The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) is welcoming applications for PA SHARP, a $1.2 million humanities recovery and growth program.

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, PHC and other state and regional humanities councils are distributing funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities’ SHARP (Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan) program. This legislation recognizes both the financial realities of the on-going pandemic recovery and the vital importance of the humanities to economic and civic life.

Through PA SHARP, PHC will provide up to $20,000 in flexible funding to support the growth and recovery of the humanities in the state. This is an opportunity to reimagine, reinvent, and re-envision humanities work through planning, capacity building, and creative programming. In addition to grants for Programs and General Operations and Capacity Building, PHC will partner with grantees to develop the PA SHARP Learning Network, which will foster resource sharing, networking, professional development, and mutual support.

Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania organizations with a humanities-based mission and organizations conducting humanities programming.

For complete program guidelines, application instructions, and an FAQ, see the Pennsylvania Humanities Council website.

Deadline: October 1, 2021

The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) is welcoming applications for PA SHARP, a $1.2 million humanities recovery and growth program.

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, PHC and other state and regional humanities councils are distributing funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities’ SHARP (Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan) program. This legislation recognizes both the financial realities of the on-going pandemic recovery and the vital importance of the humanities to economic and civic life.

Through PA SHARP, PHC will provide up to $20,000 in flexible funding to support the growth and recovery of the humanities in the state. This is an opportunity to reimagine, reinvent, and re-envision humanities work through planning, capacity building, and creative programming. In addition to grants for Programs and General Operations and Capacity Building, PHC will partner with grantees to develop the PA SHARP Learning Network, which will foster resource sharing, networking, professional development, and mutual support.

Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania organizations with a humanities-based mission and organizations conducting humanities programming.

For complete program guidelines, application instructions, and an FAQ, see the Pennsylvania Humanities Council website.

Deadline to apply: October 1, 2021

Create, incubate, lead, and sustain all PHC’s content, strategic initiatives, and core program activities. This position is part leader and part doer, an editorial maestro who can both choreograph storytelling and program production, with responsibility for a cohesive brand voice and portfolio of engagement platforms. You will intentionally develop target audiences for PHC’s big vision to put the humanities in action for positive change in the state of PA. Portfolio will integrate core programs including advocacy, grants, and events, with external communications and outreach, marketing and media relations.

For more information and to apply.

PHC is seeking a part-time dynamic, seasoned writer to take our well-respected statewide organization to the next level with fundraising, communications, and government relations. Help us position the humanities as an effective tool for social change—and create a culture of philanthropy and expand visibility around programs and activities that impact individuals and communities across Pennsylvania.

ORGANIZATION
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) connects Pennsylvanians to each other through stories, ideas, and experiences that can change lives and transform communities. PHC champions and redefines the role the humanities play in educating citizens and strengthening community through programs that create pathways for learning and creativity, spark dialogue and civic engagement, and encourage diversity of expression.

An independent partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, PHC is part of a network of 56 state humanities councils that spans the nation and U.S. jurisdictions. PHC has a $1.5 million annual operating budget, with a strong senior leadership team and an engaged board of directors from across the state. Learn more at http://pahumanities.org.

POSITION
The Senior Writer supports the work of PHC to increase the funding and visibility of the organization, its programs and advocacy efforts. Reporting to the Development Director and working closely with the Communications Director, this individual will compel giving and expand visibility by telling the story of PHC’s mission and impact. The position requires strategic thinking, collaboration, and a combination of finely honed development and communications skills – from writing high-quality, compelling proposals, to imaginative storytelling on a wide range of subjects for our website, to translating research into relatable content for development audiences. This is a tremendous opportunity for a fund development professional looking to join a highly regarded and growing organization on a permanent part-time basis, and to have a significant and meaningful impact on the lives of people and communities PHC serves.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Researches and writes a broad range of documents, including proposals, narrative reports, articles for website and donor newsletter, award nominations, and appeal letters.
• Contributes to creation of effective newsletters, reports, fact sheets, development invitations, and other marketing, fundraising, and advocacy materials.
• Working collaboratively with PHC staff, especially the Directors of Development and Communications, assists with writing projects as requested and edits/proofreads written by other staff members.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience writing development communications, government relations, and/or public policy materials.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and write copy for communications and fundraising.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Discretion when handling sensitive personal information about constituents.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work with internal and external constituents, and comfort dealing with diverse audiences, including members of the general public.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.

TO APPLY
Please email a resume, two (2) writing samples and a thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position addressed to DevelopmentSearch@pahumanities.org.

Please plan to attend the upcoming City Council Meeting
Show your support for Arts and Culture in the City of Chester

June 24, 2015
7PM

Chester City Hall Community Room
1 Fourth Street Chester, PA

FOLLOWED BY AN ARTS LOOP
Down the Avenue of the States curated by The Artist Warehouse.

CHESTER MADE is an arts-based initiative to help recognize and promote arts, culture, and revitalization in the City of Chester.

