Archivist

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary:

The Archivist manages daily operations of the archives department, supervises the Associate Archivist for Reference, Associate Archivist for Digitization, the Newman Project Processing Archivist, Stuart Project Processing Archivist, and volunteers, coordinates and provides public reference services and access to the MHS archives, and manages special archives projects.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• The Archivist serves as an administrative department head supervising a staff of archives professionals as well as interns and volunteers, is responsible for all aspects of the work of the department, including budget management and personnel evaluation, as well as all aspects of the administration of the institution's historical manuscript collection, architectural collection, and institutional archives.
• The Archivist facilitates collection development and acquisitions, appraisal, accessioning, arrangement, and description, cataloging and preservation for the archives collection.
• The Archivist works closely with donors to provide guidance for possible additions to the archives collection and planning proposed donations including visiting donor's residences or businesses to perform archival surveys, as needed.
• The Archivist is responsible for organizing the digitization of the archival and architectural collections and shall participate in institutional and divisional efforts to coordinate digitization and web development programs.
• The Archivist serves on the Curatorial Collections Committee and other divisional and institutional committees as appropriate and participates in policy development and implementation relating to all aspects of collections and collections security.
• The Archivist participates in educational programming and public outreach in coordination with the appropriate departments.
• Works with staff throughout the institution to assist in executing the policies and procedures of the institution and in furthering institutional initiatives as required.
• The Archivist leads a team consisting of the Associate Archivist for Reference, Associate Archivist for Digitization, the Newman Project Processing Archivist, Stuart Project Processing Archivist, and volunteers, and coordinates public reference schedules for the archives, and participates in public reference services.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience using current library and archival descriptive and metadata standards [Encoded Archival Description (EAD)].
• Experience using ArchivesSpace is preferred. Knowledge of preservation and conservation standards for archival materials.
• Proficient using collections management software and digital assets management systems and demonstrated experience managing digital projects.
• A substantial knowledge of history and historical methods required. Knowledge of St. Louis and Western American history, desirable.
• Ability to handle large, heavy, and fragile materials; ability to reach shelves; ability to traverse grate floor, operate elevators, and utilize stairs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills mandatory.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex and time-sensitive projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills and ability to maintain positive and productive work relationships with co-workers.
• Ability to work rotating Saturdays and occasional evenings, required.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience using current library and archival descriptive and metadata standards [Encoded Archival Description (EAD)].
• Experience using ArchivesSpace is preferred. Knowledge of preservation and conservation standards for archival materials.
• Proficient using collections management software and digital assets management systems and demonstrated experience managing digital projects.
• A substantial knowledge of history and historical methods required.
• Knowledge of St. Louis and Western American history, desirable. Ability to handle large, heavy, and fragile materials; ability to reach shelves; ability to traverse grate floor, operate elevators, and utilize stairs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills mandatory.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex and time-sensitive projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills and ability to maintain positive and productive work relationships with co-workers.
• Ability to work rotating Saturdays and occasional evenings, required.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for Archivist Jobs at Missouri History Museum