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. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov.

The Genealogy Engagement Specialist position is an integral part of the Library and Publications team and is primarily responsible for sharing our family history collection and insights with visitors across multiple locations and platforms.

The Genealogy Engagement Specialist is responsible for expanding public engagement with the library's genealogy and local history collections through outreach, programming, partnerships, and digital initiatives. This position cultivates relationships with genealogical and historical organizations, develops educational content and presentations, and promotes the library's resources through conferences, social media, and community events to increase awareness, accessibility, and use of its collections and services.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Create and coordinate public programming that promotes the library's genealogy and local history collections and services.
• Research, develop, and deliver educational presentations and tours related to genealogy, family history, and local history topics.
• Develop and maintain relationships with genealogical, historical, and heritage organizations throughout the state.
• Manage and expand the KY Ancestors Facebook Group presence by creating content, responding to inquiries and comments, encouraging audience engagement, and promoting library resources and initiatives.
• Assist with the KY Ancestors Online publication to solicit authors, coordinate, edit, review submissions, and develop content.
• Travel throughout Kentucky as needed to support outreach activities, conferences, programs, and partnership initiatives as a library representative.
• Research the contextual background of KHS collections and understand their place in Kentucky history, family history, and material culture.
• Monitor trends and developments in genealogy, local history, and public engagement to identify opportunities for new programs, partnerships, and services.
• Staff the KHS library reference desk to assist patrons with research and provide access to KHS collections while providing excellent customer service. 
• Assist as needed with patron research requests, photocopy requests, and library projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

To see the full position description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and online research and genealogy databases.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong public speaking and writing skills 
• Problem solving

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Minimum of A bachelor’s degree in history or a related field. Master’s degree in library and information science or related field is preferred.

Experience, Training, or Skills: Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in an archive/library or equivalent research setting is required

Substitute Education for Experience: Additional education will substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Working Conditions:

·         This is a 37.5-hour workweek, Tuesday-Saturday, with holidays, occasional evening, and weekend hours.

·         Must be able to lift materials of up to 25 lbs.  Must be able to remain stationary for long periods. Must be able to use various office systems and machines.

·         Will require in-state travel and occasional out-of-state travel.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Research Library Manager.  This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u).  The annual salary for this position is $35,712.48 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period.  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 are accepted.  The deadline for submissions is 07/31/2026.  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.