Archivist - Dumbarton Oaks

Job Summary

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, a research center in Washington DC affiliated with Harvard University and supporting scholarship in Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Garden and Landscape Studies, seeks an Archivist to work with collections relating to the scholarly programs. Dumbarton Oaks actively acquires, organizes, preserves, describes, and provides access to photographic documentation in various media; textual and visual records of archaeological surveys and excavations; papers of noteworthy scholars in the three disciplines; and records relating to the history of Dumbarton Oaks. The Archivist will engage in appraisal, accessioning, arranging, and describing archival collections both traditional and born digital and will assist with public services, preservation, digitization, and collection management in collaboration with the library management.

Position Description

• Processes collections, including collection arrangement, re-housing, and description in ArchivesSpace and other systems.
• Accessions and prepares processing plans for new/unprocessed collections.
• Provides reference support to in-person and remote users of archival collections. Assists with planning and delivering presentations for resident Fellows, visiting classes, and other groups.
• Assists Manager of ICFA and Subject Librarians in logistics for acquisition of new archival collections and donor relations.
• Assists with identifying and preparing materials for digitization.
• Compiles and tracks research, processing and use statistics.
• Contributes to the Library’s policy and procedures evaluation and development.
• May supervise and provide training for students, interns, or temporary employees in processing and working with archival collections.
• Serves on working groups and committees as appropriate. 

Basic Qualifications

• MLS from ALA-Accredited program or equivalent degree, with a concentration in Archives.
• Minimum of 2 years professional experience arranging and describing archival materials.
• Experience in creating finding aids using DACS and ArchivesSpace.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Familiarity with EAD and EAC-CPF XML standards, and with XML editing/authoring programs such as Oxygen.
• Familiarity with different formats of photographic media, different types of archival manuscript materials, born digital materials, and knowledge of best practices for handling, storage, and preservation of those materials.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; proven ability to work independently, establish goals, set priorities and carry out tasks with limited direction.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to serve diverse communities of researchers and collaborators.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience providing reference services for archival collections.
• Experience working with archival donors.
• Familiarity with common library metadata standards such as RDA, Dublin Core, LCSH, LC Authorities, and Getty Vocabularies.
• Experience with Open Refine or other metadata management utilities.
• Knowledge of emerging metadata standards and practices related to linked data.
• Strong research skills.
• Reading knowledge of one or more languages other than English.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

To Apply

The position remains open until filled. Please forward résumé and cover letter detailing relevant qualifications by clicking the link below.

Apply Here

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Dumbarton Oaks views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.