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Archivist, Harvard Radcliffe Institute, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted March 19, 2026

Description

The Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America documents the lives of women of the past and present for the future and furthers the Radcliffe Institute’s commitment to the study of women, gender, sexuality, and society. The Archival Technical Services unit at Schlesinger Library fosters the discovery, use, and care of archival and manuscript materials through various activities including accessioning, processing, description, metadata creation, preservation, and collection management. Archival Technical Services’ priorities reflect the Library’s ongoing work to document the history and contributions of women and organizations currently under-represented in our collections. 

We seek an Archivist who is passionate about archival processing and its crucial role in fostering discovery and accessibility, and who is committed to equitable representation and inclusive description in archives. Reporting to the Lead Processing Archivist, they will work as part of an inclusive team, participating in and contributing to the evolution of a program of thoughtful, flexible, user-centered archival processing. The Archivist processes diverse archival and manuscript collections, arranging and describing materials according to national standards and best practices; highlighting materials for researchers; and providing widespread public access to collections. This is an opportunity for a critical thinker to join an experienced team of passionate archivists who are working collectively to evaluate and improve our practices while reaffirming our existing strengths. 

Responsibilities

  • Appraises, arranges, describes, preserves, and catalogs archival and manuscript collections in both analog and digital formats. This includes evaluating their research value, creating a processing plan, and consulting with conservation staff regarding fragile materials.
  • Determines appropriate levels of arrangement and description, using a range of innovative and user-centered approaches to ensure flexible and efficient processing.
  • Creates DACS-compliant archival descriptions, including catalog records and finding aids, following national standards and Schlesinger Library procedures and applying best practices for inclusive and reparative description.
  • Adheres to procedures outlined in departmental processing manuals and contributes to the improvement and documentation of departmental workflows and practices.
  • May undertake additional activities such as photograph cataloging, web archiving, metadata remediation for digitization, participating in donor visits, and exhibit work.
  • Covers regular shifts at the Schlesinger Library reference desk.
  • May supervise student assistants and interns, including hiring, training, planning and assigning work, assessing performance, addressing performance issues, and resolving problems.
  • Monitors current developments, trends, and best practices in the archival profession. Fosters collaborative relationships within the department, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe, and across Harvard Library as appropriate. May represent the department in various collaborative projects and programs within the greater Harvard Library system and beyond.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • ALA-accredited MLS (Master’s in Library Science) with a concentration in archives management, or an MA in history or a related field.
  • Three or more years of experience processing archival materials in various formats.

Successful candidates will demonstrate: 

  • Knowledge of national data content and structure standards related to archival control of collection materials (e.g., DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AAT).
  • Understanding of content appraisal, preservation needs, and issues related to copyright, privacy, and confidentiality in archival collections.
  • Flexibility, innovation, and user focus in their approaches to archival processing.
  • Familiarity with or interest in current approaches and best practices in inclusive and reparative archival description.
  • Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Knowledge of archival and library management systems, and proficiency with computer technology (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, XML).
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work productively both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with critical thinking and listening abilities.
  • Proficiency in one or more foreign languages, particularly Spanish or Chinese, preferred. 
  • Interest in contemporary U.S. women’s history.

Hours and Compensation

This is a full time, 35 hours per week position.

How to Apply

Visit the following address to see the full listing and to apply: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/HarvardUniversity/3743990009769069-archivist?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

Additional Information:

  • Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
    • Interviews: We will be conducting interviews virtually and in-person for selected candidates. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process.
    • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
    • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Employment

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