The New School Archives and Special Collections (ASC) seeks an Associate Archivist of Collections (AAC) to assume a broad range of responsibilities in the archives, with a focus on handling all aspects of archival and special collections accessioning and processing. This is an exciting opportunity for an archivist with 2-3 years in the profession who is able to juggle a range of responsibilities in a dynamic environment and is interested in playing a core role in the operations of a busy university archives.

Formally launched in 2012, The New School Archives and Special Collections collects, preserves and provides access to archival and rare materials documenting the histories of all divisions of The New School.

Reporting to the director of the ASC and working closely with the associate archivist who focuses on research and instruction, as well as the associate director of digital archives and other archives staff, the AAC will be responsible for the archives physical space, including scheduling research and class visits, student and part time workers, offsite and mail deliveries. The AAC will oversee accessioning and processing of physical and born digital collections, and contribute to developing related workflows and practices. The position also encompasses office management responsibilities, including processing credit card payments, donation agreements, ordering supplies, and arranging pickups and deliveries.

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment. 

This is a Local 1205 Clerical Unit position subject to the terms and conditions agreed to in the Union Contract between Teamsters Local 1205 and The New School, at the classification level of Librarian. This is a full time position (35 hours/week) that includes a suite of health and other benefits. The position requires a commitment to work on site in our New York City office 5 days per week (Monday through Friday).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accessioning new donations and transfers of archival and special collections material.

• Processing physical and digital archival materials.

• Processing of special collections from acquisitions through cataloging and circulation.

• Establishing priorities and tracking projects and processing.

• Improving and maintaining processing manuals and databases.

• Supervising assistants, temporary staff, interns, and students.

• Coordinating offsite deliveries of archives and special collections materials, and maintaining offsite database.

• Developing instructional materials and providing reference assistance and instruction, as needed.

• Actively contributing to departmental discussions about archival policy and improving processes.

• Collaborating on special initiatives, including exhibitions, public programs, social media, websites, publications, and oral history projects.

• Other administrative duties and projects, as prioritized.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree program in archival studies, Library or Information Science from ALA-accredited institution, with focus on archival studies, or equivalent.

• Superior written and oral communication skills.

• Superior attention to detail and precision in record-keeping.

• 2-3 years experience working in established archives (not including in-school internships), with supervisory experience, extensive experience in all aspects of archival processing, including familiarity with issues and procedures involved in processing born-digital collections.

• Demonstrated knowledge of trends, principles, and best practices in archives and special collections, including born-digital processing and systems.

• Expert-level proficiency with ArchivesSpace and/or other archival collection management systems.

• Experience and ease with database management, spreadsheet software, and online platforms.

• Experience with descriptive metadata standards for digital archival materials and cataloging within digital collections platform environments.

• Ability to provide leadership and contribute innovative ideas in the area of archival processing.

• Collaborative spirit, intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, and eagerness to develop new strengths and contribute to departmental development, especially related to processing and descriptive practices.

• Active participation in at least one professional organization, commitment to professional growth, engagement with archival issues.

• Ability and willingness to routinely lift heavy archival boxes and perform routine administrative tasks.

• Availability and willingness to work on site in the archives Monday through Friday.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience processing born-digital materials.

• Experience with bibliographic cataloging, in particular for special collections in Aleph or similar applications.

• Experience supervising students, interns, paraprofessionals and professionals in an archives.

WORK MODE

• On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely.