Senior Archivist - Collections & Client Engagement

Heritage Werks, Inc.; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO and holidays

Winter break

Job summary

Heritage Werks, Inc. is seeking a Senior Archivist to lead archival processing, collections management, and client-facing strategies. You will manage projects, organize materials with metadata practices, and guide digitization and DAM initiatives.

You will collaborate with clients and internal teams to ensure accessible, well-preserved collections and strategic recommendations for use. Travel as needed and willingness to work at multiple Heritage Werks locations are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in archival processing or records management.
• MLIS with Archives or Cataloging specialization.
• Experience working with clients and cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of metadata standards and archival description.

Responsibilities

• Lead archival projects from assessment through completion
• Process and describe materials using metadata and cataloging practices
• Develop inventories and finding aids
• Advise on digitization and DAM initiatives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients
• Mentor team members and improve workflows

Skills

Archivist experience

Metadata standards

DAM systems experience

Client-facing communication

Project management

Documentation & presentations

Education

MLIS with Archives/Cataloging specialization

Certified Archivist (CA)

Tools

Databases

Content management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Help Shape How History Is Experienced

At Heritage Werks, we believe archives are more than collections—they are powerful assets that connect people, tell stories, and support meaningful engagement.

We are seeking a Senior Archivist to lead archival processing, collections management, and client-facing archival strategy. This role combines hands-on archival work with project leadership and client engagement, helping organizations preserve and activate their collections.

Who We Are

Heritage Werks partners with leading brands, sports organizations, and cultural institutions to preserve and manage their most valuable historical materials.

Our work is grounded in care, precision, and collaboration. We focus on protecting what matters most while helping organizations better understand and use their collections.

Role Overview

This role is ideal for someone who wants to combine archival expertise with client interaction, strategy, and project ownership.

You will work closely with clients and internal teams to ensure collections are not only well preserved, but also organized, accessible, and positioned for meaningful use.

What You’ll Do

• Lead archival projects from assessment through completion
• Perform archival processing, including organizing, describing, and cataloging materials using metadata and cataloging best practices
• Evaluate collections and determine appropriate processing and preservation approaches
• Develop inventories, finding aids, and documentation to support access and discovery
• Apply records management and preservation best practices to ensure long-term care of materials
• Support and help prioritize digitization projects and digital asset management (DAM) initiatives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including archival, research, project management, and creative
• Partner with clients to understand their goals and provide strategic recommendations for collections use
• Present insights, findings, and recommendations to clients in a clear and engaging way
• Lead and guide project execution, ensuring timelines, quality, and deliverables are met
• Mentor and support team members through knowledge sharing and guidance
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, processes, and efficiency

What You Bring

• 5+ years of experience in archival processing, collections management, or records management
• MLIS with Archives and/or Cataloging specialization
• Certified Archivist (CA) preferred
• Experience working with clients, stakeholders, or cross-functional teams
• Strong understanding of metadata standards, archival description, and cataloging practices
• Experience with digitization projects and digital asset management (DAM) systems
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities
• Experience with databases, content management systems, and Microsoft Office
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
• Willingness to travel occasionally as needed
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and work with physical collections
• Willingness to work at any Heritage Werks location based on business requirements

Core Competencies

• Advanced archival judgment and decision-making
• Client orientation and consultative communication
• Accountability and ownership
• Focus on quality and precision
• Team leadership and mentorship
• Alignment with company values and project goals

Success in This Role Looks Like

• High-quality, accurate archival processing and documentation
• Well-organized, accessible, and strategically positioned collections
• Strong client relationships and clear communication
• Successful delivery of projects on time and within scope
• Improved workflows and operational efficiency

Why Join Heritage Werks

At Heritage Werks, you’ll be part of a team that values both the work and the people doing it. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects while continuing to grow your skills and experience.

We offer:

• A supportive and collaborative environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• Diverse projects across industries
• Competitive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Generous PTO, holidays, and winter break

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Heritage Werks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe no one should be discriminated against based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. We proudly support veteran employment opportunities for service members and their families.