Archivist (LTE)

Seattle
1 other recent jobs
Salary: $114,000
Created: January 17, 2025

Description

Summary:

Gates Archive is seeking a generalist Archivist with breadth of understanding or experience in various archival and related workflows including records management, accessioning, processing, screening, and/or access for physical and born-digital collections to contribute to cross-department operations and projects.

Reporting to the Manager, Collection Development & Description, the Archivist will work closely with the Gates Archive team to provide responsive support for priority initiatives including preparation of large philanthropic collection for access and use.

This is a 2-year limited-term employee (LTE) role, working full-time (40 hours/week, with benefits). This position is eligible for hybrid work, consisting of a minimum 3 days per week onsite with our Seattle based team with the option to work remotely on remaining days.

Core Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the core responsibilities.

  • Oversee workflow development and execution for program areas under direction of program area Manager in collaboration with other Archive staff. The Archivist will be required to focus on one or more of the following areas:
    •  Records Management: Collaborate with and provide feedback to donor organizations to implement and refine records management policies and procedures in support of archive workflows.
    • Acquisitions: Support development and execution of accessioning and screening workflows including machine-assisted identification of sensitive information and assignment of record classifications or embargoes.
    • Collections Management: Interact and collaborate with archive leadership and donor organizations to facilitate the appraisal, acquisition, and management of archival materials, including disposition
    • Description: Oversee processing and asset metadata workflows or projects. Contribute to local descriptive standards that support management of and controlled access to information in a variety of formats across multiple collections.
  • Contribute to fulfillment of access requests including timely virtual or in-person delivery of information to users via research or descriptive tools, in accordance with donor preferences and applicable access/use policies, as needed.
  • Support preservation surveys, identification, prioritization, and execution of preservation measures to ensure the long-term stability of archival materials, as needed.
  • Support training and supervision of targeted workflows by Assistant Archivists, Asset Management Specialists, and Archive Technicians, as needed.
  •  Contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization, including onboarding and training of new team members.
  • Collaborate with team and track leadership Lead out and/or execute strategic projects in support of organizational and programmatic goals.
  • Collaborate with technologists, production specialists, asset management system specialists, oral historians, and project managers on cross-program activities. 
  • Provide leadership based on advances in professional standards and emerging archival technologies; explore and propose new technologies and methods to meet archive needs
  • Maintain statistics, reports, and other metrics to improve collection management functions
  • Build a culture of belonging across the organization in alignment with organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion goals
  • Operate in an environment that prioritizes the values of teamwork, trust, professionalism, and stewardship
  • Fulfill other organizational duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Education:

  •  A Master’s Degree of Library & Information Science or History or another relevant field or area of study, with a concentration or certification in archival studies, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience

Experience:

  • 5+ years professional work experience in an archive environment acquiring, processing, preserving, and/or providing access to archival collections
  • Experience with collection management, including creation and interpretation of accession records or collection policies
  • Experience and/or training in records management, including experience working with donors, partners, or stakeholders to develop, refine, or apply records management schedules and screening records for sensitive content, including interpreting and applying access restrictions or embargos for access to and/or use of archival materials
  • Experience developing and overseeing workflows, managing priority, and collaborating with technologists to identify, test, and deploy new tools
  • Experience using collection management, access, and discovery systems, or asset management systems
  • Experience developing or maintaining records management policies and processes, preferred
  • Experience supporting end-to-end acquisitions workflows for born-digital and physical materials, preferred
  • Experience performing basic preservation techniques to archival materials (e.g. document flattening, fastener removal, rehousing, humidification, etc.), preferred

Skills and Abilities:

  • Must be able to work collegially and collaboratively
  • Demonstrated understanding of modern archival theory, standards, and practices and their implementation, which includes familiarity and/or experience with appraisal methods, records management, acquisitions, arrangement and description, preservation, and access (physical/digital)
  • Understanding of and ability to apply controlled vocabularies and descriptive standards, (e.g., DACS, EAD, METS, PREMIS); familiarity with a variety of metadata standards
  • Ability to interpret and apply procedure manuals and guides to support the effective collection and management of physical and born digital content
  • Knowledge of information technologies appropriate to special collections and archives including collection management, digital asset management and digital preservation systems
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively in a rapidly changing environment
  • Proven ability to prioritize work, set goals and milestones, meet deadlines
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

 Background Review/Interview:

  • Must be able to satisfy background check and related requirements. 

Compensation and Benefits:

The starting range for this position is $114,000 per annum. Starting pay offers will vary depending on several factors, including relevant experience, knowledge and skills, education and other qualifications. This position also has an opportunity to participate in the company’s peer-to-peer recognition program.

Our health, welfare and additional benefits are best in class and are a significant aspect of our total rewards philosophy. This organization offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Fully paid medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability insurance
  • Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 6% employer match and additional 4% non-elective contribution
  • Newly hired employees will receive 18 days of vacation annually (prorated for new hires), 12 sick days annually and 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year
  • Generous paid parental and family leave
  • Mental health resources, fertility and adoption services, charitable giving match, a robust wellness program and more!
  • Relocation assistance may be provided.

How to Apply:

Please send application, including resume and cover letter, to careers@gatesarchive.com

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Published: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 20:46 UTC


Last updated: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 20:46 UTC