University Archivist (Archivist I/II)

at Reuther Library, Wayne State University (view profile)
Published May 2, 2024
Location 5401 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI
Category Academic  
Job Type Full-time  
Apply Here https://waynetalent.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/1974
Cover Letter Requirements Required
Education Requirements Master's degree
Minimum Compensation in Local Currency 52,000
Maximum Compensation in Local Currency 63,000
Hourly or Salary? Salary
Pay Grade https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3aQFYyiFnJEO3WJ0rD5Y_t_1m5K_jG7/view
X (formerly Twitter) Handle @reutherlibrary

Description

The Walter P. Reuther Library of Wayne State University seeks applicants for the position of University Archivist. Reporting to the Reuther Library Director, the successful candidate will develop and maintain the collections of the University Archives and provide leadership and vision in archival administration and the use of University records. 

The position is a full-time, regular, 12-month, benefits-eligible appointment as Academic Staff, and an AAUP-AFT represented position on Employment Security System (ESS) track with eligibility for promotion. The successful candidate will be hired at the rank of Archivist I or II with a salary range from $52,000-$63,000 according to qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, employee/dependent life and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans, tuition assistance, wellness program, and generous paid time off. This is a majority in-person position based at the Walter P. Reuther Library.

The Wayne State University Archives was established by the Board of Governors in 1958 in recognition of the importance and permanent value of the University's official files, records, and documents. Collections of note include student newspapers The South End and Collegian, the WSU Center for Urban Studies Council on Early Childhood Records, and the Folklore Archives. The University Archives is located in and is an integral part of the Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs. The Reuther Library is the largest labor archives in North America and is home to the collections of numerous unions and labor related organizations, as well as those documenting the political and community life of urban and metropolitan Detroit, the civil rights movement in Michigan and nationally, and women's struggles in the workplace. 

Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities preparing students for success in a diverse, global society. WSU strongly encourages applications from women, people of color, and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. 

Essential functions (Job duties): 

  • Identify, select, and acquire WSU archival collections, faculty papers, and institutional records, in digital and physical formats 
  • Arrange and describe University collections using ArchivesSpace 
  • Proactively collaborate with University units to advance the management of university records, and advise on records retention scheduling, preservation, and transfer 
  • Supervise student and intern work in support of University Archives projects 
  • Provide reference services and serve as primary contact for inquiries regarding University history 
  • Collaborate with Reuther archivists, including field, reference, and outreach archivists to coordinate promotion and access of University collections, and develop resources to support research 
  • Collaborate with collections and digital archivists, and born-digital collections 
  • Work with Director, Field Archivist, and WSU Development officers in grant seeking and to determine priorities for donor relations, collecting, and processing   
  • Participate in shared decision-making for Library planning, resource management, and program and policy development 
  • Represent the Library through active participation in professional associations and University committees 
  • Participate in Reading Room services 
  • Meet the physical demands of the position, e.g. lift heavy storage boxes (40lbs), climb stair ladders, work in a sedentary position for long durations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director 

Required qualifications: 

  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in library/information science, archival administration, or a related field with graduate study in archival theory and methods and/or experience leading to demonstrated proficiency with the methods and theories of archival administration 
  • Two years of experience with archives or special collections 
  • Demonstrated experience collecting and processing physical and born-digital content 
  • Experience using archival collection management software such as ArchivesSpace 
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills 
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively within and across organizational boundaries in a diverse organization and with a wide variety of users 
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently to manage projects and initiatives and set priorities 
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing professional knowledge through formal training, continuing education, or professional certification 
  • Ability and motivation to meet expectations for promotion and ESS as part of the Reuther Library academic staff 

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Supervisory experience 
  • Records management experience