Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs; Archivist

Job Description

Primary

Purpose:

The Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs (Archivist) is responsible for the management of the Archives of Historic Newton, including collection development, preservation, and access, and for selected interpretive projects drawing on contents of the Archives.

Supervision Received: Reporting to the Director of Historic Newton (HN), the Archivist establishes a work plan and completes work in accordance with established best practices for archives and museums, and HN’s strategic plan. The Archivist often juggles competing priorities and leverages volunteer support to make best use of limited time and funds.

Supervision Given: The Archivist supervises part-time volunteers and interns, establishing schedules, priorities, duties, and performance standards.

• Monitors, rehouses, and stores archival collections to ensure their preservation for future generations.
• Maintains and improves discovery tools, including inventories, finding aids, catalog records, and website content, to ensure knowledge of and access to the contents of the Archives.
• Supports Historic Newton’s programming and exhibits through research and facilitated access to collections materials (originals and surrogates).
• Responds to research requests from the public and hosts visiting researchers.
• Initiates and oversees accessions, deaccessions, and loans, including securing required paperwork.
• Works with the Collections Committee of the Joint Board of Historic Newton to maintain and improve the archival collections.
• Manages and carries out a limited number of interpretive projects, which may include publications, outdoor educational signs, small exhibits, etc.
• Attends and participates in internal and external meetings as well as various special events.
• Mants and updates Historic Newton’s emergency preparedness plan, working with outside departments (fire, police) as necessary; trains co-workers in use of the plan.
• Performs other related work as required or directed, or as situations dictate.

Education, Training and

Experience:

M.L.I.S. with concentration in archives management or equivalent training required. Three (3) years of professional experience in an archives setting and two (2) years of supervisory experience required. An orientation toward public service and a belief that low‑barrier access of collections is a public good.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Knowledge of best practices in archives management, including digital preservation, required. Working knowledge of American history required;
New England history preferred. Grant writing and budgeting experience preferred.

Ability: Must be able to:

• Manage multiple tasks in a detailed, accurate, and timely manner.
• Quickly acquire a working knowledge of Newton history and of the contents of the archival collections.
• Represent Historic Newton effectively to other City departments and to the public.
• Interact diplomatically and effectively with the public and with staff and board members.
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgment; be a “self‑starter.”
• Train, supervise, and evaluate interns and volunteers effectively.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Collaborate closely with community organizations and other stakeholders.
• Manage grants; prepare grants and other donation proposals as part of a team.
• Manage and use databases (experience with Past Perfect preferred).

Skill: Must have:

• Strong organizational and record‑keeping skills.
• Skills in archival processing and digitization.
• Experience using spreadsheets and databases to maintain accurate records (experience with Past Perfect preferred).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

The work environment involves occasional exposure to dust and to pests.

The Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs is occasionally required to work beyond normal business hours to attend evening or weekend meetings or events. Operates computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and standard office equipment. Has frequent contact with other staff and occasional contact with vendors/service providers.

• Tasks require the ability to stand and…