Lead Processing Archivist, Harvard University (Cambridge)
School or Unit: Harvard Library
Description: Job Summary
Although this position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by end of day of Friday, October 18.
Under the direction of the Head of Archival Projects for Archives and Special Collections, the Lead Processing Archivist is responsible for all aspects of processing and cataloging archival and manuscript collections, including University records, faculty papers, and records of associated organizations. In addition to their own work, they serve as the leader for special processing projects and are the principal supervisor for the work of interns and student projects.
Position Description
1. Processes archival and manuscript materials in all formats, analog and born digital, in accordance with local guidelines and priorities and national professional archival standards.
2. Arranges and describes archival and manuscript materials for research use, including providing appraisal/historical context for materials.
3. Assesses levels of processing, outlines plans for executing work, sets timelines, meets with stakeholders (collection development staff, digital archivists, and public services staff), and communicates project updates in a timely way.
4. Identifies/provides guidance on identifying materials to be restricted in accordance with university records restriction policies, and federal laws, including HIPAA, FERPA, and local regulations.
5. Creates finding aids using ArchivesSpace and Encoded Archival Description.
6. Creates MARC records.
7. Upgrades existing finding aids to meet current descriptive standards, including conversion from paper to electronic formats.
8. Leads special projects, including work on collections of complex institutional records.
9. Prepares processing plans for large processing projects, assigning work as applicable to students, interns, or other professional staff.
10. Monitors progress and quality of work and assumes responsibility for timely completion of projects including delegated tasks.
11. Reviews finding aids for processing staff as needed.
12. Manages processing projects of students and interns and serves as unit resource for best practices and policies.
13. Contributes to the development of local standards, guidelines, and preferred practices for the processing of archival collections.
14. Develops effective methodologies to accommodate a variety of processing, collection management, and access needs.
15. Creates and maintains documentation of local practices.
16. Writes reports, correspondence, procedural manuals, policies, and other documents in a manner suitable for distribution beyond the Technical Services for Archives and Special Collections unit.
17. Acquires familiarity with Harvard University, including its history and organizational structure. Participates in occasional outreach activities such as guides, presentations, or tours.
18. Provides back-up support to Public Services for Archives and Special Collections including serving shifts on the reference desk and providing retrieval of collections for Reading Room usage.
19. Participates in relevant Harvard Library committees and working groups as needed.
20. Maintains currency with University, national and international descriptive standards and practices for the processing and intellectual control of archival materials.
21. Other duties as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibilities of the role.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. This position may supervise students, interns, hourly, and/or project staff.
2. Identifies opportunities for interns to process collections in the Technical Services for Archives and Special Collections unit; directly supervises interns, providing mentorship and learning opportunities.
3. Identifies work for students, active in recruitment, and day-to-day management of student projects.
Basic Qualifications
1. Master's degree in library/information science with archival concentration or equivalent.
2. Four years processing experience in an archival setting.
3. Demonstrated experience with EAD and MARC metadata standards.
4. Demonstrated experience using ArchivesSpace to create finding aids.
5. Working knowledge of MS Office software applications.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
1. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism.
2. Second Master's degree in history preferred.
3. Excellent organizational, analytical, and writing skills.
4. Ability to make distinctions between the needs of institutional records and personal papers and appraisal issues of both types of records.
5. Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
6. Demonstrated experience working with substantive, complex, and large collections (over 20 cubic feet).
7. Experience describing and providing access to born digital content preferred.
8. Demonstrated experience working with highly sensitive information or confidential records.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills, both orally and written.
10. Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision; ability to work effectively and collegially in a complex and dynamic environment.
11. Ability to work effectively as a team member and team leader.
12. Consults and works in a cooperative and collegial fashion. Communicates issues that affect plans, policies, and procedures in a timely manner.
13. Ability to plan, manage, and complete multiple, concurrent projects, and communicate issues that affect plans, policies, and procedures in a timely fashion.
Working Conditions
1. The position is based on site in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There may be the opportunity for a hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University policies.
2. Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs. Requests for flexibility will be considered consistent with Harvard University flexwork policies.
3. The work associated with this position is performed in a library/office setting.
4. May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.
5. May process materials in temporary, off-site locations.
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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