What are the responsibilities and job description for the African American Collections Project Archivist position at HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WESTERN PENNS?
Job Details
Description
About the Senator John Heinz History Center
The Smithsonian-affiliated Heinz History Center preserves the rich history of Western Pennsylvania and creates opportunities for multi-generational audiences to learn and make memories together. A proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the History Center is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (a designation awarded to less than 5% of museums in the U.S.). The History Center’s family of museums includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a dynamic museum-within-a-museum; the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park; Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Washington County, Pa.; the Detre Library & Archives; and an award-winning African American History Program. The History Center presents diverse and compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection, through iconic exhibitions, innovative programs, captivating publications, and engaging digital content for visitors of every age.
About the Position
The Heinz History Center is currently seeking a temporary, full-time, African American Collections Project Archivist to work on a 3-year, IMLS-funded grant to process and digitize African American archival collections. As a member of the Library & Archives team, the Project Archivist develops and promotes online access points for these holdings by digitizing materials, creating metadata, processing collections, and developing online finding aids and catalog records. This position works closely with the Director, Museum of African American History on describing collections and identifying materials for use in exhibits, programs, social media outreach, and publications.
This is a full-time, temporary, salaried/ non-exempt position that reports to the Director of the Detre Library & Archives.
The key responsibilities of the Project Archivist include:
- Digitizing photographs, paper records, and other archival material
- Creating metadata for newly digitized material according to local guidelines and archival standards
- Arranging and describing archival collections
- Creating finding aids and MARC records for archival collections
Why Work at the History Center?
- Rewarding, mission-driven work that makes an impact in the community!
- Smithsonian-affiliated museum located in Pittsburgh’s vibrant and historic Strip District
- Voted the #1 history museum in the nation by USA Today
- Voted Best Museum in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine(2022, 2023 and 2024)
- Flexible work schedule, including potential for hybrid work
- Full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- 403(B) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick days)
- Nine (9) paid holidays
- Company paid life insurance / LTD
- Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
- Discounts in the Museum Shop and Café
- Public transportation and parking options nearby
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) with an emphasis on archival management preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Subject area expertise or educational background in African American history
- Experience with processing and digitizing archival material
- Familiarity with ArchivesSpace and library and archival standards, including DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, and Dublin Core
- Excellent skills in verbal and written communication, customer service, research, project management and prioritization of tasks
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Knowledge of library and archives concepts, standards, and best practices
Salary : $45,000
