Project Archivist, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Posted May 11, 2015
This position is funded by a special project to document women in medicine, health, and the biological sciences, primarily those in the Harvard community. Focusing on collections created by women, the Project Archivist is one of a team of multi-function archival professionals who are responsible for research, teaching, and learning services; community-building; acquiring manuscripts, institutional records, and objects; collections accessibility; and promoting the Center’s unique holdings as generated in all formats by physicians, scientists, and related health professionals. The Project Archivist collaborates with Center colleagues, peers, donors, and authorities to ensure the selection of highly relevant collections and their timely and effective description, as well as their preservation and use.
The position is also responsible for a program of outreach, advocacy, and promotional activities designed to raise community awareness about the value of personal and professional records for future research, teaching, and learning, increase use of the collections, and build ongoing support and financial resources needed to continue the program. Such activities may include presentations to carefully selected audiences, mailings, onsite and offsite events, exhibits, grant writing, initiating and implementing collaborations, and managing the AWM advisory board. The functional and subject area focus of the Project Archivist’s work month to month will be guided by the AWM’s project plan and strategic opportunities in the community.
The Center’s methods of work emphasize collaboration, innovation, and contributions by all staff members to the development of policy, programs, and practices. Organizationally, the Center is flat, with flexible functional and ad hoc teams that allow maximum engagement of all staff members. We value experimentation, assessment, learning from both success and failure, and recognizing change as a constant in our fast-paced environment.
Basic Qualifications:
MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited academic program and/or MA with an archival concentration and/or MA in a closely related field such as public history or museum studies. Two years’ experience in an archival, museum, library, or special collections setting with responsibilities relating to collections and users.
Additional Qualifications:
Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory, methods, appraisal and analysis, donor relations, archival description, and software and tools used across archival functions, including proficiency in MARC cataloging and EAD. High degree of comfort and interest in innovation, electronic records, and information technology.
Demonstrated ability to manage workflow and prioritize multiple tasks, attention to detail, and complex problem-solving skills. Project management skills and experience, including planning, coordinating, and working with peers and faculty. Ability to document and execute work independently. Superior writing and communications skills.
Preferred: Experience in documentation planning; directing or participating in collaborative projects; and fundraising. Oral history experience. Experience with Harvard catalogs, tools, and practices. Knowledge of the history of medicine or women’s history.
This is a two year term position with the possibility of renewal.