Archivist

Position Overview

The Archivist role is a full-time position supporting the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center (LRC) staff. This role centers on intake and processing of the institution's archives, particularly the Archives of Women Artists, maintaining stewardship and advancing the LRC’s objectives and mission. Working closely with the LRC Director, the Archivist applies expertise in archival best practices, serves as a representative of the museum for both in-person and remote inquiries, and dedicates efforts toward the preservation, accessibility, and innovative use of archival collections. Responsibilities and priorities may shift according to community needs and collection demands, guided by departmental aims and directives from the Library Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Process archival collections through inventory management, rehousing, sorting, arrangement, and detailed description.
• Implement and maintain an archive management system to support archival workflows.
• Address and reduce any backlogs in archival processing to enhance accessibility.
• Receive, index, and process new archival accessions systematically.
• Create comprehensive inventories for archival collections to facilitate tracking and retrieval.
• Apply and uphold archival preservation techniques to safeguard materials.
• Provide consultation, training, and oversight related to records management.
• Arrange and rehouse diverse collection items across various media types.
• Describe records accurately including authoring finding aids and bibliographic records using professional standards.
• Employ established archival standards like DACS, Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and Resource Description and Access (RDA) in processing and description.
• Collaborate with the Digital Asset Manager to support digital archival collections origins, preserve born-digital materials, and digitize archival content.
• Deliver archival reference and research services to researchers, museum staff, and the public.
• Staff the reference desk regularly to provide exemplary customer service.
• Assist with a broad scope of internal and external reference and research inquiries.
• Support public programming and exhibition efforts by organizing and interpreting archival resources.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS), Library Science (MLS), or Archives and Records Administration (MARA) from an ALA-accredited school.
• At least two years of professional experience in appraisal, accessioning, processing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival materials, and project management within libraries, archives, academic, or cultural institutions.
• Preferred knowledge of modern and contemporary art and art history.
• Familiarity with professional archival standards including DACS, EAD, and RDA.
• Experience with web, email, and social media archiving toolkits and processes.
• Capability to establish and refine internal archival policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Technical proficiency in ArchivesSpace, Archive-It, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds and climb ladders.

Compensation and Additional Information

The annual salary range for this position is $61,000 to $65,000, dependent on experience, alongside a benefits package.

Equal Opportunity and Legal Requirements

The National Museum of Women in the Arts values diversity and provides equal employment opportunities without discrimination on any protected basis. Candidates must reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia and must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship. Successful applicants are subject to background and reference checks.