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In Public Humanities Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

In Public Humanities information

What is public humanities?

Public humanities refer to the practice of making the study and interpretation of history, culture, literature, and other humanities subjects accessible and relevant to the general public. Professionals in this field engage communities through museums, cultural organizations, digital projects, oral histories, and public programs. The goal is to foster dialogue, preserve cultural heritage, and connect academic research with everyday life. Public humanities practitioners often work in education, outreach, and advocacy roles to build bridges between academic scholarship and diverse communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public humanities?

To thrive in Public Humanities, you need a background in humanities disciplines, project management, and community engagement, often supported by relevant academic degrees or experience. Familiarity with digital tools for public outreach, archival research, and content creation, such as Omeka or WordPress, is common. Strong communication, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for building relationships with diverse communities. These skills ensure effective public engagement, the successful dissemination of humanities scholarship, and the creation of inclusive programs that have real social impact.

How does a professional in public humanities typically collaborate with community partners and stakeholders?

Professionals in Public Humanities regularly work with a variety of community groups, cultural organizations, and educational institutions to co-develop programs, exhibitions, or events. Successful collaboration often involves active listening, flexibility, and a commitment to shared authority, ensuring that community voices help shape the project's direction. These partnerships can present challenges such as balancing institutional goals with community needs and navigating differing expectations, but they are central to the field's impact and relevance. Building strong relationships and clear communication channels is key to fostering trust and achieving meaningful, mutually beneficial outcomes.

What is the difference between In Public Humanities vs Public History?

AspectIn Public HumanitiesPublic History
CredentialsMaster's degree in humanities, history, or related fieldsMaster's degree in history, public history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural organizations, educational institutionsMuseums, historic sites, archives, government agencies
Industry UsageAcademic, nonprofit, cultural sectorsHeritage sites, museums, government agencies
Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving community engagement and educationFocuses more on historical interpretation and preservation

In Public Humanities and Public History share overlapping skills and work environments, often involving community engagement and educational outreach. However, In Public Humanities tends to have a broader focus on cultural and societal issues, while Public History emphasizes historical interpretation, preservation, and working directly with historical sites and archives.

What careers can I do with in public humanities?

In public humanities, careers include roles such as museum curator, historic site manager, public historian, cultural program coordinator, and community outreach specialist. These positions often require skills in research, communication, and public engagement, and may involve working with archives, educational programs, or cultural institutions.

What are popular job titles related to In Public Humanities jobs in Iowa?

For In Public Humanities jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for In Public Humanities jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most In Public Humanities job openings:

Adjunct - Understanding Cultures: Latin America

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide face-to-face instruction in Understanding Cultures: Latin America.

  • Work with other faculty members to develop a course syllabus and assessments.

  • Evaluate student performance and provide timely feedback.


Kirkwood Community College rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

601st of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Location : Washington County Regional Center, 2192 Lexington Blvd, Washington, IA
Job Type: Adjunct
Job Number: 02848
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Washington Center
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.
Pay is $1,314 per credit hour.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Kirkwood Community College's Arts and Humanities Department seeks a skilled enthusiastic individual to join our adjunct faculty team to teach Understanding Cultures: Latin America face-to-face onsite at the Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center (Washington, IA). The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge base in their discipline and teaching experience at the community college level is desirable.
Teaching Schedule: Spring 2027 (January 18, 2027 -May 3, 2027) - Monday and Wednesday, 7:45 AM - 9:15 AM
Adjunct faculty positions are temporary, part-time positions scheduled intermittently based on institutional need. Adjuncts are not guaranteed work in any semester and are notified of course assignments prior to each term as courses become available.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide face-to-face instruction in discipline
  • Work with other faculty members to develop a course syllabus and consistent assessments.
  • Communicate with department staff, students, and faculty on a regular basis.
  • Evaluate student performance and provide timely feedback on a regular basis.
  • Utilize the Kirkwood Learning Management System to post course syllabi and relevant documents and provide access to student grade book.
  • Regularly engage in professional development activities and actively seek information about developing trends and ideas.
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Effectively instruct and communicate material for the course.
  • Establish and maintain a good working relationship with students, colleagues, staff, administrators, and the general public.
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.The position involves occasional (10-33%) driving to events and meetings away from KCC's main campus.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree in Cultural Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Humanities, Sociology; OR master's degree in Archeology, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religion with a minimum of 6 credit hours in the qualifying bolded fields with an emphasis on Latin cultural studies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
  • Previous experience in face-to-face instruction at a community college.
  • Prior use of a learning management system.

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.
WHY KIRKWOOD:Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !

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