Oral Historian (Contract)

Our Streets seeks to hire up to two contract oral historians to lead outreach and conduct interviews for a grant-funded project exploring residents’ experiences along the I-94 corridor. These roles will play a critical part in advancing our mission to build people-first transportation systems and strengthen community power through organizing, advocacy, storytelling, and systems change.

About Our Streets

Our Streets envisions a city where biking, walking, rolling, and using public transit are equitable, easy, and joyful for people of all backgrounds and identities across Minneapolis. Our work is rooted in anti-oppression and creating spaces that support and welcome all identities, meaning all genders, races, religions, abilities, orientations, etc. We work to prioritize the voices of people and communities historically left out of the transportation decision-making process.

Position Overview

This is a temporary, grant-funded contract position running from January 2027 to July 2027, with an expected total of up to 270 hours at $50 per hour. This role may require some evening and weekend availability based on participant availability for oral history interviews. This position reports to the Public History & Engagement Specialist.

This role is ideal for a curious and self-motivated oral historian who is passionate about building meaningful connections with community members through storytelling and education, who enjoys uncovering and amplifying the histories of local communities and public institutions, and who is fascinated by integrating the impact and implications that past events and decisions have on present realities and projects.

Applications will be accepted until December 1st 2026. Applicants will be notified about their application status no later than December 8th. The desired start date is Tuesday, January 19th.

Core Responsibilities

• Oral History Interviews (40%) Integrate research on the history of communities and how they have been impacted by transportation policy and infrastructure.
• Collect and record between 12-15 oral history interviews from impacted community members.
• Interview Transcription and Indexing (40%) Transcribe and index 12-15 interviews in a timely manner.
• Synthesis and Project Recommendations Make recommendations regarding the development of Our Streets’ internal oral history policies.

Required Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to and experience in working towards justice and equity, particularly within marginalized communities.
• Scholastic or professional experience in oral history collection.
• Strong interest and comfort level in engaging strangers in one-on-one conversations and in groups.
• Experience working with deadlines.
• Experience tracking email communications and following up promptly with multiple contacts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in and alongside Twin Cities communities, particularly along the I-94 corridor.
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in history, American studies, urban studies, geography, or a related field; degree flexible with preference for public history, oral history, or a related field.

Work Environment

Hybrid and flexible work environment with some required in-person work and frequent remote work.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.