Research Assistant (Part-Time)

Description

The Atlanta History Center is looking for a highly motivated professional interested in a career in archival management, historic preservation, or museums to fill the part-time role within the organization of Research Assistant. The Research Assistant provides support for a variety of functions within the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center. This position’s primary function is to provide support by physically locating and transferring collection materials to the reading room when requested by patrons and providing coverage in the reading room during public hours Wednesday–Saturday each week. Additionally, the Research Assistant provides broad support for the Kenan Research Center by ordering supplies, facilitating regular cleaning of collections areas, providing oral history interview logistics, transferring incoming collections to designated areas, and maintaining shelf lists and inventories for collections. The incumbent works closely with the Director of Community Collaborations to facilitate and develop projects, exhibitions, workshops, and other events to achieve the objectives of the Community Collaborations initiative.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Quickly respond to requests to locate, pull, and reshelve collection materials for patrons. 
• Provide coverage for the reading room desk and assist patrons with their research.
• Order office and collections maintenance supplies and retrieve shipments from package delivery areas.
• Retrieve and distribute mail to staff. 
• Pay invoices using ReqLogic software.
• Send follow-up communications to potential oral history interviewees.
• Schedule oral history interviews and send copies of recordings to interviewees.
• Set up and break down recording equipment used for oral history interviews.
• Move archival donations from incoming locations to appropriate uncatalogued locations and update databases with descriptive information. Rehouse and number items as needed.
• Organize and maintain electronic documents within the Kenan Research Center’s network share.
• Organize and coordinate office events such as meetings and social occasions. 
• Conduct periodic inventories of collections areas.
• Work with Building Services to ensure the cleanliness and security of the lower level of McElreath Hall.
• Work a Wednesday–Saturday schedule. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in History or a related field. Prefer candidates who are working towards an advanced degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Material Culture, or related area. 
• Knowledge of preservation practices as they apply to archival collections
• Demonstrated interest in a career in archival management, historic preservation, or museums
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in written, oral, and visual media to the general public
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem-solve
• Ability to work with diverse subject materials and images, some of which may be deemed offensive, emotional, or difficult
• Proven ability to work diplomatically with individuals of diverse backgrounds 

Background Check

• Satisfactory Criminal background check
• Satisfactory Financial background check

Part-time staff work a maximum of 28 hours per week.

BENEFITS & PERKS: At the Atlanta History Center, we value your hard work and commitment. Here’s what we offer to ensure you feel appreciated and supported. 

Financial Security: Traditional 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan (pre-tax contributions), Roth 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan (after-tax contributions), Employer Non-Elective Contribution following two consecutive years of service requirements (100% vested)

Community: Free family membership, AHC event/program discounts, including summer camps, 10% Museum shop discount.

Salary : $20 - $22