Collection Archivist

The Center for Creative Photography (CCP) seeks an experienced and self-driven Collections Archivist. Reporting to the Head of Collections, the Collections Archivist will direct archival processing priorities, devise and implement collections care policies, and support the development of CCP's renowned archival collections. The incumbent will supervise the work of other archive staff members as well as students and volunteers. The Collections Archivist will also promote the collections and work of CCP by engaging in community outreach, instruction, and research services in CCP's Laura Volkerding Study Center.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Processing Management Activities:

• Leads the development and implementation of user-centered approaches to cataloging and archival processing'
• Independently develops and oversees the implementation of processing strategies for archival collections, creating finding aids and other descriptive metadata in accordance with best practices.
• In coordination with the Head of Collections, directs processing priorities and addresses backlog to ensure timely access to and discoverability of CCP’s archival holdings.
• Develops budgets for processing materials and equipment.
• Plans and oversees the work of staff, graduate or undergraduate students, and short-term temporary workers related to processing or special projects.
• Leads the ongoing development of CCP accessioning, processing, and description documentation.

Collection Management Activities:

• Oversees the maintenance of appropriate physical housing and storage of archival collections, updating location information and devising the most efficient stacks organization in support of preservation and paging activities.
• Performs basic condition assessments.
• Consults with Conservation as needed regarding condition, housing, and storage considerations for archival collections.

Collection Development Activities:

• Participates in appraisal and survey operations for new acquisitions and makes recommendations for disposition of materials based on appraisal guidelines
  Undertakes off-site appraisals as needed.
• Manages incoming accessions, creating project plans, and managing their execution efficiently.
• Creates accession records for incoming materials, prioritizing discoverability through the efficient creation of records in ArchivesSpace.
• Participates in relationship management activities related to acquisitions as needed.

Service and Professional Development Activities:

• Promotes the collections and work of CCP by participating in instruction sessions and community engagement events as well as assisting visiting researchers.
• Participates in the CCP reference desk rotation and answers remote reference queries as assigned.
• Participates in committees, collaborative initiatives, and in professional organizations related to job duties.
• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of changes and trends in archival arrangement, description, and access methodologies.
• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of current and emerging trends in cataloging rules, standards, and methodologies for collections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of library and archival standards and vocabularies, including EAD, DACS and MARC.
• Experience with the use of cultural heritage tools, technologies, and platforms, e.g. ArchivesSpace, Aeon.
• Understanding of best practices in special collections and archives settings, including a thorough understanding of privacy, safe handling, confidentiality, copyright, and use issues.
• Ability to independently supervise and direct processing work.
• Ability to work with sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team; commitment to fostering a collaborative, communicative, and creative work environment.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Experience handling rare and fragile materials.
• Experience fostering public understanding of and access to cultural heritage collections.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience training and supervising professional staff and student employees.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.