research expertise to selected exhibits, programs, publications, and projects across KHS. The Associate Editor will join a vibrant network of history professionals committed to sharing Kentucky’s diverse stories with broad public audiences.

The Kentucky Historical Society:

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Facilitates the timely production of the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society.
• Critically evaluates submissions for historical content, significance, and conformity with professional standards historical methodology, style, and presentation.
• Assists with creation, recruitment, and production of special-themed Register.
• Coordinates the KHS Research Fellowship Program.
• Identifies and works with internal and external partners to apply scholarly research expertise to support the mission of KHS.

Qualifications:

• Education: Ph.D. in U.S. history (specialization open, knowledge of Kentucky history preferred), 1 year of relevant editorial experience, active member of the historical profession.
• Experience, Training, or Skills: Must possess a superior understanding of U.S. history, including, but not limited to, Kentucky history, Southern history, and public history. Experience performing scholarly research toward publication and other relevant professional involvement and activities. Ability to interact with public, scholars, and staff to ensure goals are met in a timely fashion. Basic internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email use.
• Must have strong organizational skills. Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion with the highest attention to detail. Must be able to self-regulate work rate and complete multiple assigned tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Must be willing to occasionally travel to off-site programs/events and work some evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift materials of up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to remain stationary for long periods of time.
• Must be able to use computer keyboard. Must be able to visually inspect documents and make decisions from such.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Managing Editor for Scholarly Research and Publications. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary range for this position is $41,952.48 – $46,146.72 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday with a 37.5-hour workweek, but the position may require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours as needed to support the programs and events of the Kentucky Historical Society. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls accepted. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 7, 2025. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.