Archivist

Position Overview:

The Archivist is the Institutional Records Manager responsible for the access to, professional care, daily management, and maintenance of the Museum’s archives including its organization, preservation, and storage. The Archivist refines, implements, and upholds archival policies and procedures with regard to processing, documenting, and accessing archival collections. The Archivist serves Librarian role including maintaining the books collection. As part of the curatorial team, supports Collections Departmental efforts.  

Essential Duties of the Position:

Major Tasks:  

• Supervises and trains archives assistants, interns, students and volunteers.   
• Coordinates and facilitates archives access requests by staff, researchers, research associates, and the public, as well as responding to archives information inquiries and requests.  
• Responsible for researching and responding to copyright and ownership issues.   
• Responsible for providing scans of images and documents as needed using appropriate digital and metadata standards.  
• Coordinates and facilitates archives use in public programs.  
• Coordinates loans with Registrar.  

Responsible for archival maintenance: 

• Evaluates and coordinates the re-housing and stabilization of archives.  
• Ensures compliance with government regulations related to archives.  
• Ensures accurate and up-to-date inventories and reconciliation of archives and records, including spot check inventories.  
• Responsible for the appraisal, arrangement, and description of archival collections according to recognized archives standards (DACS, EAD, Dublin Core)  
• Maintains records of and prioritizes processing backlogs.  
• Oversees housekeeping and IPM related activities, as pertains to archives.  
• Purchases archival supplies.  
• Coordinates the move of archives into new or improved storage conditions.  

Manages archival procedures: 

• Works with department team in the creation, development, and implementation of collections management policies; archives procedures; procedures manual; departmental goals and preservation planning.  
• mplements and refines the museum’s records retention program in accordance with local, state, and federal law.  
• Conducts training for staff regarding records management and transfer of relevant records to the permanent institutional archives  
• Implements current procedures and develop new procedures for archival collections considering previous organizational and cataloging systems  
• Ensures current museum archives handling procedures are recorded and enforced.   
• Works with Director Collections and Archives in preparation of proposals, reports, and other associated documents.  
• Responsible for implementation  of Archives grant awards.   
• Assists with maintaining department’s webpages, as well as verifying legal photo usage on website.  
• Acts as an enthusiastic advocate and personal representative for the Museum in the community by promoting its resources, programs and services.  
• Other duties as needed. 

Abilities, Skills, and Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of archives preservation requirements, storage needs, and registration procedures for archives.  
• Up-to-date knowledge of professional standards and trends.  
• Familiar with governmental regulations and legal requirements related to archives and experience in compliance with same.  
• Familiarity with records produced by natural science, cultural and fine arts sources.  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality  in all professional matters.  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing, with staff, trustees, vendors and others.  
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.  
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite or other similar products. 
• Familiarity with PastPerfect Collection Management System.  
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.   
• Must be able to sit, stoop, stand for extended periods of time, lift heavy containers (50 lbs.) and handle fragile items.  
• Visual acuity and ability to work at computer for extended period of time. 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in, Art History, History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or other related field required; master's degree preferred (currently working on M.A. or M.L.I.S. in Archives, Library Science will be strongly considered) 
• Professional experience in digital archiving is required.? 
• Strong knowledge of American  and African American history is strongly preferred. 
• Professional background in website design, public history, oral history, media production, and/or digital humanities preferred 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills? 
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills? 
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues  
• Passion for the Museum's mission and the African American community?