Title: Oral History Fellow – Vermont
Location: Wabanaki Territory / Vermont
Time: 20 hours per week
Reports to: Oral History Director
Salary: $22,500/year, plus a benefits package
Starts: May 11, 2026
Ends: October 29, 2027
What You’ll Do
The oral history fellow will be our on-the-ground point person for the Vermont portion of the Out in the Open Oral History Project. They will be responsible for outreach, scheduling, logistics, tech, interviews, transcription, file management, data organization, and general support of the oral history project.
The oral history fellow will work closely with the oral history project director and the executive director. They will work as part of a small collaborative staff team, including staff, contractors, and program participants who live elsewhere in the region, contributing to building a powerful movement of rural LGBTQ+ people.
Specifically, you will:
Before Interviews:
- disseminate outreach materials
- reach out to other local organizations & existing collaborators to share news of the project and recruit potential interviewees;
- collaboratively generate question bank and interview timeline
- coordinate logistics and scheduling for approximately 20 interviews across Vermont
- Be the point person for interviewees to answer their questions
- ensure all tech needs are met and equipment is in good working order in advance of the interviews
During Interviews:
- attend all interviews alongside the oral history director
- lead at least 5 of the interviews, provide support for all ~20 interviews
- help manage tech and equipment during interviews
After Interviews:
- transcribe all interviews
- share transcripts with interviewees for approval
- finalize release forms following interviewee final review of materials
- conduct follow up research into local newspapers, archives, etc on any relevant info that emerges from interviews
- organize & manage data
Other related duties as assigned.
Who You Are
People who are a good fit for us will have: the ability to successfully work independently; strong attention to detail; interest in oral history; deep knowledge of & experience working with LGBTQ+ people; a willingness to learn; the ability & desire to positively represent our organization in the community; enthusiasm for trying new things; comfort working with a close-knit team; and an understanding of and commitment to the movement building work, values, and mission of Out in the Open. We are looking for someone who finds joy in their work, in collaborating closely, and who makes time to laugh.
What Else You Should Know
In addition to a salary (mentioned at the top of this document), the oral history fellow will receive benefits including paid time off, paid sick time, a work-from-home stipend, and a wellness stipend.
This role requires extensive use of a computer (provided by OITO for work use during employment), including use of Zoom, Google Suite, Slack, and other similar programs. Some evenings & weekends will be required, as well as occasional in-state and out-of-state travel (primarily within Wabanaki territory/Maine & Vermont for connection with staff and board members and whole organization events). Regular in-person, community-based work in Vermont will be required. You will need to have your own reliable car (driven by you or someone else), work-related mileage is reimbursable for approved travel.
Application Process
Please write and send a letter sharing more about why you’re the person for this role as well as a current resume detailing your related experience to Rae@WeAreOutintheOpen.org. Email completed materials by April 13, 2026.
Who We Are
Out in the Open is a multiracial grassroots movement building organization that connects rural LGBTQ+ people to build community, visibility, knowledge, & power. We are guided by strong organizational values such as celebrating resistance, anti-racism, and joy. We believe that rural LGBTQ+ people have a critical role to play in the collective liberation of all people. More about us at WeAreOutintheOpen.org.
We have a cross-class multiracial staff & board made up of people who share the identities & experiences of the groups of people we work with. We offer time off through whole-organization closures in addition to PTO for staff to rest & refresh. We host annual staff & board retreats for connection, planning, & relationship building. We encourage applicants who have deep experience working with rural LGBTQ+ people & communities.
