Senior Archivist, Whitney Museum of American Art (New York, NY)

Posted July 29, 2026

Description

Reporting to the Associate Director, Library and Archives, the Senior Archivist provides vision and strategy to promote, process, and provide access to the Museum’s digital and analog records. The position oversees all functions of the archives and records management program to facilitate collecting, preserving, and providing access to the historical records of the Whitney Museum and related special collections in analog and digital formats. This includes promoting the use of the collections, providing reference support, and coordinating digital initiatives.

Responsibilities

Conduct reference, cataloguing, and processing activities for existing and new archival collections
Execute the records retention policy of the institution for analog and digital records
Determine priorities and goals for acquiring processing, digitizing, and preserving analog and digital archival records
Support digital initiatives and the continued development of a digital archival platform and a born-digital records management program
Process digital content
Oversee the delivery of in-depth research
Hire, train, and supervise Archives staff and graduate student interns
Develop and maintain ArchivesSpace
Provide guidance on records management
Ensure the confidentiality of museum records
Identify, collect, analyze, and communicate metrics to evaluate the use of archival collections for the purposes of strategic planning

Education Background/Degree requirements

MLS/MLIS with a concentration in archives or other relevant graduate degree with certificate in archival studies
Experience with art sources and services

Desired Years and Level of Experience
6+ years in archives management

Specific knowledge, abilities and/or skills

Word, Excel, Access, Microsoft 365, Archival management systems such as ArchivesSpace.
Proficiency in archival theory and practice, especially accessioning, processing and description
Knowledge of preservation and conservation issues
Knowledge of library and archival descriptive and content standards including DACS, EAD, and MARC
Familiarity with HTML and/or XML
Knowledge of rights administration and management issues related to archives and special collections

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $68,000-$73,000 and will be commensurate with experience
Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
Generous PTO benefits
Commuter benefits – parking and mass transit
Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
This position may be covered by UAW Local 2110

How to Apply

To apply: https://jobs.whitney.org/apply/VjZ4pqFmni/Research-Resources-Senior-Archivist