Assistant Librarian and Archivist, Highlander Research and Education Center, New Market, TN

Posted February 27, 2023

Job Description

Highlander is searching for a skilled Assistant Librarian & Archivist for a full-time permanent position. The Harry Lasker Memorial Library and Archives are a critical part of Highlander’s educational work. Housed on-site in the new Septima Clark Learning Center and in several off-site archives throughout the US, Highlander’s library and archives are vital resources for the thousands of grassroots leaders, popular educators, scholar-activists, writers, and visitors who seek Highlander’s support annually. With the new library and archives in place, we have undertaken upgrades in all of our systems, and this position will help build the resources in these new systems.

The right candidate will love and be experienced in library, archival, and records management work and be able to focus on detailed work to build our resources and collections.

This position is based at the Highlander Center, so the right candidate will be able to work on-site daily. Flexible work hours and accessibility on weekends will be required as we open back up to the public.

Salary is $61,680, health insurance is 100% employer paid, and a relocation stipend of up to $1500 is available.

Responsibilities

A successful person in the Assistant Librarian/Archivist role will be highly organized and able to focus on detailed tasks, communicate clearly and directly, and will work in close collaboration with a full-time Librarian/Archivist and a part-time Librarian/Archivist who bring a combined experience of over 40 years to this work.

Specific responsibilities will include but will not be limited to:

Accessioning and organizing archival materials
Making archival materials accessible through digitization, developing finding aids, and curating topic-specific guides
Maintaining the library through cataloging, arranging shelves, and keeping books in good condition
Staffing the Highlander bookstore, which includes fulfilling online orders
Creating a welcoming environment in the library and archives for visitors and workshop participants
Facilitating sessions for workshop participants

Skills and Experiences

Required

Applicants invited to an initial interview will show evidence of a majority of the following:

Library, archiving, and/or records management experience
Demonstrated proficiency and capacities with productivity and project management tools (Zoom, Microsoft/Google suite, Asana, etc.)
Willingness to learn a variety of library, archive, and records management technology including our new Soutron site
Excellent communication skills
Detail oriented with superior organizational skills
Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality (absolute must)
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on projects from conception to completion
Ability to connect and build relationships with many different kinds of people across race, class, gender, age, and (dis)abilities
Ability to complete light physical tasks associated typical library/archiving work, such as filing, shelving, and light lifting of boxes filled with books and papers
Commitment to thinking and acting organizationally
Sense of humor
Ability to design and facilitate programs and workshop

Preferred

Bi-lingual (especially English-Spanish speaking/writing/reading fluency)
Familiarity with safety/security culture
Familiarity with Highlander and the organizations and movements we support
Familiarity with and comfort with rural/small town settings
Capacity to thrive in a multicultural, justice-oriented environment
Commitment to long-haul, organizational change and growth

Location

Highlander is located on 186 acres of land in rural East Tennessee (in Jefferson County, about 25 minutes from Knoxville) and is considered a “movement home” by thousands of people from all over the world. While the vast majority of this position’s responsibilities will require on-site work at Highlander, occasional work responsibilities will be possible to complete remotely. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all staff whose responsibilities include on-site work are expected to adhere to high standards of safety/health protocols.

Application Process

To view the full job description and apply, please visit: https://highlandercenter.org/assistant-librarian-and-archivist/

Step 1: In one PDF document, compile:

Cover letter
Resume/CV and any other helpful information you would like to share
Name & contact information for 3 references

Step 2: Email that PDF document to [email protected]. Write “Library/Archives Assistant” in the Subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Optional: In addition to the required information above, you can send other application content that showcases your skills, interests, and experiences. Make sure to include any explanation needed of the content. The content can come in any form of media, which can include but is not limited to:

A Timeline of your work, life, or experiences
A Video
A Powerpoint or other form of presentation
A Graphic design, Collage or sets of Pictures and Photographs
A Song, poem, or other writing samples