Archivist, Chicago History Museum

Full time; salary range $53,000-55,000

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the Senior Archivist, the Archivist manages and coordinates the assessment, development, arrangement and description, and maintenance of CHM’s archival collections, which include manuscripts, photographic and moving images, audio recordings, and architectural records. The Archivist works with Curatorial Affairs staff to identify, review, and present proposed acquisitions; periodically reassess the collection; and develop and implement deaccessioning proposals to ensure the collection reflects an inclusive history of the city and its diverse citizens. The Archivist collaborates with the other Archives staff to develop strategies and policies governing the development, management, and use of the archival holdings; develops and implements changes and improvements to internal processes and workflow documentation; collaborates with relevant staff to facilitate and expand the discovery and use of CHM’s archival holdings to meet institutional goals and support CHM’s mission; and promotes the collection as CHM’s most unique and significant resource

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
*Collaborate with the other Archives staff in the day-to-day operations of the Archives unit, including the establishment and documentation of local standards and practices to guide the processing and management of CHM’s archival holdings
*Develop an in-depth knowledge of the scope, strengths, and weaknesses of CHM’s archival collections, including subject matter, material content, overall condition and organization, storage needs, and related documentation
*Assess potential acquisitions considering historical significance, size, condition, organization, potential access and use restrictions, and relevance to CHM’s collecting goals, which include building a more comprehensive, meaningful, and diverse record of the city’s history
*Work with Curatorial Affairs staff to inform acquisitions decisions, prepare acquisition proposals and present proposed acquisitions to the Collection Committee
Work with the Senior Archivist and other CHM staff to develop project ideas and contribute to grant proposals and other fundraising efforts to secure support for processing, preservation, and access-related activities
*Work with Curatorial Affairs staff to arrange for the transfer of potential acquisitions to CHM and coordinate the return or disposition of unwanted material, including identifying materials for potential deaccession, developing deaccession proposals, and implementing deaccession and disposal plans
*Work with Properties and other Collections staff to maintain organization, security, and cleanliness of on-site and off-site collections storage facilities
Collaborate with Collections staff and other departments to facilitate use of the collection to meet institutional goals
*Oversee and track the movement of collection materials for exhibition, research, conservation, and photography
*Work with shippers, contractors, and appropriate CHM staff to pack and move collections to and from offsite storage and plan and execute large-scale collection moves and storage upgrades
*Assist in the development of institutional policies, procedures, and strategies governing the preservation, use, and access of CHM’s archival holdings
*Advise the Senior Archivist and Director of Collections in developing annual departmental goals, objectives, and budget
*Help train and supervise temporary project staff and interns
*Lift, carry, and otherwise move collections objects weighing 50 lbs.; ascend/descend ladders and lifts; drive CHM van to off-site storage facilities or other locations

OTHER DUTIES:
*Assess, process, document, and maintain CHM’s other holdings as needed
*Serve as liaison with digitization vendors to expand visibility and accessibility of collections
*Participate in the development and implementation of strategies and processes for developing and managing digital collections
*Assist with the installation and/or de-installation of exhibited collection materials
*Conduct tours of storage areas for educational, promotional, and fundraising activities
*Develop and participate in additional outreach, promotional, and/or service activities to promote public awareness and use of CHM’s archival holdings
*Perform other duties as assigned

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: MLIS degree with an archives emphasis and/or certification or comparable academic or professional training; Two years of professional experience processing and managing relevant collection materials in a museum, library, or archive setting

For more information and to apply: https://tinyurl.com/4m3kdkc5

Deadline for applications: October 6, 2023