Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist at Leo Baeck Institute Berlin

The Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin (LBI) invites applications for a Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist position. The Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist will play a key role in describing and providing access to archival collections and coordinating acquisitions workflows. This position offers the opportunity to work hands‑on with unique materials within one of the world’s leading research archives and libraries focused on German‑Jewish history.

The Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin (LBI) is a research archive and library dedicated to the history and culture of German‑speaking Jews. Its extensive library, archival, and art collections comprise one of the most significant repositories of primary source material and scholarship on centuries of Jewish life in Central Europe before the Holocaust. It is a partner organization of the Center for Jewish History in New York, a consortium of five distinguished research organizations.

LBI is committed to preserving and expanding access to this rich body of material. It has digitized millions of pages of documents, books, and artworks—from rare Renaissance‑era volumes to the personal correspondence and documents of luminaries and everyday individuals. In addition to its collections, LBI promotes the study and understanding of German‑Jewish history through public programs, exhibitions, and support for scholarship.

• Create and enhance metadata records and finding aids for archival collections.
• Coordinate acquisitions and accessioning workflows for new materials, including both physical and digital collections; assist with donor correspondence and documentation; supervise collection assistants.
• Contribute to the processing of collections to ensure following of standards, accessibility and proper documentation in close cooperation with the senior processing archivist.
• Collaborate with a team of dedicated library and archive staff to maintain data quality and consistency across systems.
• Handle archival materials safely, accurately, and meticulously.
• Report to the Director of Collections.

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years working experience with preservation, care and management of archival collections and with library/archival management systems.
• Able to work in the US (US Citizenship or Green Card Holder).
• Knowledge of archival standards and best practices for preservation, arrangement, description, and digitization.
• Follow shared guidelines and instructions for handling and processing collections.
• Experience creating archival metadata and working with metadata standards (e.g., DACS, EAD, MARC).
• Familiarity with archival collection management systems and discovery platforms.
• Experience with acquisitions or accessioning workflows for archives or special collections.
• Demonstrated interest in historical or archival collections.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to learn quickly.
• Flexible and reliable, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of all materials.
• Ability to lift archival boxes weighing up to 30 pounds; some standing and bending required.

• Experience with Aleph, OCLC Connexion, or similar library/archival systems.
• Experience with Archives Space or similar archival management systems.
• Experience with Rosetta or similar digital preservation systems.
• Knowledge of authority control linked data, and digital preservation standards.
• Experience with Office software, e.g., Microsoft 365, Adobe.
• Interest in and knowledge of German Jewish and/or Jewish history.

Mon – Thu: 9am to 5pm;
Fri: 9am to 3pm;
Onsite & online, hybrid depending on work at hand.

Salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary Range is $60K – $70K.

Please send your résumé, cover letter, and the names of two references to Renate Evers
, The Bruno and Suzanne Scheidt Director of Collections, revers.

The Leo Baeck Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.