Innovations in Jewish Life Archivist

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder Libraries invites applications for the Innovations in Jewish Life Archivist, a two-year teaching faculty position managing IJL archival materials. The role focuses on collection development, instruction, outreach, and reference services, with hybrid work and supervision of student staff.

You will collaborate with the Program in Jewish Studies and other librarians to create finding aids and support grant-funded activities, while contributing to the Libraries’

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or Public History with archives focus.
• At least 1 year of experience with archival collections.
• Ability to develop partnerships and collaborate in an inclusive environment.
• Experience applying best practices to arrangement and description, using ArchivesSpace.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with JWST and Senior Collections Archivist to appraise, acquire, and accession IJL collections.
• Lead primary source instruction for IJL materials in Libraries instruction sessions.
• Support ongoing grant-funded activities related to IJL collections.
• Coordinate engagement activities and fellowship programs with JWST and Libraries staff.
• Provide reference and student support for IJL collections through consultations and LibGuides.
• Process, re-house, arrange, and describe IJL acquisitions and legacy materials with finding aids.

Skills

Collaboration

Instruction

Outreach

Reference services

ArchivesSpace

Finding aids

Education

ALA-accredited Master’s in Library/Archives

Tools

ArchivesSpace

Job description

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Libraries isexcited to invite applications from collaborative and creativecandidates for the position of Innovations in Jewish LifeArchivist! The Innovations in Jewish Life Archivist is a two year,limited-term teaching faculty position that will manage theUniversity Libraries’ unique Innovations in Jewish Life (IJL)archival collections, which document the work of individuals andgroups who transformed the American Jewish experience frompost-World War II to the present. The IJL collections are co-stewarded by both the Libraries and CU’sProgram in Jewish Studies (JWST). The position’s primaryresponsibilities include supporting collection development of theIJL collections, including appraisal, acquisition, andaccessioning; leading Libraries instruction sessions with thesematerials for classes across campus units; participating in relatedongoing grant-funded activities co-led by the Libraries and JWST;supporting Libraries and JWST fellowship programs and otheropportunities for outreach and engagement with the IJL collections;and delivering reference services and student support for thesecollections. In close collaboration with other archivists in theUniversity Libraries, the Innovations in Jewish Life Archivist willalso process, arrange, and describe IJL archival collections,supervise student employees, interns, apprentices, and/orvolunteers to assist with this work, and participate in weeklyservice point shifts in the Reading Room in Norlin Library. This position is 100% librarianship; research and service dutiesare not required by this role. The Innovations in Jewish LifeArchivist has the opportunity to work in a hybrid capacity andreports to the Head of the Distinctive Collections &Institutional Memory Unit. The Distinctive Collections &Institutional Memory Unit is part of the Collection and ArchivalStrategy Department which is part of the Research and InnovationStrategies Division. Please see the Libraries’ organizationalchart.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Mission

We are a knowledge catalyst. We fuel inquiry, discovery, collaboration, creation, and the dissemination of knowledge. Wewelcome everyone, wherever they are on their educationaljourney.

Vision

An information-empowered world.

Values

Include Empower Connect Learn Inspire

About the University, Libraries and Archives, and Program in Jewish Studies:

As the flagship University of a multi-campus system in the State of Colorado, CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners situated on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. As one of 35 U.S. public institutions belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.

CU Boulder is committed to Colorado communities through collaborative research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Ourfaculty, staff and students work with the broader community to establish unique connections that have lasting outcomes—both across Colorado and around the world. The CU Systemwide Lands RecognitionStatement, arrived at after connecting with Native American groupson all CU campuses, as well as with campus chief diversityofficers, chancellors and system leadership, is available at https://president.cu.edu/statements/cu-systemwide-lands-recognition-statement.

The University Libraries faculty and staff are diverse, dedicated, and hardworking people who share this vision and mission. Ourorganization employs professionals of various academic tracks andranks as well as university and classified staff, and all work isvalued and appreciated regardless of position type. The Librariesare a member of the Association of Research Libraries and hold thelargest collection in the Rocky Mountain region. The Librariesfaculty and staff collaborate internally, with colleagues beyondthe campus and with our clients to advance information literacy, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, the disciplinary growth ofinformation, and the amplification of knowledge.

