Archivist and Collections Coordinator

The Union League of Philadelphia; Phoenixville (Chester County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays and Bereavement

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Founding Forward seeks an Archivist & Collections Coordinator to steward our historic resources and make them accessible for education, research, and exhibits. You will serve as the technical expert, preserving, documenting, and organizing materials while collaborating with the Director of Historic Engagement and the Engagement team.

The role requires a history/archives background, at least three years in archives or libraries, and the ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in history or archives or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Three years of experience in archives or libraries.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practices.
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40lbs.
• Knowledge of PastPerfect Museum Cataloging Software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain collections management policies, including record retention.
• Maintain collection databases and finding aids.
• Coordinate inventories and storage.
• Accession, catalog, and document historic collections.
• Preserve institutional archives.
• Manage archival processing from new acquisitions to existing collections.
• Recommend preservation priorities and deaccessions.
• Respond to internal and external research requests.
• Assist with exhibit development.
• Support publications and educational initiatives.
• Coordinate loans, permissions, and image requests.
• Prepare materials for exhibits, tours, and educational programming.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor’s degree in history or archives

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PastPerfect Museum Cataloging Software

Job description

Title: Archivist & Collections Coordinator

Reports to: Director of Historic Engagement

Status: Full-time

About Founding Forward: Founding Forward is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to informing and engaging citizens through transformational educational experiences grounded in American history. These experiences empower students, educators, and communities to understand, appreciate, and practice the principles, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship. Founding Forward operates from two main locations: the Sir John Templeton Heritage Center, a research, exhibit, and programming space at The Union League of Philadelphia, and a 75-acre educational campus in Valley Forge, PA.

Position Summary: The Archivist & Collections Coordinator ensures the professional stewardship of Founding Forward's historic collections. This role serves as the technical expert responsible for preserving, documenting, organizing, and access to the organization's historical resources. Working closely with the Director of Historic Engagement and the Engagement team, the Archivist & Collections Coordinator transforms historical materials into accessible resources that support education, research, exhibits, preservation, and historic engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain collections management policies, including record retention.
• Maintain collection databases and finding aids.
• Coordinate inventories and storage.

Collections Care

• Accession, catalog, and document historic collections.
• Preserve institutional archives.
• Manage archival processing, from new acquisitions to existing collections.

Conservation & Preservation

• Recommend preservation priorities and deaccessions.

Research Services

• Respond to internal and external research requests.
• Assist with exhibit development.
• Support publications and educational initiatives.

Collections Support

• Coordinate loans, permissions, and image requests.
• Prepare materials for exhibits, tours, and educational programming.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required in history or archives or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Three years of experience working in archives or libraries

· Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practices

· Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to work independently

· Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40lbs.

· Knowledge of PastPerfect Museum Cataloging Software preferred

· Must hold or be able to complete clearances for working with youth and have an active driver’s license.

Application deadline September 8, after which, all applicants will be reviewed and notified.

Success Measures

• Collections are organized, preserved, and accessible.
• Archival records are accurate and current.
• Research requests are handled professionally and efficiently.
• Historic collections support exhibits, programs, and storytelling.
• Cross-department collaboration strengthens engagement with the related history.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus potential
• Energetic, multi-faceted, team-oriented work atmosphere
• Exposure to a national market
• Health benefits including vision, dental, life, and disability; FSA and HAS (for full-time employees)
• 401(k) plan with company match (after a year of employment) (for full-time & part- time employees)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) (for full-time employees)
• Paid Holidays, Bereavement, and Jury Duty
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement (for full-time employees)
• Opportunities for promotion from within

Founding Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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Founding Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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