Archivist

Description

The Archivist, under the supervision of senior staff, will manage the archives (comprised of print and manuscript material; research and personal libraries; audio and video and film collections) belonging to an active, internationally focused artist’s business office, studio, and foundation, located in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Archivist involve:

• Maintaining, updating, and cleaning-up databases of existing collections of archival materials in a variety of mediums–print, manuscript, audio, video, film;
• Interfacing as needed with staff working in other areas of the artist’s business and studio, in relation to the handling, storage and accessibility of the archival materials and databases, and providing assistance in projects related to the use of the archive collections;
• Responding to external research requests, editing/proofing texts provided by third-parties
• Developing databases for archiving new and uncatalogued

In addition, the Archivist will assist in the creation and development of:

• Collections Management Policy: a formal statement of policy evolving from working with the existing archives
• Access Policy: a formal statement for users and use of the archives evolving from existing research requests and needs;
• Finding Aids: a guide and system for searching the archives
• Digitization Plan: a formal plan for digitization of the archives
• Storage Management: a policy statement and plan for storage of the archives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in art history, and/or a degree in Library Science.
• Minimum of two years working as a library or archives assistant, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a comparable work environment.
• Demonstrative understanding of archival collections and principles of arrangement and description.
• Familiarity with current and contemporary art history a plus; a candidate who is an avid reader with an interest in and knowledge of 20^th century and current history and biography also highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision but work collaboratively with other staff as well when needed.
• Familiarity with database programs, word processing software and other computing tools that staff use on a regular basis, including FileMaker, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat.
• Given the personal nature of the material involved, an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is required, and discretion expected.

Physical Environment:

Job is primarily desk and office based, requiring use of a computer in a Mac environment. Applicant must have ability to bend, reach, lift and/or move boxes and materials up to 50 pounds. Work environment requires use of ladders and stairs, and may include possible exposure to dust, dirt and potential allergens. Travel not typically required, though occasional offsite work may be necessary. Ability to hold a valid driver’s license or have reliable transportation necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

Hours: On site in office, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

How to apply

Email brief cover letter and 1-page resume to artiststudioposition323@gmail.com

Please include “Archivist” in the subject line.

A background check and current references will be required of successful candidates. Successful hire will be subject to a 3 month probationary period.