Archivist

ABOUT THE REDEMPTORISTS:

The members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) are a religious order in the Roman Catholic Church. Founded in Italy in 1732 by St. Alphonsus Liguori, Redemptorists are now in over 75 countries. Their presence in North America goes back to 1832. Since then, thousands of Redemptorists have served the most abandoned in the United States and abroad. The American mission of the Redemptorists was divided into two provinces in 1875. The Baltimore Province encompassed cities up and down the Eastern seaboard and inland as far as Ohio. The St. Louis Province encompassed the Congregation’s houses in Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, New Orleans, and later in the western half of the United States. In later years, the St. Louis province evolved into the Denver Province, which is now based in Chicago.

Both the Baltimore and St. Louis/Denver Provinces spawned a number of vice-provinces, some of which grew into their own distinct units. Just as Baltimore had oversight over the Vice-Provinces of Richmond, San Juan, Campo Grande in Brazil, Asuncion in Paraguay, Toronto in Canada, and the English-speaking Caribbean, the old St. Louis Province grew into several domestic and international units: the Vice-Provinces of New Orleans, Oakland, Manaus in Brazil, Bangkok in Thailand, and Nigeria. The depth and range of the heritage materials for communities around the United States, as well as for several mission territories in the western hemisphere, are quite strong.

The Denver and Baltimore Provinces of the Redemptorists are currently in dialogue with the Redemptorist Province of Mexico about merging their units in 2027. It is not foreseen that this merger will have an impact on the location or day to day functioning of the American Redemptorist archives in Philadelphia.

THE POSITION OF ARCHIVIST:

The position of archivist is an office in the Church. It therefore carries responsibilities and duties affecting the curia of a religious community. The archivist assists the administrators of the two main American provinces by managing the archives, over which the provincial superiors have ultimate oversight. Simply stated, the archivist is the person who collects, organizes, and preserves the patrimony of the provinces, including the acta of each department.

The archivist’s principal duty is to keep in good order and carefully preserve the historical records of the Redemptorists in the U.S. These records include documents, books, and artifacts of importance relating to the history and state of the provinces (cf., cc. 486 and 491). The records include data, firstly, on the priests and brothers of the provinces, but also the people into whose pastoral care they are given. Among Redemptorists, whether living or deceased, special care is to be taken to document their ministry. Additionally, the archive houses documentation on the Redemptorists’ parish foundations. This patrimony may include objects of all kinds, as well as written and verbal works--including (but not limited to) letters, account books, ledgers, electronic mail, official decrees, annals and other chronicles, audio/visual material, photographs, art and other creative media, and other items related to Catholic life.

The archivist is also tasked with cataloging and increasing accessibility to a specialized, 25,000 volume research library.

The newly hired archivist will be part of two person team, and is expected to work in tandem with an experienced archivist who has worked in the Redemptorist Archives for over fifteen years.

Summary of Essential Job Functions:

1. Adding records to the catalog of a special collection library with an eye toward online access.

2. Collect, organize and preserve the documents and items as described above, in accordance with prevailing best practices of preservation and retention.

3. Process discrete collections, producing standard finding aids for publication on the world wide web.

4. Develop a digital asset and records management policy and program that will enhance the archives’ online presence.

5. The archivist will cooperate with the provincial curia when called upon to provide information and advice.

6. Provide research services by phone or email for individuals, including representatives of the Provincial government, seeking information found in the archives and render assistance to on-site patrons.

7. Maintain records of archive income and expenses, and participate in an annual budget process.

Qualifications

· A master’s degree in library and/or information studies from an ALA accredited institution with course work in archival science. Candidates who are functionally bi- or multi-lingual are an asset.

· Previous experience in an archival setting and the ability to research and compare current information system software.

· Knowledge of Lucidea’s ArchivEra, Archives Space and/or Archivists Toolkit, along with other demonstrated computer skills.

· Ability to create a MARC record; familiarity with DACS and EAD and/or understanding of digitization standards and protocols.

· Knowledge of basic digital preservation best practices and programs.

· Previous work experience with digitization projects, a large graphic or audio-visual collection is desirable.

· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

· Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs.

· Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with scholars.

· Familiarity with the Catholic Church a plus.

Interested candidates should provide a letter of interest, accompanied by a resume and three professional references.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Archival standards: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000