LEAD ARCHIVIST, The Winthrop Group, Washington, DC
Posted February 2, 2024
The Winthrop Group has an immediate opening for a full-time Lead Archivist to oversee a team appraising, rehousing, and describing records of an environmental advocacy organization in preparation for transfer to a university archives. The Lead Archivist will serve as the primary point of contact with project stakeholders and will provide oversight and quality assurance of the work performed by the other on-site archivists. This one-year, salaried position is scheduled to begin in early March 2024. All work will take place on-site at the office of the nonprofit in downtown Washington, DC.
Responsibilities
The Lead Archivist will be responsible for overseeing the appraisal of approximately 700 cubic feet of archival materials, including rehousing and baseline description for the records slated for acquisition. Primary responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing the project work plan;
- Preparing appraisal guidelines in consultation with stakeholders that align with project objectives and acquisition criteria;
- Training and oversight of Archivist and Archives Technician;
- Reviewing boxes and tracking productivity of the team;
- Appraising records for acquisition and identifying records that are non-archival or out of scope;
- Rehousing selected records into archival folders and boxes;
- Applying a minimal level of arrangement and description in accordance with repository guidelines;
- Conducting quality control reviews to ensure accuracy of work completed;
- Preparing brief written progress updates and meeting with project stakeholders;
- Collaborating with Winthrop Senior Archivist to troubleshoot issues and ensure project is completed successfully and on schedule.
Requirements
Candidates for this role should ideally possess the following qualifications:
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited MLIS program or equivalent accredited degree
- 4-5+ years of professional experience working in an archives
- Minimum of 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role
- Demonstrated experience
- employing archival standards and best practices
- working efficiently and completing challenging projects
- appraising archival materials
- Knowledge of preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections
- Ability to manage time effectively and effective problem solver
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Collegial attitude and ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
- Ability to life boxes weighing up to 40 pounds
Preferred Skills
- ArchivesSpace experience
- Previous work with legal records and organizational records
- Substantial appraisal and acquisition experience
- Interest in environmental law and advocacy
Compensation
$68,000 – $74,000 commensurate with experience and including strong benefits package (health, dental, and vision). All full-time Winthrop employees receive paid time off and annual funds for professional development.
Application Instructions
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to [email protected] with the subject line “Lead Archivist – Washington, D.C.”
About The Winthrop Group
Founded in 1982, The Winthrop Group provides professional archives and history services to non profits, businesses, foundations, museums, educational institutions, performing arts organizations, families, and individuals. We help our clients capture, organize, preserve, and learn from their pasts, creating valuable resources of knowledge and insight with a multitude of practical applications.
EEO Statement
Winthrop welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or ability. Members of communities historically underrepresented in the archival profession are encouraged to apply.