SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Occasional evenings and weekends as needed for community engagement events.)

SUMMARY: The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society is seeking a junior level Processing Archivist to arrange and describe archival collections focused on Black history in the state of Rhode Island. The Processing Archivist’s primary responsibility will be creating finding aids in ArchivesSpace. Other responsibilities may include rehousing and digitizing collections, assisting on exhibits, and providing reference services to researchers and staff. Early career archivists are encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Arrange and describe archival materials at an appropriate level, following established standards and best practices. 
• Create Describing Archives: Content Standard (DACS) compliant accession and finding aid records using ArchivesSpace.
• Identifies and carries out rehousing and preservation treatments as needed.
• Assist in digitization for preservation and access.
• Work with the Lead Archivist to help establish and maintain intellectual and physical control of collections
• Perform reference and assist researchers in accessing archive collections
• Assists in the implementation and use of archival management software; encodes finding aids in Encoded Archival Description (EAD); and participates in projects to revise, edit, correct, and digitally publish finding aids.

OTHER DUTIES:

In addition to these primary duties, as a member of our small nonprofit organization, you may be  required to assist with other tasks as needed. This may include participating in community events, supporting other organizational programs or initiatives, and lending a hand with administrative tasks. We appreciate your flexibility and willingness to contribute to the organization's overall success. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s in Library Science from an ALA accredited program (or in the process of earning degree) OR experience processing archival collections
• Experience with ArchivesSpace or other archival management software
• Familiarity with archival metadata standards including Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and Describing Archives: a Content Standard (DACS)
• Prior experience processing archival collections: this can include paraprofessional, student, volunteer, or internship experience
• Experience with detail-oriented work
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• The ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive or restricted content
• Familiarity with anti-racist archival theory and inclusive description
• Background check required.