Assistant Archivist

Job Overview

The Medical Mission Sisters Unit North America Archives are looking for an Archives Assistant to process archival collections, conduct high-level inventories and prepare materials for a large-scale transfer of records to an academic institution in the fall of 2027.

The Medical Mission Sisters Unit North America was founded in 1925 as a religious order of Catholic sisters focused on training medical professionals and serving communities around the world. Its institutional archives document the rich history and activities of the 100-year old congregation and serve as a valuable resource to the organization, researchers and scholars across numerous fields.

This position is especially suitable for early-career archive professionals seeking valuable experience in archival processing and collections management, or experienced professionals seeking a fixed-term position.

This is an on-site, full-time position based in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia, expected to run for approximately 15 months. This position provides full employment benefits.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the backlog of appraisals and accessions
• Collaborate with the archivist to create and maintain inventories and finding aids
• Document and purge non-archival documents and artifacts
• Digitize materials as needed
• Assess records and artifacts for preservation, and re-house materials as needed
• Maintain repository environment according to best practices
• Respond to reference requests from sisters, staff, and leadership team, as well as outside researchers; provide reading room supervision
• Receive and accession incoming records
• Maintain a high standard of professional confidentiality
• Promote the values and mission of the Society

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to:

• Organize and plan own work, meet agreed, prioritized objectives, with a systematic, methodical approach to tasks
• Use judgment and initiative creatively
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Possess a well-developed ability to work effectively with others as part of a team
• Exhibit diplomacy and ability to work with persons from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Espouse a strong commitment to learn and work with the values and mission of the Society
• Foster a respectful, cooperative, professional, and courteous work environment, maintain confidentiality and employ tact and diplomacy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum college degree in history, library science, or related field; MLIS preferred
• Previous experience in archives, special collections, or records management
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice
• Knowledge of best practices for digital preservation and digitization
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects, working cooperatively with others or independently.

EOE

Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Archival processing: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Philadelphia, PA 19111 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person