Job Posting: Assistant Director of Archives, Society of Helpers, Chicago

Project position, 1 to 1.5 years

Full-time; salary range $65,000-70,000

The Society of Helpers, located at 2043 N Humboldt, Chicago, is an international congregation of Catholic sisters, spanning 24 countries, working to ease the suffering of those most in need. Sisters devote their lives to God and their energies to addressing the suffering and needs of those wounded in their human dignity. Helpers use their own many unique gifts and interests to respond to a common mission — to help in all manner of good.  

Position Summary:

In collaboration with the Provincial Archivist, the Assistant Archivist’s main responsibilities will be:
Process and catalog backlog of archival records and artifacts.
Document and purge non-archival documents and artifacts from the collection.
Update and maintain finding aids and inventories.
A major responsibility for the next two years (2023-2024) will be to assist the Provincial Archivist with the planning and implementing the physical relocation and ownership along with the transfer of the archival collection of the Society of Helpers to an institution which has an archive repository for permanent placement.

Maintain professional confidentiality
Prepare quarterly reports for supervisor and the Society of Helpers Leadership Team

Qualifications and abilities:
Ability to work with confidential materials
Knowledge of fundamental archival principles and practices and proven ability of their application
Experience with varied formats of records including manuscripts, printed materials, photographs, audio-visual materials, artifacts, and artworks
Experience with database management software, Microsoft Word, Excel as well as digital imaging and editing software and development of finding aids
Ability to work independently.
Willingness to learn about the collection and management of the Society of Helpers’ archives
Knowledge of relevant religious history and vowed religious life preferred
Strong communication, organizational problem solving skills
Membership in professional archival organizations

Requirements:

Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent with a concentration in archives management

Two years experience working in archives or special collections (including internships) with evidence of increasing responsibility

To apply: please email cover letter and resume/cv to Sister Jean Kielty:  jkielty@gmail.com