What are the responsibilities and job description for the Archivist - Rockville, MD position at The Winthrop Group, Inc.?
The Winthrop Group is seeking an experienced Archivist to establish the archives program for a mission-driven nonprofit that has been a leader in social enterprise for over 120 years. This full-time, salaried position is expected to begin in March 2025 and will last for 12 months. Work will take place at the nonprofit’s headquarters in Rockville, MD and at a nearby offsite storage facility.
The Archivist will work closely with a client liaison and Archives Committee, providing monthly updates and bi-annual reports. The role also involves close collaboration with an Archives Intern, Winthrop Digital Archivist and Senior Archivist, the latter of whom will oversee the project and provide both onsite and remote support from New York City.
Responsibilities
Archives Governance
- Collaborate with client stakeholders to identify and establish an Archives Committee to provide oversight;
- Draft and implement foundational policies, including a Mission Statement, Collecting Policy, and Access Policy;
- Meet regularly with stakeholders and Winthrop archivists involved with project;
- Prepare brief monthly updates for client liaison;
- Attend annual meeting with the Archives Committee to review progress, priorities, and upcoming initiatives.
Collection Management & Other Tasks
- Develop and implement a prioritized work plan aligned with organizational goals;
- Consolidate, weed, rehouse, and stabilize archival records;
- Process and catalog high-priority collections to enhance discoverability, use, and long-term preservation;
- Select and implement a Collections Management System (CMS) with Digital Archivist support;
- Improve physical collection storage conditions in coordination with Facilities staff;
- Manage digitization projects with third party vendors;
- Leverage the organization’s DAM to expand access to historical resources, in partnership with Digital Archivist;
- Develop metadata standards and controlled vocabularies for archival materials and digital assets;
- Potential travel to Boston for short-term work supporting the nonprofit network;
- Respond to reference requests from staff;
- Support content development, outreach, and tours.
Required Qualifications
- MLS/MLIS with an archival concentration or a related graduate degree with a Certificate in Archival Studies or ACA certification
- Minimum of 3–5 years of professional archives experience
- Strong archival processing experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including leadership, communications, IT, and facilities teams
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mentality
- Familiarity with digital asset management systems, metadata standards, and digitization workflows
- Experience developing digital exhibits
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a nonprofit or corporate archives with a nationwide presence
- Experience working with non-archivist stakeholders
- Knowledge of or interest in social enterprise
- Experience working with committees or advisory groups
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $64,000 - $76,000, commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Annual professional development funds
How to Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three references to careers@winthropgroup.com with the subject line: “Archivist – Rockville, MD.”
About The Winthrop Group
Founded in 1982, The Winthrop Group provides professional archival and historical services to nonprofits, businesses, foundations, museums, educational institutions, performing arts organizations, families, and individuals. We help clients capture, organize, preserve, and learn from their pasts, transforming their history into a valuable resource with practical applications.
EEO Statement
The Winthrop Group is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented communities in the archival profession to apply.
Salary : $64,000 - $76,000
