Project Archivist

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 Harvard 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. In advance of the 150th anniversary of Radcliffe College, Schlesinger Library is implementing a four-year project to process selected record groups from the Radcliffe College Archives.

We seek a Project Archivist for a four-year term who is passionate about archival processing and its crucial role in fostering discovery and accessibility, and who values diversity and equity. The Project Archivist processes records from the Radcliffe College Archives, arranging and describing materials according to national standards and best practices to provide widespread public access to collections. This is an opportunity for a critical thinker to join an experienced unit of passionate archivists who are working collectively to evaluate and improve our practices while reaffirming our existing strengths. Reporting to the Lead Project Archivist, they will work as part of a project team to process high priority records of Radcliffe College, illuminating its history and broad impact.

This is a 4-year term limited position starting in July 2025 and ending on June 29, 2029

• 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.
• Creates archival descriptions compliant with Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), including catalog records and finding aids, following national standards and Schlesinger Library procedures. Applies best practices for inclusive and reparative description.
• Determines appropriate levels of arrangement and description, utilizing a range of approaches to ensure flexible and efficient processing.
• 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.

• ALA-accredited MLS (Master’s in Library Science) with a concentration in archives management, or an MA in history or a related field.
• Two 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.
• 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.

• Experience processing college or university records.
• 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.
• Understanding of contemporary U.S. women’s history.

The demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The physical demands of this position include lifting and carrying boxes up to 40 pounds, managing cartloads of material weighing up to 240 pounds, frequent standing, walking, climbing ladders, and bending to retrieve or reshelve collections.
• Manual dexterity is required to handle delicate archival materials carefully.
• Prolonged periods of examining documents under magnification and repetitive data entry tasks are also common.

• Work conditions involve a climate-controlled, indoor environment with specific temperature and humidity levels to preserve materials. The archivist may encounter dust and mold, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Limited natural light is typical in the workspace, and frequent use of computers and other digital tools is required.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.