Applications Invited for Research Associates (8 months) for Digital Strategy Research Project of the Business History Conference

Applications Invited for Research Associates (8 months) for Digital Strategy Research Project of the Business History Conference

About the BHC

The Business History Conference is a scholarly organization devoted to encouraging all aspects of research, writing, and teaching about business history and about the environment in which businesses operate. Founded in 1954, the organization is now international in scope, with approximately 30 percent of its membership residing outside North America.

About the project

The BHC´s digital presence began under the leadership of Pat Denault in the early 2000s. Now the BHC manages a website, a blog, and social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn). In addition, especially with the coronavirus pandemic, some of its regular events have become virtual, thus the BHC increasingly relies on digital technology to connect with its members. Anticipating more changes to the technological and economic environment, BHC´s Web Editor (Paula de la Cruz-Fernández) and Web Administrator (Shane Hamilton) have received authorization from the BHC Trustees to initiate a thorough review of our current digital strategies. This review of officers’ and members’ expectations and experiences of our existing digital tools, as well as consideration of best practices being pioneered by other organizations in a turbulent environment, will guide the future digital work of our officers and directors.

The BHC invites applications for two research positions, each eight months in duration. The work begins in February and continues through September (a total of 30 weeks). We expect the researchers to work 10 hours a week ($20/hour). One of the researchers must be fully bilingual in Spanish and English.

The researchers will, in coordination with the BHC Electronic Media Oversight Committee and the BHC Web Editor and Web Administrator:

• Review current platforms and usage of them.
• Interview users of web platforms and events (both in person and online interview).
• Run focus groups to learn more about perceptions related to the Annual Meeting, the Doctoral Colloquium, and the Mid-year event among others. 
• Research what other organizations are doing in regards to online initiatives and virtual/hybrid meetings.
• Collect pertinent information in terms of digital best practices for scholarly organizations. 
• Assist in the creation of a strategy report.

Requirements to apply:

• One of the researchers must be bilingual.
• Graduate students / emerging scholars are encouraged to apply.
• Strong awareness of digital communications technologies, including social media tools, web platforms, and video conferencing platforms, though advanced technical skills (e.g., coding, server or database management) are not necessary.
• Knowledgeable or familiar with scholarly associations and also with business history.

Application process:

• Send a letter of interest explaining your experience in digital projects and potential contributions to the project. 
• Brief CV. 

Send documents in one PDF file to the project directors Paula de la Cruz Fernandez and Shane Hamilton at web-editor@thebhc.org by January 14th, 2022.