Archival Researcher/Project Archivist, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

Posted July 11, 2019

Job Summary:
The Archival Researcher/Project Archivist will undertake two areas of focus for the Hill/#metoo collection: processing, and research. The Hill/#metoo collection consists of approximately 15 linear feet of manuscript material along with digital material from October 1991-November 2018, documenting first- and second-person accounts of sexual harassment and gender violence as well as, race, class, age and other identity factors as well as political, cultural and institutional responses. Documents include correspondence, print and digital-online media, and social media that describe or respond to the sexual harassment and gender violence in the context of the Clarence Thomas Confirmation Hearing, the #metoo movement and the Brett
Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearing.

The archival collection will serve as the basis for developing a documentary play that will explore, from a socio-legal perspective, how sexual harassment is experienced, and whose experience is heard and matters as evidence both culturally and legally. The play will also look at how the structures and processes that determine how justice (legal and social) is achieved can also undermine marginalized individuals’ search for justice. The documentary play will tak on the broader effort of writing or re-writing aspects of the 20th and 21st century history of sexual harassment based on first-person expressions of marginalized individuals. Finally, the play will demonstrate what it is like to “not only read but also perform history against the grain.” (Arjomand 2018)

The Archival Researcher/Project Archivist will process the collection and digitize selected materials. The Archival Researcher/Project Archivist will produce a finding aid, a report on major themes of the collection, and a memorandum outlining the findings based on a set of questions developed with the Principal Investigator.

Essential Functions:
Process the Hill/#metoo collection:

Conduct a survey of the Hill/#metoo collection (including online social media material).
Create a comprehensive processing plan that prioritizes arrangement schemes and surfaces potential themes for research focus.
Arrange and describe series and sub-series according to accepted archival standards.
Create a finding aid for the collection.

Perform archival research in the Hill/#metoo collection:

Research and compile themes, questions and categories.
Pull together themes and threads to provide material for a narrative.
Identify and scan key documents for inclusion in project content.
Produce a report/document about the collection’s major themes, with suggestions for narrative directions and areas of focus.
Produce a memorandum outlining the findings
Digitize selected materials.

Note: This is a grant-funded, 20% effort, position expected to last approximately 12 months.

Skills and knowledge:
Knowledge of archival and descriptive standards, including best practices for appraising and processing archival and born-digital materials; experience processing and creating finding aids for archival collections; familiarity with archival preservation and handling. Research experience; writing experience; familiarity with themes of workplace sexual harassment; familiarity with feminist, critical race and intersectionality theory as well as contemporary American history and politics. Effective communication and writing skills; strong organizational skills; strong attention to detail; ability to assess problems accurately and solve them
effectively; ability to work independently and to make appropriate decisions; dependability.

Additional Information: Will work with confidential information; will be required to sign a Confidentiality Statement.

Note: Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. is required.

Education:

MS degree in Library & Information Science required with a concentration in Archives Management preferred.
or MA degree in history, politics, or other relevant field preferred.
Background in creative writing or storytelling preferred.

Work Experience: Demonstrated experience in processing collections is required. 1-3 years required.

Salary: This is a part time position, approx. 2 days per week. The salary is $12,000 salary for 12 months.

How To Apply:
To apply, submit cover letter and resume to:
https://brandeis.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Jobs/job/Brandeis–Waltham-Campus/Archival-
Researcher-Project-Archivist_R0000758

Closing Statement:
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. Toward that end, it is essential that Brandeis be free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also
known as membership in a “protected class”).