The University Libraries maintains a formal partnership with the CU’s Program in Jewish Studies to manage the Innovations in Jewish Life Collections. The Program in Jewish Studies explores Jewishculture, history, society and thought from a broad,interdisciplinary perspective. Program faculty include an AcademicDirector of the Innovation in Jewish Life Collections who isappointed by the Director of Jewish Studies and advises theLibraries on collection development and engagement with thesearchives.

The University of Colorado Boulder Libraries’ Archives was foundedin 1918 and holds more than 1,800 collections and 40,000 linearfeet of materials. This includes manuscripts, correspondence,diaries, photographs, posters, sound recordings, and moving images. Current collecting foci includes the Atomic West, Innovations inJewish Life, American popular music, experimental film and video,Rocky Mountain counterculture and social change, and the historyand records of University of Colorado Boulder campus and itsfaculty and students.

About Boulder, Colorado

Boulder and the surrounding area are known as one of the bestplaces to live because of the spectacular setting, acres of openspace, and vibrant atmosphere. At 5,430 feet above sea level, acresof vast open space entwine into Boulder's cityscape nestled intothe foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Home to approximately 90,000residents, Boulder has a mild, dry climate with more than 300 daysof sunshine per year. Boulder offers activities for everyinterest.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Collaborates with CU Boulder’s Program in Jewish Studies (JWST)and the Senior Collections Archivist to appraise, acquire, andaccession new archival collections documenting Innovations inJewish Life (JL), following the Libraries’ collection developmentpolicies;
• Offers primary source instruction in the Libraries for classesusing IJL archival collections, in collaboration with otherLibraries personnel engaged in instruction and with other facultyas appropriate;
• Participates in and supports ongoing grant-funded activitiesrelated to the IJL collections, in collaboration with the SeniorCollections Archivist and JWST;
• Supports and delivers opportunities for student, faculty,staff, and community engagement with the IJL collections throughoutreach events, exhibits, fellowship programs, and/or curation ofcollection materials for digitization and inclusion in the CUDigital Library, in collaboration with JWST and/or other Librariespersonnel;
• Provides reference and student support for the IJL collectionsby holding research consultations, supporting JWST and Librariesresearch fellows with research assistance, creating LibGuides, andassisting the Reference Archivist with other patron referenceneeds; and
• Researches, processes, re-houses, arranges, and describes newacquisitions and legacy archival materials in the Innovations in Jewish Life (IJL) collections, including creating finding aids inArchivesSpace, in accordance with institutional policies andprofessional best practices.
• Participates in weekly service point shifts in the Reading Roomand other Libraries’ service points as assigned.

What You Should Know

This position is offered in a hybrid capacity. There will be an informationsession on Monday, October 5, 2026 from 11:00-11:45 pm MT. At this information session, the search committee will shareinformation about the Innovations in Jewish Life Archivist jobsearch, working at CU Boulder, and answer attendee questions. Awebinar link will be provided to registrants via email.

What We Can Offer

• The successful candidate will be appointed as a full-time(12-month) teaching professor-track faculty member at the AssistantTeaching Professor rank. The salary range for Assistant TeachingProfessor is $75,000-$90,000. A candidate with seven or more yearsof professional experience may be eligible for the rank ofAssociate Teaching Professor with a starting salary range of$83,000-$98,000.
• Limited relocation assistance may be available withinUniversity Libraries guidelines.
• Faculty receive limited professional development fundsannually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one ofForbes' America’s BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and InformationScience, Archival Studies, or Public History with a focus or concentration in archives management;
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with archivalcollections;
• Demonstrated initiative and flexibility to work bothindependently and collaboratively;
• Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and collaborate with and receive input from others while supporting a welcoming andinclusive environment;
• Experience applying professional best practices to thearrangement and description of archival collections, includingusing ArchivesSpace to create finding aids.

What You Will Need

• Experience supporting or leading collection developmentactivities for archival collections;
• Experience supporting or leading instruction, outreach, and/orengagement opportunities for archival collections;
• Experience delivering reference services for archival collections.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience conducting appraisal and accessioning ofacquisitions of archival collections;
• Experience supporting relationships with donors of archival collections;
• Experience identifying and resolving preservation concerns for archival collections;
• Degree, coursework, or related professional experience inReligious Studies or Jewish Studies;
• Proficiency in Hebrew and/or Yiddish.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on October 11, 2026, to receive fullconsideration.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: George Karpoff

Posting Contact Email: [e-mail]