Archivist- Yale University Art Gallery

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Overview

The Yale University Art Gallery seeks its first full-time permanent museum Archivist to lead and manage the Gallery’s Research Archive, a repository comprised of approximately 3,500 linear feet of material comprised of collection and institutional archives in a variety of media and formats. Reporting to the Head Registrar, the Archivist will oversee all aspects of the Archive, including cataloguing, records management, collections development, accessioning, description, preservation, and access to the Gallery’s holdings. The Archivist will manage and execute these core duties in accordance with current national archival standards and practices and will create, refine and implement policies and procedures supporting the archival collections. 

The successful candidate will develop a dynamic museum archive fully integrated into all museum functions, working in tandem with the museum’s curatorial and conservation departments on acquisitions and cataloguing initiatives, and, with conservation on preservation-related activities. The Archivist will work closely with the museum’s IT department on technology-related initiatives, including those pertaining to records management, born-digital records, and digital preservation, and on database and data management systems such as ArchivesSpace and Preservica.

Working with the with the Head Registrar and Deputy Director of Exhibitions, Collections, and Facilities, the Archivist will assist with the spatial and organizational development of a new Collection Archives Study Center that will be organized in collaboration with other museum collections.

The Archivist will have opportunities to connect with and partner with a robust professional cohort of archivists across campus, including working with other special collections staff across Yale University. 

Essential job duties:.

• Assume a variety of responsibilities related to archival material including selection, appraisal, arrangement and description, and preservation.
• Provide reference and research services related to the archival collections.
• Develop policies and procedures.
• Set priorities and goals.
• Maintain storage.
• Arrange transport of archives and process gift and purchase agreements.
• Train and supervise staff and student assistants on processing.
• Identify, collect, analyze, and communicate statistics as requested.
• Assist with management of printed collections, as assigned.
• Assist with disaster recovery efforts, if needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities
1. Ability in arranging, describing, and providing public services for manuscript and/or archival collections. Experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for manuscript and/or archival collections.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems.
3. Experience working both collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment.

4. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in a special collections repository and ability and achievement in managing staff and budgets.
5. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
6. Ability to lift to 30 lbs. and push heavy carts.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

M.L.S. degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, with formal training in archival theory and practice or M.A. in Art History and extensive professional experience in museum archives and related management systems.

Experience with ArchivesSpace and The Museum System (TMS) and knowledge of digital asset management systems.

Principal Responsibilities

Required Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, with formal training in archival theory and practice. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences may be substituted for a master’s degree in library science. 2. Experience arranging and describing or providing public services for manuscript and/or archival collections. 3. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice may be substituted for formal training. 5. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials. 6. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems. 7. Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections. 8. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability. 9. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion. Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments (see range assigned to this description as noted in the posting position title). Librarian ranking information can be found at: http://www.library.yale.edu/about/departments/lhr/rank.html

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Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.