Strategic Archivist, Special Collections & Outreach

Reporting to the Director of Special Collections, the Archivist employs a community-centered and team-based approach to developing and promoting Hofstra University’s archival collections, housed within three repositories: the Long Island Studies Institute, Rare Books and Manuscripts, and University Archives. Serving also as the University Archivist, this position ensures that the history and legacy of the University are preserved and made accessible for future generations.

The Archivist applies best practices to responsibly and effectively acquire, manage, preserve, and provide access to archival collections in both physical and digital formats. This role collaborates closely with Hofstra faculty, researchers, and community partners to engage and educate diverse learners through the use of archival materials. The Archivist also responds to reference inquiries, provides reading room support, and builds relationships with key community and regional partners, donors, and stakeholders to strengthen outreach and advance strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Expands and diversifies the collections through strategic partnerships and community engagement initiatives.
• Assesses, acquires, processes, and preserves both physical and digital materials that document Hofstra University and the diverse histories of Long Island, New York, and the surrounding region, ensuring alignment with Hofstra’s mission and strategic plan.
• Designs and implements policies and workflows for collection development, digital preservation, metadata creation, and access collaborating with the Director of Special Collections and stakeholders to maintain archival standards and best practices.
• Oversees digitization initiatives and advances online access projects via digital repositories, partner websites, and digital exhibits.
• Develops and curates community centered collection guides, finding aids, curricula, exhibits, and educational resources that connect learners and scholars to archival holdings.
• Partners with University Advancement, donors, and funders to strengthen archival collections, programs, and events.
• Engages faculty and students to integrate archival materials into learning, teaching, and research experiences.
• Supervises, mentors, and trains student assistants, fostering applied learning in archival theory and practice.
• Monitors and adopts emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in archival processing, digital management, and data curation.
• Represents Hofstra University on committees and at professional archival meetings, conferences, and events, and performs additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from anALA-accredited program required.
• 1–2 years of professional experience in a special collections or archival environment.
• Thorough understanding of the legal and ethical considerations related to archival management and access.
• Proven knowledge of digital curation, metadata standards, and digital preservation systems and tools.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management abilities, with attention to accuracy and detail.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the history and culture of Long Island and/or New York preferred.
• Experience using and managing digital repository platforms, such as Archives Space, CONTENTdm, Omeka, or comparable systems.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring students, interns, or staff members.