Filipino Heritage Fellowship

Job Title: Filipino Heritage Fellowship
Compensation: $21/hour (Independent Contractor)
Hours: Up to 400 hours total
Schedule: Flexible hours through December 2025, hybrid with on-site and remote work possible
Project Liaison: Executive Director
Location: Hybrid – Kent Historical Museum, 855 E Smith Street, Kent, Washington

Position Overview:

The Kent Historical Museum is seeking a Filipino Heritage Fellow to research, document, and uplift the rich and diverse history of Filipino communities in Kent, Washington. This temporary, part-time contract position is ideal for someone passionate about cultural heritage, community-centered storytelling, and inclusive historical interpretation. The Fellow will lead a community outreach effort and work collaboratively to shape the future of Filipino representation at the museum.

The position offers flexible scheduling through December 2025 and may include occasional weekend or evening meetings. Continuation of this role beyond 400 hours or past December 2025 is contingent upon grant funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct historical research on Filipino migration and community life in Kent using primary and secondary sources.
• Produce a written historical overview with citations, suitable for inclusion in museum materials and archives.
• Conduct outreach to local Filipino organizations, civic groups, and businesses to build partnerships.
• Recruit and convene a Community Advisory Board of 5–7 individuals.
• Help facilitate early meetings of the Advisory Board and assist in documenting shared goals.
• Check in with the Executive Director to report on progress and goal achievement.
• Submit a proposal for a final project related to Filipino history in Kent and South King County. The nature of this project will be defined in consultation with the Filipino Community Advisory Board and aligned with the museum’s community engagement priorities. Possible project proposals may include (but are not limited to): a public program, exhibition, event series, digitization project, or interactive timeline.

Qualifications:

• B.A. in History, Museum Studies, Public History, or adjacent field of study (M.A. preferred), or equivalent lived or volunteer experience.
• Lived experience in or strong connection to Filipino communities.
• Demonstrated research, writing, and communication skills.
• Comfortable conducting outreach and building relationships in community settings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on flexible deadlines.
• Prior experience with cultural heritage, oral history, or public humanities projects is a plus.

Compensation:

$21/hour for up to 400 hours. This is a temporary, independent contractor position. The contractor is responsible for their own schedule, equipment, and tax obligations. This role does not confer employee status, benefits, or wage/hour protections under Washington State law.

Independent Contractor Disclaimer:

This is a contract position. The contractor will set their own hours, determine their own work methods, and be responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business licensing if applicable. This role does not confer employee status or eligibility for benefits. The Kent Historical Museum will not supervise day-to-day work or regularly provide equipment or workspace. All deliverables and payment terms will be defined in a written contract prior to the start of work.

Interview Process & Timeline:

• Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
• All applicants will be contacted regarding the status of their application.
• The hiring process includes two rounds of interviews:
  • An initial screening interview via Zoom or phone.
  • A second interview is conducted ideally in person, but may be conducted via Zoom if required by the candidate.
  • A second interview may be scheduled if required.
• All interview questions will be shared in advance.
• All interviews will be conducted by Executive Director VJ Kopacki.
• Reasonable accommodations are available at any point in the process upon request.

To Apply:

We recognize that some candidates may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed qualification. However, if you are enthusiastic about this role and the mission of the Kent Historical Museum, we encourage you to apply. We value potential, transferable skills, and a demonstrated commitment to community-centered work.

The Kent Historical Museum actively encourages applications from individuals who have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in the museum field, including—but not limited to—Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; LGBTQIA+ individuals; disabled people; and those from low-income or nontraditional educational and professional backgrounds. We are committed to equitable hiring practices that challenge the systemic exclusion historically associated with the museum and cultural sector. Our goal is to foster a work environment rooted in inclusion, accessibility, and representation, and we welcome candidates whose lived experiences contribute to a more inclusive institution.

Please send a resume and and cover letter (or CV or portfolio) to VJ Kopacki, Executive Director, at vjkopacki@kenthistoricalmuseum.org with the subject line:
 "Filipino Heritage Fellow — Your Name."