Historian in Residence - Canada Summer Jobs 2026

Historian in Residence - Canada Summer Jobs 

Location: IslamicFamily Hub (10545 108 Street)

Report to: Community Relations Manager

Salary:  $17 ( 16 weeks)

Position Start Date:  June 1, 2026

Position End Date: July 31, 2026

About the Role

IslamicFamily is seeking a thoughtful, detail-oriented, and community-minded Historian in Residence to document and preserve the organization’s history, impact, and community narratives. This role will focus on capturing the lived experiences of those who have shaped and been supported by IslamicFamily, including founders, staff, volunteers, and clients.

The Historian in Residence will play a key role in building a living archive of stories that reflect the organization’s growth, values, and community impact. This work will contribute to future storytelling, communications, fundraising, and institutional memory.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct and document interviews with:

• Founders and early leaders of IslamicFamily
• Long-standing staff and volunteers
• Past and current clients willing to share their experiences

1. Develop interview guides and consent processes grounded in respect, ethics, and cultural sensitivity
2. Record, transcribe, and organize oral histories (audio, written, and/or video formats)
3. Identify key themes, milestones, and narratives that reflect the organization’s journey and impact
4. Create written profiles, summaries, and storytelling pieces based on interviews
5. Support the development of a digital or physical archive of stories and historical materials
6. Collaborate with the Communications and Community Engagement teams to share selected stories (where appropriate and consented)
7. Ensure all documentation respects confidentiality, dignity, and ethical storytelling practices

Learning Objectives (CSJ Aligned):

Through this role, the candidate will:

• Develop skills in qualitative research, interviewing, and storytelling
• Gain experience in community-based documentation and oral history methods
• Strengthen cultural competency and ethical engagement practices
• Build experience in nonprofit operations and community impact work
• Enhance written and verbal communication skills
  
  

About Islamic Family:

IslamicFamily supports the mother fleeing abuse without asking her to compromise her identity or safety. We support the man seeking counselling that honours his values. We support youth in search of creative platforms that amplify their voice. We support families starting over amidst hardship. We are IslamicFamily – created to serve. For over 30 years, we have been driven to disrupt systemic inequity, reflect a rich tradition with beauty, innovate, and serve with excellence.

Rooted on Treaty 6, IslamicFamily serves people from all walks of life. We run one of Edmonton's Food Bank's largest depots, provide urgent financial relief, support survivors of gender-based violence, empower refugees, and offer youth programming.

IslamicFamily is an Imagine Canada & Great Places to Work™ accredited charity and a proud recipient of the Government of Alberta’s Inspiration Award for its work combatting domestic violence (2020), the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Professional Service Award (2020), the Justice Innovation Award (2022), and the YEG Startup Community Award (2022).

How to apply?

Confidence (or the lack thereof) can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job.  We’ll let you in on a secret — there is no such thing as a perfect candidate. This role is about growth, creativity, and making a difference in newcomer communities. If you're passionate about community programming and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t check every single box. Curiosity and initiative matter just as much as experience. 

Submit the below through our Collage job postings portal!

To be considered for this role, please submit:
>  Your resume 
> A cover letter or a  ≤ 5m video that answers one of the following:

• Why is storytelling important in community organizations?
• Tell us about a story, interview, or experience that had a lasting impact on you