Processing Archivist

Description

The Mark Morris Dance Group seeks to hire a Processing Archivist to work on general management of the physical collection and digital assets comprising the Mark Morris Dance Group Archive. Reporting to the Archivist this is an hourly, part-time position.

The Mark Morris Dance Group Archive was developed as part of a three-year grant project, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, to process, digitize, and catalog the collection at the Mark Morris Dance Center. This project took place between 2017 and 2019, and work has been ongoing. Since 2020, the Archive has been working closely with various departments to produce virtual programming, curate online exhibitions, and improve upon the general functionalities of the CollectiveAccess database. The Archive is currently working to expand its current holdings to include other parts of the organization, such as Education and Community Engagement, Dance for PD®, Development, and Marketing.

The successful candidate joins a community of kind and dedicated arts and administrative professionals who are propelled by Mark Morris's commitment to artistic excellence, access to the arts, and the impact that the arts have in connecting and engaging communities. MMDG is committed to ongoing and sustained equity and inclusion work. All staff are expected to be actively engaged and dedicated to upholding our core values:  celebrating our diverse community, pursuing excellence in all that we do, advancing access, exposure, and opportunity to dance and music, and cultivating creativity. Staff members also have opportunities to shape the culture of the organization through our Work, Life and Culture Committee working groups at a time when we are revamping our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) action plan, initiating an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategic plan, and more.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

The Processing Archivist will work alongside the Archivist and other department staff to:

• Maintain the Archive’s CollectiveAccess database, which includes cataloging, metadata review, and curating digital exhibitions
• Maintain the Archive’s physical collection, which includes processing backlog, scanning, selecting materials for offsite storage, rehousing materials, creating labels, and assessing equipment updates as needed
• Plan virtual and in-person archival programming
• Review and revise the Archive’s current digital asset management protocols and workflows
• Field media requests from internal staff and dancers and outside researchers and other inquiries
• Continue to catalog new works and their accompanying performances and media

SCHEDULE:

• Minimum of 10 – 15 hours per week
• Work schedules during the week can be flexible and may include Saturdays, if preferred.

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU:

• Enjoy working both collaboratively and independently, and possess strong research, communication, and organizational skills.
• Enjoy cataloging and working with data
• Have an interest in the performing arts
• Have an interest in advancing access and cultivating creativity within archival collections

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-2 years of experience in a similar role
• Some familiarity with databases, cataloging and metadata creation, CollectiveAccess a plus
• Experience working with both physical and digital archival collections
• Current or recent graduate student pursuing a Masters in Information/Library Science preferred.
• Compliance with MMDG COVID-19 Safety Plan and Vaccination Policy

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• $25 per hour
• Access to free and discounted classes at the Dance Center and online
• Access to special events and MMDG performances (when available)
• Access to MMDG’s Wellness Center (an onsite exercise facility)
• Invitations to cultural events extended to staff members by community partners.
• Multiple professional development opportunities, including
  • participation in Dance/USA’s monthly Archiving and Preservation affinity group meetings
  • conferences and webinars
  • various other in-person or online events within the archives and/or performing arts sectors.

APPLICATIONS:

• Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
• Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• You will be asked to submit the following as part of your online application:
  • Complete résumé highlighting relevant experience
  • 1-page Cover Letter addressed to Stephanie Neel, Archivist including
    • Why are you interested in working at the Mark Morris Dance Group?
    • The Processing Archivist will be working to improve upon existing workflows and methodologies, both with managing the physical collection as well as developing and maintaining organization and cataloging of the digital collection. What relevant skills and experiences would you bring to this type of work?
    • MMDG is a values-driven organization; please review our core values of Community, Excellence, Creativity, and Access and discuss an instance in your professional career where you have demonstrated at least one of them.

DEADLINE:

• The position is open until filled.
• Please note that some candidate interviews will be conducted by video using the Zoom (https://zoom.us/) video communications application. Please download the application in advance and have a functioning camera and speaker on your device. MMDG can also provide candidates with reasonable accommodations, if needed.

EOE STATEMENT:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status. It is the policy of MMDG to comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MMDG does not discriminate against any qualified employees or job applicants with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person’s physical or mental disability. MMDG makes reasonable accommodation wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the duties and assignments connected with the job and provided that any accommodations made do not require significant difficulty or expense.