Lead Archivist - Winthrop Group, Seattle, WA

Northwest Archivists; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading archival consulting firm is seeking a full-time Lead Archivist based in Seattle, WA. The ideal candidate will possess an MLS/MLIS and at least five years of experience in archives. Responsibilities include providing comprehensive archival support, supervising archivists, and collaborating with clients. The position offers a salary range of $72,000 to $90,000 based on experience, alongside potential performance-based incentives. Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume, and references via email.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in archives.
• Demonstrated expertise in arranging and describing archival materials.
• Occasional travel in Pacific Northwest and California.
• Comfortable interacting with employees at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-spectrum archival support for existing clients.
• Serve as the primary onsite liaison for selected projects.
• Collaborate with colleagues for proposal development.
• Conduct collection surveys and evaluations.
• Supervise other archivists on projects in the Pacific Northwest.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communications skills

Proactive problem solver

Strong attention to detail

Ability to manage complex projects

Collaborative and collegial

Education

MLS/MLIS with a concentration in archives

Graduate degree with certificate in archival studies

Tools

Collection management systems (CMS)

Digital asset management systems (DAMS)

Job description

Lead Archivist - Winthrop Group, Seattle, WA

The Winthrop Group has an immediate opening for a full-time Lead Archivist to represent the firm’s archival consulting practice in the Pacific Northwest. We are seeking a thoughtful and entrepreneurial archivist with exceptional interpersonal skills who is excited by the opportunity to work directly with organizations to develop their archives and records programs. The Lead Archivist will advise clients on how to organize and activate their historical resources, improve stewardship, and make their archives more accessible and meaningful.

Winthrop works with a broad range of organizations, including corporations, nonprofits, universities, foundations, and private archives. As a consulting archivist, you will launch and develop archival programs, survey collections, design practical solutions, and guide organizations in creating sustainable archives that support research, storytelling, and institutional memory.

The role requires someone who is comfortable working independently and collaborating with colleagues across the country. While prior consulting or business development experience is not required, the ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about building relationships with clients, identifying opportunities, and growing professional networks. Curiosity, initiative, and a passion for helping organizations connect with their history are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide full‑spectrum archival support for existing clients, including collection appraisal and acquisition, processing, digitization management, reference services, outreach, policy creation, and digital asset management
• Serve as the primary onsite liaison for selected projects and ensure client satisfaction
• Collaborate with Winthrop colleagues to meet with prospects and participate in proposal development
• Conduct collection surveys and evaluations, interview stakeholders, and produce detailed reports with actionable recommendations
• Supervise other Winthrop archivists on projects in the Pacific Northwest and California
• Act as a Winthrop ambassador in all work, enhancing the firm’s reputation, expanding professional networks, and promoting archival best practices

Required Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS with a concentration in archives or other graduate degree with certificate in archival studies or ACA certification
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in archives
• Demonstrated expertise in arranging and describing archival materials
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Proactive problem solver who anticipates needs and proposes solutions
• Able to balance multiple priorities and manage time effectively
• Manages complex projects from start to finish, taking responsibility for outcomes
• Strong attention to detail and attentive listener
• High degree of professionalism
• Collaborative and collegial
• Upholds professional archival standards, including the SAA Code of Ethics, and safeguards confidentiality
• Strong advocate for archives and able to communicate about archives to non‑archivists
• Comfortable interacting with employees at all levels of different organizations
• Occasional travel in Pacific Northwest and California
• Able to lift and move 40‑pound boxes

Preferred Skills

• Supervisory or administrative experience
• Experience or interest in archival consulting
• Experience with a variety of collection management systems (CMS) and digital asset management systems (DAMS)
• Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) certification
• Experience with large‑scale processing project, digitization initiative, or archives move
• Prior work in corporate archives or with business records
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial oversight for archival projects
• Oral history experience

$72,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience, with potential for performance‑based incentives tied to business development.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three references to [e-mail] with the subject line “Lead Archivist – Seattle, WA.”