The Shadows-on-the-Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana, is a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization that protects significant places representing our diverse cultural experience by taking direct action and inspiring broad public support.
Shadows is an antebellum home and site of enslavement. Today, the property is open to the public and the experiences of those who occupied the site, both free and enslaved, are shared through tours and public programming.
The Associate Manager of Descendant Engagement will formalize descendant engagement as a core institutional function at The Shadows by identifying and cultivating a network of descendants through church partnerships, community programs, and interpretive co-creation.
This position is grant funded for 12 months from the date of hire.
Community identification and network building:
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Utilize findings from the Descendant Church Initiative to identify individuals and families with genealogical ties to Shadows and Weeks Island.
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Develop and maintain a descendant database grounded in ethical data stewardship and informed consent.
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Work with Shadows, AACHAF, and descendants to analyze the organization’s existing descendant leadership and engagement model and develop strategies to strengthen descendant advisory frameworkshat tells the full story of descendant communities at Shadows.
Genealogical Research Coordination:
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Contract a professional genealogist to work directly with descendants to identify genealogical connections to individuals enslaved at Shadows or Weeks Island.
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Identify archival references within the Shadows’ collection related to specific ancestors.
Public Programming and Community Engagement:
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Collaborate with descendants on public programs that feature descendants, artists, and scholars.
Interpretive Collaboration:
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Lead the co-curation process for a permanent exhibition titled Bound Legacies, implementing a descendant leadership model that positions descendants as partners in decision making, content development, and interpretive planning.
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At least 5 years of professional level experience, preferably in a museum, non-profit, arts & cultural, educational or other related field.
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Experience interpreting, teaching, or researching African American history or the history of slavery.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.
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Bachelor degree in History, Africana Studies, or Public History required.
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Effective and engaging interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Basic problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization.
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Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including culturally diverse audiences, patrons and guests.
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Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
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Regular and reliable attendance required.
This is a grant funded one-year position that is a full-time, non-exempt level position, eligible for full benefits, including health, dental and life insurance, retirement benefits, paid parental leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation, plus sick time and holidays.
Hiring Range: $56,000
