Assistant Archivist

National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Federation of the Blind is seeking an Assistant Archivist to support inventory, cataloging, and digitization efforts for the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement.

Primary duties include inventorying and updating records, digitizing materials, and producing accessible descriptions. The role emphasizes careful handling of historic artifacts, research support, and collaboration within a small, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Completion of a college-level program in archival sciences, library sciences, museum studies, history, or similar.
• 1–3 years prior experience working in collections in an archive, museum, or similar setting, including relevant internships.
• Experience using a collections management system specific to a historic repository.
• Knowledge of metadata schema (such as Dublin Core) and cataloging tools (such as Museum Nomenclature).
• Ability to conduct historical background research.
• Experience responsibly handling a variety of historic artifacts, preferably including condition assessments and labeling artifacts.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in recording data.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent assignments and execute tasks independently.
• Ability to cooperate effectively in a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn other computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Follow standardized procedures and data standards to inventory and catalog artifacts.
• Identify and correct gaps and inconsistencies in the current collections records according to data standards.
• Conduct background research as necessary for cataloging.
• Conduct basic preservation or artifact re-housing as necessary.
• Follow standardized procedures to digitize various items, including paper and audiovisual materials, and create detailed, accessible descriptions (such as transcripts, time-stamped notes, etc.).
• Assist with other duties as assigned, including research tasks, outreach tasks, or other projects across the organization.

Skills

Collections mgmt system

Metadata standards

Background research

Artifact handling

Detail orientation

Organization

Independent work

Team collaboration

Written communication

MS Office

Education

College-level program in archival/sciences/museum studies/history

1–3 years collections experience

Tools

Museum Nomenclature

Dublin Core metadata

Job description

The National Federation of the Blind is a membership organization of blind people from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As America's civil rights organization of the blind, the Federation is a coordinated network of skilled advocates, resources, and programs that raise expectations of the blind in society and create opportunities for blind people to live the lives they want.

The staff of the Federation are central to the organized blind movement by providing support, professional expertise, and daily contributions to the success of the organization. Working under the direction of the Federation's elected President, the staff advise the organization's leadership and contribute to the vibrant, energetic, and collaborative culture of the organization that raises expectations throughout society.

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Archivist. The National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement, a program of the National Federation of the Blind, collects, preserves, and shares materials related to non-medical aspects of blindness, with particular emphasis on the organized blind movement.

The primary responsibilities for the Assistant Archivist will be to assist in inventory, updating the records of our collections, and digitizing various materials. Secondary responsibilities will be to support ad hoc needs such as research or preservation projects.

Responsibilities

• Follow standardized procedures and data standards to inventory and catalog artifacts
• Identify and correct gaps and inconsistencies in the current collections records according to data standards
• Conduct background research as necessary for cataloging
• Conduct basic preservation or artifact re-housing as necessary
• Follow standardized procedures to digitize various items, including paper and audiovisual materials, and create detailed, accessible descriptions (such as transcripts, time-stamped notes, etc.)
• Assist with other duties as assigned, including research tasks, outreach tasks, or other projects across the organization

Qualifications

• Experience using a collections management system specific to a historic repository
• Knowledge of and ability to apply metadata schema (such as Dublin Core) and cataloging tools (such as Museum Nomenclature)
• Ability to conduct historical background research
• Experience responsibly handling a variety of historic artifacts, preferably including condition assessments and labeling artifacts
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in recording data
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent assignments and execute tasks independently
• Ability to cooperate effectively in a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn other computer applications

Education and Experience

• Completion of a college-level program in archival sciences, library sciences, museum studies, history, or similar
• One to three years prior experience working in collections in an archive, museum, or similar setting, including relevant internships

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this position is 21.63 to 23.07 dollars per hour.

Please go to our benefits brochure to learn about the employee benefits offered by the National Federation of the Blind.

The National Federation of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, all terms and conditions of employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, or disability. For more detailed information about our commitment to equal opportunity in employment, please email a request [e-mail] .