Assistant Archivist for Exhibits, Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford CA

Description

 The Hoover Institution is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time Assistant Archivist for Exhibits position. The appointment is for an initial three-year limited term, with the possibility of renewal. This is a career track position. 

Under the direction of the Deputy Archivist, the Assistant Archivist for Exhibits will oversee the exhibit program of the Hoover Library and Archives, coordinating or creating several exhibits a year showcasing the institution’s collections and participating in an active outreach program. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise two major exhibits a year, collaborating with Hoover curators, staff, and Stanford faculty and students on overall concept and ensuring timely selection of materials (such as documents, photographs, posters, memorabilia, rare books, video and audio recordings) and text preparation

• Create additional smaller exhibits, including design, research, and writing

• Mount materials and captions for display, working closely with Hoover preservation staff in devising and implementing best practices and identifying materials requiring conservation treatment

• Prepare exhibit publicity materials such as catalogs, posters, postcards, banners, and press releases; coordinate press coverage and grant interviews; write articles for the quarterly Hoover Digest

• Create online exhibits, showcasing both current exhibits and other holdings of the Hoover Library and Archives on various themes

• Help organize exhibit opening receptions; supervise volunteers and students for the final stages of exhibit preparations; interact with several other Hoover departments (Press, Public Affairs, Finance, Events) and colleagues, as well as with Stanford staff and outside vendors

• Participate in various events organized by the Hoover Institution, in particular its semiannual retreats and summer board meeting, by conducting exhibit and other tours, speaking to select groups of Hoover overseers and guests, and attending social functions

• Conduct presentations as needed for national and foreign dignitaries and speak at various local organizations, publicizing the history of the Hoover Institution, the lives of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover, and the collections of the Hoover Library and Archives

• Maintain active presence on the Library and Archives website by participating in its social media outreach (including blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, SoundCloud)

• Staff the Hoover Archives reading room one hour a week

• Oversee staffing of exhibit pavilion on Saturdays

• Occasional evening and week-end hours

• Remain abreast of developments in the field of archival museum displays

• Perform related projects and special assignments as requested

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of twentieth-century history and current events, with graduate degree in history or related field

• Knowledge of preservation theory and practice as applied to exhibit displays and utmost care in handling of archival documents and artifacts

• Knowledge of computer applications, especially word-processing systems; online catalogs and databases such as RLIN and Library of Congress Authority File; online exhibit software

• Scanning experience and proficiency with Adobe Photoshop

• Superb command of spoken and written English with extensive writing experience and good knowledge of editing conventions and notations

• Excellent judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills

• Outstanding interpersonal, research, and organizational skills, including utmost attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and as a team member and to work effectively and collegially across units and departments

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines, especially before exhibit openings

• Ability to lift 25-pound boxes and push heavily loaded book trucks

• Five years’ experience in a museum, archive, or library and working knowledge of additional languages strongly preferred

https://stanford.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=23767