Archives Fellow
Description: The South Side Community Art Center in Chicago, IL is seeking to hire an Archivist Fellow for the 2025-2026 years that will work full-time year round beginning in April 2025, directly under the Archives and Collections Manager. The role requires extensive knowledge of archival collections, methods of archival care, and theories of archival administration. At the time of appointment, they should have either three years of professional experience or a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences (with focus on Archives and/or Records) or a related field like Art History, Digital Humanities or Museum Studies (with significant experience in the field of Archival Management). The role will have the fellow working as a processing archivist mainly cataloging and organizing archival materials for the organization in order to enable future research. Additionally, this role will task the fellow with additional responsibilities as necessary. This is a full-time position, which will be tasked to work Tuesdays to Saturdays (on site at the Center 10:30 AM -4:30 PM). We are a truly historical space with a significant impact on the Black community in Chicago and broader arts dialogues around the world. Our archives and art collections boasts a collection of over several thousand paper ephemeral documents, several hundred photographic objects and slides, and over 600 artworks of varying media. This position will mainly work with ephemeral materials and photographic materials that are in the archives and not the art collection, to investigate best practices for access, digital interpretation, and archival reorganization.
Compensation and Salary: $45,000.00 USD a year for two years
Required Qualifications:
Recently (within 2 years) finished a masters program from an archives relevant program such as: Art History, Digital Humanities, Library and Information Science (with a focus in Archives or Records Management or Library Conservation), or Museum Studies (with experience in Archives or Library and Information Science coursework) OR considerable work experience (at least 3 years) in arts management, museum/cultural heritage work, and museum work.Must currently live in the Chicago area or have the ability to commute or relocate for up to two yearsProject management experience is desirableFamiliarity with digital content management systems such as WordpressFamiliarity with resources in oral history like the OHMS platform but not requiredAbility to work effectively on a teamKnowledge of archival methodologies and theoriesKnowledge of and interest in digital humanities practicesExcellent oral and written communication skillsCandidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorshipOriginal, official transcripts are required at time of hireKnowledge of archival management tools
Responsibilities:
Advanced knowledge of digital preservation, archival and digital storage infrastructure, and demonstrable experience in arranging and managing physical and digital-born collections is critical to the success of this positionAdvise at an academic archival level on issues related to metadata creation guidelinesAssist in the day to day work and responsibilities of the Archives and Collections ManagerCreate professional grade bibliographies, finding aids, and the development of metadata as needed when that phase is reachedDevelop an in-depth familiarity with the South Side Community Art Center, its history, impact in the community, and the archival materials we holdDevelop and provide relevant bibliographies, finding aids, and resources for potential academic and professional referencesEngage in acquisition, processing, digitization, promotion, use, and development of the Archives sector of the collections departmentExhibit knowledge and expertise on archival descriptive standards, intellectual property rights, and issues related to digital conversion of archival materialsOrganization of visits to the archive via the approval of the Executive Director and Department HeadParticipation in team planning, workflow discussions, creation/updating of documentation; participation in special projects related to discovery and archival collections management Preserve archival collections according to academic archival standardsProcess large amounts of archival materials and prepare them for cataloging and storageThe position will build on our current system of archival accession numbering by working to optimize the current system and make improvements where appropriateThis position will develop a plan to facilitate the transfer of records and archival collections to an online repository that will be used in space with the support of the Archives and Collections ManagerWork with the Archives and Collections Manager to examine whether materials have potential historical significance and relevance for inclusion in SSCAC’s ArchiveWorking within the Archival Collections under the direction of the Archives and Collections Manager, the Archivist will work in a team setting and be responsible for the arrangement, description, and management of the archive’s collections housed within the Center
Key Objectives and Measured Outcomes in Role:
Catalog remaining unprocessed archival collections Create finding aids for materials in the archives Digitize archival materials and managing metadataDocument newer art accessions into the art collection and update our visual resource repository
Applications are due March 25th at 11:59 PM!
To apply please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and a CV or resume to the email provided below.
