Conference Archivist

Description

The Upper New York Annual Conference seeks a passionate professional to safeguard our Methodist legacy as Conference Archivist. In this full-time role, you'll manage historical records, provide research services, lead digital preservation, and create educational content that connects our past with present ministry. Join us to preserve the past while empowering future ministry in a supportive, Christ-centered environment.

The Conference Archivist is responsible for managing, preserving, and providing access to the historical records and artifacts of the Upper New York Conference and its predecessor conferences. This full-time professional position plays a crucial role in maintaining our conference's historical legacy, supporting legal and genealogical research, and facilitating learning from our rich religious heritage.

Records Management & Preservation

• Serve as custodian of permanent records, coordinating with finance team on legal documents, property deeds, and church records.
• Develop and implement acquisition, preservation, and access policies aligned with denominational and professional standards.
• Process new materials using archival best practices, maintaining chain of custody documentation.
• Monitor environmental conditions and implement security measures for physical and digital collections.

Research & Access Services

• Provide reference services to researchers, genealogists, and leadership.
• Create and maintain finding aids, inventories, and research tools.
• Facilitate appropriate access while protecting sensitive materials.
• Support conference leadership with historical research for ministry initiatives.

Digital Strategy

• Oversee digitization of at-risk physical materials
• Maintain digital archives systems with appropriate security and backup procedures.

Education & Outreach

• Develop exhibits, presentations, and workshops on Methodist history.
• Create content for conference publications.
• Partner with local churches on historical preservation initiatives
• Conduct training on proper church record-keeping practices.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and mentor student interns.
• Support the Conference Commission on Archives and History and archives volunteers.
• Implement Commission policies and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate with the finance team and legal counsel on historical record access and compliance.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Commission meetings.

Core Competencies:

• Christ-centered and Christ-like.
• Committed to continuously growing in intercultural competence.
• Build and maintain relationships rooted in honesty, integrity, and honoring confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively to produce innovative solutions and outcomes.
• Communicate clearly and accurately, in writing and verbally, with unifying messages that motivate action.
• Attention to details and deadlines.
• Provide gracious and warm hospitality.
• Committed to continuous learning and developing skills. 
• Support the vision, mission, and core values of the United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Conference.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the structure and polity of the United Methodist Church. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in a related field 

· At least 2 years of professional experience working with organized information systems, collections, or cultural resources. 

· Knowledge of preservation and information management best practices 

· Experience with database or collections management software 

· Strong organizational and project management abilities 

· Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) 

· Experience supervising staff or interns. 

· Ability to collaborate with volunteers and committees.

Preferred Qualifications

· Master’s degree in library science, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, or related field 

· Knowledge of United Methodist Church history and structure 

· Experience with religious or institutional archives 

· Familiarity with genealogical research 

· Digital asset management experience

Physical Requirements

· Able to lift and move boxes up to 40 pounds. 

· Can work in environments with varying temperatures.

· Good vision for working with historical documents and screens.

Working Conditions

· Full-time professional position 

· Office with climate-controlled archive space 

· Occasional evening/weekend work for special projects 

· Some regional travel required.