Senior Archivist

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is seeking a Senior Archivist to lead the preservation and management of fine art and art education archives, working with Collections staff and community partners.

This 2-year contracted position reports to the Director of Collections and Archives, overseeing access, inventory, and compliance with archival standards, while helping develop procedures and preservation planning for future needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences, Art History, History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field required.
• Professional experience in digital archiving is required.
• Strong knowledge of American and African American history, art history, and art education history preferred.
• Experience with website design, public history, oral history, media production or digital humanities helpful.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process and preserve archives including rehousing and digitization.
• Coordinate archives presentations and public programs for staff, researchers, and the public.
• Maintain inventories and reconcile archives and records; ensure access.
• Ensure compliance with laws, standards (DACS, EAD, Dublin Core) and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Archives preservation

Professional standards

Regulatory compliance

Archives Space

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Attention to detail

MS Office

Independent + team work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences or related

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Archives Space

Job description

​Introduction

Description

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s Curatorial Department is seeking a friendly and engaging Senior Archivist who will work closely with Collections staff and community partners to grow and manage fine art and art education archival records for the Wright Museum.

Essential Functions

This position is a 2-year contracted benefits-eligible Senior Archivist reporting to the Director of Collections and Archives. The Senior Archivist is the Institutional Records Manager responsible for the access to, professional care, daily management, and maintenance of the specific fine art and art education archives including its organization, preservation, and storage. The Senior Archivist refines, implements, and upholds archival policies and procedures with regard to processing, documenting, and accessing archival collections. As part of the curatorial team, supports Collections Departmental efforts.

Major Tasks

• Process fine art and art education archival records including rehousing and digitization.
• Coordinates and facilitates archives presentations and public programs to staff, researchers, research associates, and the public about this archival project.
• Responsible for archival maintenance
• Evaluates and coordinates the re-housing and stabilization of archives.
• Ensures compliance with government regulations related to archives.
• Ensures accurate and up-to-date inventories and reconciliation of archives and records, including spot check inventories.
• Responsible for the arrangement, and description of archival collections according to recognized archives standards (DACS, EAD, Dublin Core)
• Oversees housekeeping and IPM related activities, as pertains to archives.
• Coordinates the move of archives into new or improved storage conditions.
• Manages archival procedures
• Works with department team in the creation, development, and implementation of procedures manual; departmental goals and preservation planning in relation to this 2-year project.
• Implements and refines the museum’s records retention program in accordance with local, state, and federal law.
• Implements current procedures and develop new procedures for archival collections considering previous organizational and cataloging systems.
• Ensures current museum archives handling procedures are recorded and enforced.
• Responsible for providing scans of images and documents as needed using appropriate digital and metadata standards.
• Coordinates and facilitates archives use in public programs.
• Works with Director Collections and Archives in preparation of proposals, reports, and other associated documents.
• Responsible for implementation of Archives grant awards.
• Assists with maintaining department’s webpages as well as verifying legal photo usage on website.
• Acts as an enthusiastic advocate and personal representative for the Museum in the community by promoting its resources, programs and services.
• Supervises and trains archives assistants, interns, students and volunteers as needed.
• Other duties as needed.

Abilities, Skills, and Knowledge

• Knowledge of archives preservation requirements, storage needs, and registration procedures for archives.
• Up-to-date knowledge of professional standards and trends.
• Familiar with governmental regulations and legal requirements related to archives and experience in compliance with same.
• Familiarity with records produced by natural science, cultural and fine arts sources.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all professional matters.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing, with staff, trustees, vendors and others.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite or other similar products.
• Familiarity with Archives Space.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Must be able to sit, stoop, stand for extended periods of time, lift heavy containers (50 lbs.) and handle fragile items.
• Visual acuity and ability to work at computer for extended period of time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in Information Sciences, Art History, History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or other related field required; master's degree preferred (currently working on M.A. or M.L.I.S. in Archives, Library Science will be strongly considered)
• Professional experience in digital archiving is required.
• Strong knowledge of American and African American history, Art history, and Art education history is strongly preferred.
• Professional background in website design, public history, oral history, media production, and/or digital humanities preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Passion for the Museum's mission and the African American community