Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL

MISSION

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan 
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

Salary Grade 7

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

A hub for scholarship and training, the Art Institute Research Center brings together the museum’s Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, the Art Institute of Chicago Archives, and the department of Academic Engagement and Research with the aim of fostering engagement and access to the Art Institute of Chicago’s rich educational and research offerings.

The Art Institute Archives stewards the museum’s art and architecture archives, institutional archives, imaging archives, and digital preservation efforts.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director of the Art Institute of Chicago Archives, the Processing Archivist conducts and assists with the acquisition, organization, preservation, documentation, and research of archival materials and collections under the museum’s stewardship. They facilitate access to the collections by assisting in the development and/or implementation of digital tools, and assist staff in providing reference and research services to a diverse contingent of patrons. The Processing Archivist contributes to supporting exhibitions and to the development of programs and publications that feature the museum’s archival holdings, and works collaboratively with fellow staff to achieve departmental goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collection management: Administers to primary research materials, including manuscripts, photographs, drawings, realia and other formats. Engages in processing (i.e. organization and cataloging), including both physical arrangement and the creation or revision of discovery tools and related documentation, such as Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids, accession records, processing plans. Ensures proper storage conditions, and recommends and contributes to conservation and preservation procedures in consultation with museum conservation staff. Conducts research on the collections. Assists with reappraisal work in support of critical cataloging initiatives.

Facilitates access: Makes collections available to scholars engaged in research through the creation and management of digital resources such as finding aids, digitized collection content, webpages, databases and other discovery tools. Assists staff in helping users navigate collections on-site and online and in the proper procedures for handling collection items.

Stewardship: Assists the Director and Associate Director in soliciting donors for the acquisition of materials that fall within the scope and strengths of the collections, maintaining on-going relationships with Art Institute curators, architects, dealers and potential donors as appropriate. Assists the Director in joint acquisitions with curatorial departments, and assists with exhibitions, including research, selection, installation and labeling of collection items. Assists the Director in maintaining administrative and donor records of collections.

Supports the department: Assists in managing fundamental on-site operations and other physical spaces as needed. Contributes to devising operating procedures and workflows for cross-collection projects. Assists with planning and management of Research Center-led initiatives and events that engage a broader academic community as appropriate.

Participates in Research Center and museum-wide committees and task forces, and completes other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited institution required. A minimum of 6 semester credits of formal academic training in archival practice or equivalent experience preferred
• 2 years of professional experience in an archive setting, with a minimum of 1 year experience processing and creating finding aids in accordance with national standards and best practices is required.
• Experience creating and/or editing finding aids in native EAD (XML) is required.
• Knowledge of MARC, DACS and Dublin Core is required; working knowledge of Alma/Primo, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, HTML, CSS and other metadata schemas (e.g., METS, VRA Core) is desirable.
• Capacity for analytical work. Accuracy, neatness, reliability, and attention to detail are essential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to initiate and conclude projects, and to work independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent public services in an archival, library or museum setting.
• Knowledge of art/art history, and/or interest in Chicago and Midwest history, art, design, architecture is desirable.
• The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to a global, equitable, and inclusive art world as they will be expected to engage in diverse projects across the Art Institute’s global collections.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 40 pounds and occasionally use a step stool or ladder.
• Tolerance to dust and molds with use of optional face covering, gloves and/or smock.
• Periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Often moves about inside the office, stacks and across various museum spaces to serve patrons, access storage areas, move collections, and other related tasks.
• Often operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as scanners and printers.

CLOSING STATEMENT

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

UNION INFO

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31