University Archivist and Assistant Director for Special Collections (Worcester, MA)

Posted October 28, 2024

Position Description:

The University Archivist and Assistant Director for Special Collections at Worcester Polytechnic Institute provides leadership, mentorship, and vision for programs and services that document, preserve, and share the rich historical legacy of the WPI community and its cultural and intellectual life through the university’s archives and special collections.

This management position supervises two outstanding professionals and a team of student assistants, and is a member of the library-wide administrative leadership team. 

The Archives digital programs and services are supported by strong technical platforms, including ArchivesSpace, Preservica, our open source (Hyrax) repository, Digital WPI, and its innovative Spotlight digital exhibits platform.

WPI and the Gordon Library are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity, and belonging, and contribute to our goal of building a more inclusive institutional archives.

This position is primarily in person at the WPI campus. Some regular remote work may be possible during summers and term breaks.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $78,000-$88,000.  WPI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to a candidate’s work experience, education and training, and key skills.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Oversee entire scope of collections and service operations for WPI Institutional Archives, Manuscripts, Rare Books, and Art & Objects
• Leadership and management
• Stewardship of WPI’s digital collections and exhibitions that document, curate, and share campus history and culture, including historical objects and artwork
• Provide expert institutional and leadership support for curating, sharing, and promoting WPI history and heritage
• Library, professional, and community engagement

Requirements:

1. Master’s degree in library or archival science or comparable master’s degree in a related field.
2. Minimum of six years of experience in a professional position within an archives, special collections, or similar repository.
3. Knowledge of current archival arrangement and description standards and relevant descriptive standards (AACR2, MARC, Dublin Core, EAD, DACS), and experience arranging, describing, and preserving archival and manuscript collections.
4. Strong command of archival theory and bet practices, including standards for archival description, preservation, digitization, metadata, digital access, and digital preservation.
5. Working knowledge of laws and regulations affecting retention, access, and use of institutional records and archival materials.
6. Working knowledge of a range of format and metadata standards for diverse collections, commercial and open source collections management and repository architectures and platforms, as well as challenges facing libraries and archives, and trends in scholarly communication.
7. Minimum of 1 year providing mentorship and supervision to professional staff.
8. Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to advocate for the library to a variety of constituents; positive customer service orientation.
9. Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with proven success in independently prioritizing work and managing competing deadlines.
10. Strong user-centered approach and knowledge of assessment for decision-making.
11. Ability to work independently, constructively, and collaboratively with a variety of staff in a rapidly changing environment.
12. Demonstrated record of ongoing activity and contribution (e.g., publications, presentations, service) in professional organizations.

Preferred experience, education, and skills:

1. Graduate degree with emphasis on archives.
2. Second master’s degree in a related field.
3. Teaching experience.
4. Experience in grants and donor development and other fund-raising activities.
5. Proficiency working with ArchivesSpace and/or other archives collection management systems.
6. Experience working with an institutional repository platform.
7. Experience providing reference services in an archives or manuscripts repository.
8. Experience working with college or university records.
9. Significant experience working with rare books, special collections, and/or archives in a university setting.

How to Apply:

To view the full posting and apply, please visit the WPI Career Site. A cover letter, resume, and list of references are required for consideration.