The Senior Archivist serves as the administrative head of the Peabody Museum's Archives Department, overseeing the Museum's archival collections (paper records, manuscripts, photographs, works on paper, and audio-visual materials), managing archives staff and daily operations, determining plans and priorities, establishing and maintaining workflow, and managing the departmental budget. Reports to the Deputy Director for Collections
Position Description
Hires, trains, and supervises Archives staff of two permanent archivists and temporary hires, overseeing workflow and processes, assigning ongoing tasks and short-term projects, and evaluating performance and performance management.
Implements and updates Archives Department policies and procedures in accordance with current archival standards and best practices and with a strong focus on ethical stewardship, including implementation of the SAA Protocols for Native American Archival Materials and protocols for reparative description.
Plans and oversees processing of archival collections, including appraisal, arrangement, and description, producing ArchivesSpace finding aids. Catalogs photographic and audio-visual collections in accordance with Museum protocols.
Evaluates legal issues relating to unpublished collections including copyright, privacy, confidentiality, and ownership.
Plans and manages archival digitization projects in collaboration with the Director of Collections Technologies.
Assists Museum staff with implementing Harvard's records management policies and procedures.
Oversees on-site and off-site archives storage, assessing and monitoring environmental conditions and collaborating with Museum administration and Facilities management to ensure appropriate preservation standards for collections.
Manages public access and research services for the Archives Department, including hosting visits by faculty, visiting scholars, students, Harvard classes, Indigenous community groups, and external researchers.
Plans and implements departmental tactical plans in alignment with overall Museum strategic goals and develops and oversees departmental and special project budgets.
Identifies grant opportunities as required, writing grant proposals, collaborating with the Curatorial Department, and administering post-award grants.
Serves as a contributing member of select Museum committees including the Collections Review Committee and Collections Online Access (Web Coding) Committee.
Represents the Peabody in the archives and museum fields and develops relationships with other archival repositories including those at Harvard.
Coordinates and manages additional special projects and duties as required to support the Museum's mission and goals.
Basic Qualifications
ALA-accredited MLS degree with an archival concentration or equivalent.
7+ years of experience in archival administration.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Understanding of and commitment to the ethical stewardship of museum collections in partnership with Indigenous communities required.
Experience in supervising permanent staff in a variety of archival functions.
Demonstrated knowledge of archival standards and best practices, including managing an archive, processing collections, care and handling of archival materials in a variety of formats, preservation, and access.
Second master's degree or other academic experience in anthropology preferred.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; multitask, manage complex projects, and meet competing deadlines; strong attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to establish priorities and achieve goals.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
Additional Information
We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
About Us
The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
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.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 386058 Library Manager
Job Function: Library, Museum
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Dean
Salary Grade: 058
Department: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
