The Collection Development Archivist is responsible for acquiring manuscripts and private records of state and national significance to develop the Wisconsin Historical Society’s collections. The Archivist is a member of the Collection’s Division which is responsible for collecting, preserving, and making accessible the WHS’s cultural heritage collections in all formats. 

This position is responsible for evaluating and acquiring offered material and cultivating relationships with donors for future acquisitions. The Collections Development Archivist is part of the acquisitions team and plays in important role on the WHS’s Collections Committee, developing collecting plans and priorities to support the WHS’s mission and goals. The Archivist authors collection appraisals and collection plans and is responsible for preparing deeds of gift for all incoming archival collections.

The Archivist develops specialized collection knowledge and plays a role (individually or as a member of a team) in concept and content development and for the Society in all physical and online formats as author/curator/historian/collaborator (i.e. exhibitions, publications, web, public programs).

Click HERE for more information about working at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

All state employees must report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not and provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment.