Associate University Archivist for Community Engagement, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Posted February 23, 2023

Description:

Reporting to and in partnership with the University Archivist, the Associate University Archivist for Community Engagement (AUACE) has principal responsibility for leading and managing the planning and development of Harvard University Archives’ (HUA) overall community engagement programming and outreach activities, including: in-person and online exhibitions and educational programming; lectures, presentations, and tours; fellowships and symposia; teaching; publications and special research projects; and other activities. In addition, the AUACE collaborates closely with the University Librarian’s office to support programs and community engagement across Harvard Library, and, as directed, with other University offices and stakeholders.

The AUACE is a key, public-facing representative for the HUA with all sectors of the constituency of the University Archives: faculty, students, Harvard administration; alumni; potential donors; outside scholars; and peers in the Harvard Library, Harvard College Library, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate Schools and related programs at the University. This position serves as primary point of contact for the HUA for high-profile and often high pressure and time-sensitive projects both within the Harvard Library, and elsewhere across the University, particularly in support of the Alumni Affairs and Development offices, Harvard Public Affairs and Communications, the Graduate Schools, and the President’s Office.

The successful incumbent must be able to handle – maturely and confidently – confidential University matters and materials and be cognizant of reputational risk for the University while simultaneously making archival materials as accessible as possible for researchers both inside and outside the University. In addition, the incumbent will be able to communicate and work with a wide range of staff in the Harvard Library (University Librarian, Associate University Librarians, Chief of Staff) as well as non-Harvard VIPS in conjunction with faculty programming, University and HUA-allied events, and students at both undergraduate and graduate level. The ideal candidate should possess a strong orientation toward American history and/or the history of higher education and how it relates to HUA’s collections, a proclivity for utilizing new and emerging pedagogical technologies and awareness of digital scholarship methods and trends, a user-driven orientation, and a collaborative and collegial outlook and spirit. Must have a sensitivity to EDIBA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Antiracism) issues and the capacity to develop and participate in programs that address them at Harvard Library and the University.

The Harvard University Archives has recently joined with the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library, Fine Arts Library, Harvard Film Archive, and Houghton Library to create Archives, Arts, and Special Collections of Harvard Library, a new administrative unit currently planning integrated approaches to technical services for archives and special collections across the portfolio.

Leads overall community engagement and public programming at HUA and collaborates more broadly with Harvard Library and Harvard administration on public programming initiatives. Public programming includes symposia, conferences, lectures, tours, exhibitions, etc.
Working closely with the University Archivist, develops collaborations and follows through on participation in Harvard-wide special programs and projects, including major University events such as Harvard Commencement and Presidential Inaugurations.
Manages high-profile University administration requests for programming, projects, and research related to the permanent archival collections.
Initiates policies, procedures, and programs for both digital and analog exhibitions and serves as the lead in designing and developing HUA exhibitions and related programming, including associated budgets, financial models, and technology-related design requirements.
Serves as principal HUA contact for Harvard Public Affairs and Communications for promotion of HUA events and news.
Leads the design of instructional support by the HUA for faculty teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as well as the faculty in the Graduate Schools, and the Division of Continuing Education. Develops goals and objectives for program and communicates directly with faculty across all Schools regarding curriculum support and classroom engagement activities.
Provides leadership in HUA for and collaborates within Harvard Library on a variety of community engagement initiatives including exhibitions, presentations, and EDIBA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Anti-Racism) programming and projects.
With the University Archivist, works with Alumni Affairs and Development and Harvard Library administration on fundraising planning activities.
Presents/lectures to the research and professional community and/or publishes on Harvard history topics as requested.
Represents the HUA at local, national, and international conferences/meetings related both to the content of the permanent HUA collections and in support of research, teaching, and outreach.
Supervises staff working on community engagement affiliated projects and programs.
May supervise part-time or temporary staff.

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree in library/information science with a concentration in archives and/or master’s degree in a subject such as history, American studies, or related discipline with archival component or equivalent.
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in an archives setting, including public services and/or reference functions.
Minimum of 4 years supervisory experience.
Experience curating exhibitions—physical or online—and carrying out public programs.
Experience managing complex projects.
This position involves lifting and moving loads weighing in excess of 40 pounds and requires bending, squatting, stretching and climbing small step stools when needed to pack or retrieve boxes/cartons and shelve them.

Additional Qualifications:

Experience in an academic research library or cultural institution preferred. Ph.D. preferred.
Proven historical research and analytical skills.
Strong service orientation with demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues, administrators, staff, faculty, patrons, and donors at all levels of the University community.
Demonstrated experience with supervising employees and supporting their efforts to build and foster a diverse, productive, and engaging workplace and professional community.
Knowledge of the history of higher education desirable.
Strong oral communication skills and public presentation abilities.
Excellent attention to detail; superb editing and writing skills
Experience managing social media platforms.
Experience working with confidential and/or sensitive material.
Demonstrated experience in roles with independent judgment and discretion.
Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Must be willing to travel locally or more broadly.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racism.
Ability to work creatively, collaboratively, flexibly, and effectively both as a team member and independently and to promote teamwork among colleagues.
Knowledge of current trends in digital scholarship and understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by existing and emerging technologies.
Must be able to tolerate ambiguity well, be agile, and be adaptable to a work setting in which interruptions or last-minute scheduling adjustments are common.

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