It is also a story of REAL PEOPLE making a difference in their community using their shared history, personal stories, and culture to work together to help revitalize their city.

Come see for yourself as we unveil an Arts & Culture Map, marking points across the city revealed by stories that are truly Chester Made.

Major support for the Chester Cultural Corridor has been provided by the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from PECO and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, contact Pennsylvania Humanities Council at 800-462-0442 or C3@pahumanities.org

POSITION

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications plays a key role in achieving the organization’s strategic priorities, leading a team dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation of the humanities, and keeping internal and external stakeholders engaged in PHC’s mission. He/she oversees the implementation of PHC’s strategic communications plan and influences and advocates on behalf of the organization. The Communications Director is part of PHC’s senior leadership team and works in close collaboration with other senior staff. The Communications Director shares supervision of the communications/development associate.

The position requires superlative people skills, poise, discretion, finely honed writing and editing skills, strategic thinking, creativity and collaboration. This is a tremendous opportunity for a communications professional looking to join a highly regarded and growing organization, and to have a significant and meaningful impact on the lives of people and communities PHC serves.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide senior leadership to communications team and strategic communications counsel to staff and board.
• Work collaboratively with Development Director on fundraising materials and assist program leadership with strategies for new and growing projects.
• Implement an innovative social media strategy and oversee a bold new website for PHC.
• Work closely with senior leadership on developing and implementing government relations strategy.
• Represent PHC in developing and presenting testimony and public policy to elected officials.
• Direct the development and implementation of effective and creative media strategies.
• Write and edit copy for news releases, features, newsletters, brochures and reports.
• Support leadership with internal and external communications needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Seven to ten years of experience and demonstrated success in communications or related field, preferably in the nonprofit or government sector.
• Deep understanding of the rapidly evolving media and communications business.
• Ability to think strategically, juggle multiple priorities, and manage time effectively.
• Passion for the humanities and personal values consistent with PHC’s mission.
• Willingness to travel throughout Pennsylvania.
• Some previous direct supervisory experience required.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/DfT9KKggKJjd

Organization Overview
Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) is a 40-year old nonprofit organization and a federal/state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. PHC champions the humanities through original programming, advocacy, and direct grants.

The mission of PHC is “to build and lead a vibrant network of individuals, organizations, and communities that champions the humanities and empowers Pennsylvanians to think critically, grow, and engage in their communities.” PHC supports diverse programming that exemplifies the humanities and shows why the humanities are important in everyday life, work, and community building in a 21st century global society in Pennsylvania

PHC has a $1.4 million annual operating budget, with a strong senior leadership team and an engaged Board of Directors from across the state. PHC is well-known for exceptional programming nationally among state humanities councils. Additional information on PHC can be found at http://www.pahumanities.org.

Project Overview
The Research Assistant is a temporary, part-time position to support program development of PHC’s series of humanities-based book discussion program for teens, Teen Reading Lounge (TRL). Offered in partnership with public libraries, TRL engages teen audiences in out-of-school time learning in the humanities which foster 21st century learning skills. It also increases the capacity of libraries to conduct public humanities programming for teen audiences. The project aims to modify Teen Reading Lounge so that PHC and partnering libraries can more effectively advance out-of-school-time learning by youth from lower income communities. The project will be conducted in partnership with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. For more on TRL, see http://www.pahumanities.org/programs/trl/.

Position Summary
The Research Assistant is responsible for working with program staff to identify, collect, and analyze research studies and expert recommendations. The position reports to the Director of Programs and Special Projects. The hours anticipated are 1 to 2 days per week from July through the end of September. The position may become a long-term part-time position after the project ends.

Responsibilities

Background research:
• Conduct a scan of research studies that are relevant to the project and provide a foundation for the revisions to TRL.
• Identify and conduct interviews with appropriate experts to get their recommendations about serving lower income youth.
• Summarize key findings for sharing with staff and partners.

Program content research:
• Conduct a scan of best practices in out-of-school time learning for lower income youth.
• Identify appropriate programming advisors and coordinate their participation in program development.
• Support program staff in organizing a day-long program development meeting in Pittsburgh and assist at the meeting.
• Conduct interviews with advisors who cannot attend the meeting in Pittsburgh.

Required Education/Experience
• An M.A. in urban education or other related field, with coursework in reading, writing, and literacy
• Work experience with older youth, grades 6 to 12
• Undergraduate major in the humanities preferred

Knowledge and Skills Requirement
• Strong knowledge of urban education and the humanities that allows candidate to identify issues for further study and investigation
• Strong research skills
• Ability to organize, analyze, and synthesize information in a way that is understandable to different audiences
• Ability to communicate clearly; can write quickly
• Ability to collaborate and work in teams
• Ability to operate independently; self-starter can initiate next steps
• Must be organized and dependable

Application Procedure
E-mail cover letter and resume to Celeste Vargo at cvargo@pahumanities.org.