Friday, September 14, 2012

Harvard Business School is looking for a Project Archivist

If you're comfortable arranging and describing paper and electronic records, have experience managing a variety of different types of projects, and live or would like to live in the Boston area for two years, Harvard Business School's Baker Library may have a job for you.  (And, at least in this instance, "may" truly is the appropriate word:  at the time of this writing, the university is still awaiting final approval of this particular project.)
Job Description
As a key member of the Special Collections team that oversees the extensive archival and manuscript collections of Baker Library, responsible for planning, prioritizing, identifying, transferring, preserving, and setting procedures for establishing and providing intellectual access to the full archival collection of a leading financial investment management firm, including paper and electronic records and digital content such as web files, video, audio etc.. Organizes and documents the archival materials to create a complete historical record. Coordinates the development of oral histories and interviews that supplement the artifacts and allow a deeper understanding of the creation and history of the firm. Coordinates the development an organizational structure for ongoing records and a taxonomy and standard metadata to provide innovative access to both archival and current materials. Makes recommendations to the Director, Special Collections, about content appraisal and privacy issues. Handles confidential information in accordance with University, state, and federal policies and regulations. Establishes and administers policy guidelines concerning internal and external research access and use of materials. Communicates regularly with the firm; works closely with its staff to identify and describe records of key significance. Acts as the lead researcher for the archives. Actively engages in corporate projects that utilize the Archives such as marketing and the production of publicity products, documentaries etc. Identifies innovative approaches to incorporate materials from the Archives into the HBS curriculum. Collaborates with the Special Collections Outreach Team and the KLS Information Products and Innovation group as appropriate in the development of digital collections, web products, and programs that encourage a greater understanding and knowledge of the story and use of the firm’s Archives. Under the general direction of the Collections Conservator, manages the re-housing and other recommended preservation actions for processed collections including preparation of materials for digital reformatting. Participates as appropriate in relevant professional organizations and monitors the print literature and online discussion groups of the profession. May supervise and train staff, temps, and/or interns.

Requirements
Team player; excellent communicator who embraces change, seeks out opportunities for innovation and improvement, and is committed to providing excellent customer service. Advanced degree with relevant professional concentration or experience, including formal training in the management of archives. Four+ years of progressively responsible professional and administrative experience in the archival field, including two years’ experience appraising, arranging and describing archival materials using DACS and MARC for original cataloging of manuscript materials and EAD for creating finding aids. Demonstrated organizational skills in planning, prioritizing, and achieving goals with evidence of successful project management experience. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of archiving electronic records. Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking/ problem-solving skills. Must be able to regularly lift 40 lbs.

Desired
Degree or course work in History/American Studies or related field desired; strong interest in financial and/or business history. Experience with appraising, acquiring and processing electronic records preferred. Familiarity with EAD, MODS, METS, XML/XSL and other data structure standards relevant to the archival control of digital collection materials. Experience processing, cataloging, indexing and preserving media materials (digital files, audio, and film). Enthusiastic interest in identifying new trends in providing access to archival materials and creative approaches to demonstrating the value of archives. Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
The salary range for this position is $70,000-$74,000.  For more information and detailed application instructions, consult the job description.

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