Director of Archives

Description

• Advances access to the Archives collections by facilitating a multiplicity of research opportunities for staff, artists, scholars, curators, students, writers and the general public to contribute to research, understanding, and dialogue regarding Jacob’s Pillow and its contributions to dance and the cultural vitality of the arts in the U.S. and globally.
• Oversees collection maintenance on current archival holdings (e.g. artwork, audio, moving image, paper, photographic, and textile materials).
• Manages appraisal and acquisitions of external materials by facilitating purchases and donations of archival objects and collections and of institutional records by creating and enacting policies and procedures for records management across the entire organization.
• Provides reference services to the general public, scholars, students, arts workers, curators, staff, donors, artists and journalists virtually and in person
• Processes and catalogs new acquisitions and existing unprocessed collections in accordance with institutional and national standards
• Heads disaster preparedness for archival collections in collaboration with institutional initiatives
• Oversees digitization and digital preservation projects
• Manages rights and clearances of archival materials for institutional and external use
• Manages building and environmental control of all spaces housing archival collection materials
• Represents the Pillow with the Archives Affinity Group of Dance/USA and attends its meetings.
• Provides orientation and access to the Archives for the general public, scholars, students, arts workers, curators, staff, donors, artists, and journalists with a focus on culturally sensitive context and a commitment to challenging conversations.
• Co-hosts Archives Reading Room Hours with the full archives team during the summer festival and throughout the year.

• Works with Associate Artistic Director and Executive and Artistic Director to align Archives vision and direction  with the Pillow’s mission and strategic goals by providing analysis and recommendations to strengthen, reinforce, and identify opportunities for the Archives as well as for inter-departmental engagement; 
• As department head, establishes a learning culture for year-round and seasonal staff and short-term and long-term department goals in alignment with the Pillow's overall strategy and values; ensures that resources (budget, personnel, and equipment) are delegated efficiently to achieve department goals; facilitates ongoing training, development, and evaluation opportunities for department staff and faculty; stays updated on institutional deadlines and action items for the department; and attends department head meetings and relevant cross-departmental meetings, such as long-term planning sessions.
• Supervises staff and select contractors.
• Prepares and monitors the department budget and financial plans, including expense approvals, and participation in capital campaigns. 

• Supports curatorial team programs by providing information and resources for curators, artists, writers, educators, and scholars’ engagements with the Pillow.
• Works with Philanthropy office on donor engagement as well as preservation-related proposals and projects.
• Participates in the editorial content team for Digital Crossroads. 
• Works cross-departmentally to ensure documentation of in person and digital programming aligns with archival needs and best practices
• Fact checks accuracy of Pillow history in programs, press releases, and donor/member communications.
• Composes articles on historical subjects and preservation issues for in-house publications (e.g., newsletter, annual report) and outside media.
• Advises on preservation priorities for buildings and other aspects of the physical site.
• Pursues special history-related projects (i.e., nomination to the National Register of Historic Places; National Historic Landmark designation, and National Medal of Arts).
• Coordinates the Pillow’s College Partners Research Fellows Program, inviting qualified scholars and overseeing all visit aspects.
• Conducts special campus tours and talks (for VIPs, visiting scholars, etc.), as requested.
• Works with Pillow Store management and/or consultants to identify archival images to be used in product development.
• Performs additional duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Prior experience, preferably 10 years, with archives, arts, dance, or library sciences organizations as an archivist, historian, librarian, or other relevant position.
• Proven leadership skills, both within organizations and throughout the arts field. 
• Proficiency in using productivity tools such as Google Suite, project management software and experience with collection management systems and digital asset management systems, preferably experience with Collective Access and Archivematica.
• Excellent organizational development, interpersonal, marketing, administrative, financial, and personnel management skills.
• Strong subject expertise in dance representing multiple genres, aesthetics, and traditions.
• Understanding of relevant standards for archival description, cataloging, and metadata such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Dublin Core, Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR).
• Experience with appraisal, acquisitions, cataloging, object handling, processing, and reference for physical and digital archival materials.
• Knowledge of best practices and trends in the field of performing arts archiving.

• Graduate degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Demonstrated passion for archives and commitment to preserving dance while navigating challenging conversations about its multiple cultural contexts with empathy, critique, and nuance.

• Professional and personal affinity for working with diverse and divergent viewpoints, aesthetics, and life experiences that resonate with and amplify the Jacob’s Pillow values for Inclusion, Leadership, Integrity, Flexibility, Partnership, and Sustainability.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Ability to build collaborative ventures with diverse constituents.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth

• Office setting: Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time, moving within the office space as necessary. Shared working space with others in close proximity. 
• Working long hours with frequent interruptions.
• Working regularly outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement weather.
• Working regularly in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife. 
• Ability to work evenings, select late nights, and weekends.
• Travel domestically by airfare, train, car, etc. 

• Submit the written application
• Supplemental video and/or audio materials are welcome but not required.
• Interview stages:
  1. Interview with the People & Culture team. 
  2. Interview with the Hiring Manager on Zoom. 
  3. Onsite Visit with a tour and multiple panels with staff.
  4. Reference Check and Background Check.
• Additional materials: Writing samples or project samples may be requested.
• Accessibility Accommodations: Should you require any accommodations to facilitate your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hr@jacobspillow.org. We are committed to providing support throughout the application journey, whether that’s through email, a phone conversation, or a video call

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000