Title: Senior Archivist
Location: Bethany, WV
About Us: The Disciples of Christ Historical Society is the leading repository of artifacts, documents, and memorabilia that chronicle the history of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the broader Stone-Campbell Movement out of which it emerges. Our mission is to preserve and share our history and ensure its accessibility for scholarly research, community engagement, and the enrichment of faith.
Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Senior Archivist to oversee our physical and digital collections. The ideal candidate will have a passion for church history, a methodical approach to preservation, and an innovative mindset towards digitization and accessibility. This role includes the opportunity to lead the creation of a new online catalog for our collection, making it more accessible to the global community. The Senior Archivist will report directly to the President of the Historical Society.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the management of the physical archival collection, ensuring proper preservation, organization, and cataloging of historical materials.
- Develop and execute strategies for the digitization of the archive, enhancing the accessibility and preservation of the collection.
- Manage the digital archival system, ensuring the integrity, security, and sustainability of digital resources.
- Spearhead the development of a new online catalog for the collection, improving user experience and global access.
- Lead a team of archivists, student interns, and volunteers, providing direction and professional development opportunities.
- Establish and maintain archival policies and procedures, including disaster preparedness and emergency response plans.
- Engage with scholars, churches, and the public, facilitating research and promoting the use of the collection.
- Assist the President with grant writing and fundraising activities related to archival projects.
- Stay informed of archival best practices and technological advancements in digital preservation.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Library Science, Public History, Archival Studies, or a related field with a focus on archival practices.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in an archival setting, with demonstrated expertise in both physical and digital archives.
- Strong technical proficiency, including experience with digital preservation and metadata standards.
- Leadership experience and strong organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A commitment to the mission and values of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Healthcare benefits (HRA).
- Pension plan with employer contributions (14% of salary).
- A collaborative work culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We invite qualified candidates to submit an application including a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Dr. Joel Brown, DCHS President, at [email protected] with the subject line "Senior Archivist Application." Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Disciples of Christ Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, marital status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.