Position Function:
The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library & Museum (USGPL) at Mississippi State University invites applications for a non-tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Practice.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library & Museum, this position serves as a key strategic and scholarly partner in advancing the research, public engagement, and institutional priorities of the Grant Presidential Library & Museum.
This is a highly dynamic, responsive role in which the successful candidate will undertake a broad and evolving portfolio of activities in direct support of the Executive Director. Responsibilities will shift as needed to advance strategic initiatives, emerging opportunities, donor engagement, research priorities, and institutional partnerships.
The position bridges academic scholarship, public history, and institutional advancement, requiring intellectual agility, initiative, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, outward-facing environment.
The Assistant Professor of Practice will:
- Serve as a flexible, high-level contributor to the Executive Director's priorities, taking on new duties as needed
- Undertake varied and evolving assignments aligned with strategic goals at the behest of the Executive Director
- Operate across research, programming, partnerships, and communications
- Help translate scholarly resources into impactful public and institutional outcomes.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Area of Specialization:
Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library & Museum
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2026
Tenure Track Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Executive Support & Strategic Initiatives (Primary Emphasis)
- Serve as a core collaborator and thought partner to the Executive Director in advancing strategic priorities
- Undertake a wide range of activities -- both planned and emergent -- in direct support of the Executive Director, including research, writing, program development, and partnership engagement
- Provide research, editorial, and content development support for lectures, publications, donor communications, and institutional initiatives
- Assist in the development of grant proposals, major research initiatives, and external collaborations
- Contribute to donor cultivation and stewardship efforts, including preparation of materials, briefings, and interpretive content
- Support the development and execution of exhibitions, public programs, and signature events
- Participate in building and sustaining strategic partnerships with academic, cultural, and historical organizations
- Adapt responsibilities as needed to respond to new opportunities, priorities, and institutional needs as guided by the Executive Director
Research & Scholarship
- Conduct original scholarly research utilizing the Ulysses S. Grant collections and related Civil War, Reconstruction, and 19th-century American materials
- Produce peer-reviewed and/or public-facing scholarship, including digital humanities projects, exhibitions, or edited volumes
- Contribute to the scholarly visibility and reputation of the Grant Presidential Library & Museum
- Support and engage with visiting scholars, fellows, and research collaborators
Outreach, Teaching & Public Engagement
- Design and deliver lectures, symposia, workshops, and educational programming
- Collaborate with faculty to integrate primary source materials into undergraduate and graduate instruction
- Contribute to K-12 and community outreach initiatives aligned with the land-grant mission
- Develop and support digital outreach, including online exhibits, storytelling, and interpretive content
- Represent the USGPL at professional conferences, public events, and institutional functions
- Contribute to communications efforts, including newsletters, reports, and public-facing materials
Service
- Participate in relevant university and MSU library committees
- Contribute to collaborative initiatives within Mississippi State University Libraries
- Engage with national professional organizations in history, public history, archival studies, or museum studies
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, or a related field
- Demonstrated scholarly engagement with 19th-century American history, Civil Ware, Reconstruction, or presidential studies
- Evidence of scholarly publication or significant research in progress
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with archival or special collections
- Experience in museum interpretation, exhibitions, or public history programming
- Record of successful grant activity or collaborative research initiatives
- Experience in public engagement and outreach
- Interest in digital humanities or digital exhibition platforms
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in dynamic, project-based environments
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment with no or very little physical effort or exposure to physical risk.
Instructions for Applying:
To be considered an applicant, you must apply online at Mississippi State University's website and submit the following in order for your application to be complete:
1. Cover letter addressing experience and qualifications;
2. a curriculum vitae; and
3. the names and contact information including phone numbers of at least three (3) professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
