Head of Archives Processing and Access

Under the direction of the University Archivist, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center (SCRC), the Head of Archives Processing and Access provides leadership and technical expertise for processing activities for the University Archives and modern manuscript collections. Provides leadership for developing and implementing strategies, standards, and programs for making available archives and manuscripts collections in all formats across a broad range of subject areas to a diverse community of users.  Manages processing and description activities in the archives and manuscripts unit. Manages professional and student processing staff, including Processing and Projects Archivists. Manages staff for grant and donor-funded projects. Supports archives and manuscripts collection development. Participates in security, reader services, instruction, and other public programs in the Special Collections Research Center.

Essential Functions:

Management of Processing

  • Manages arrangement, description, and cataloging of archives and manuscripts collections in all formats.
  • In collaboration with colleagues, identifies and prioritizes collections for processing, reformatting, and potential grant-funded projects.
  • Develops strategies for streamlining workflows and procedures to increase access to collections.
  • Collaborates with colleagues in the Archives and Manuscripts unit and Digital Special Collections unit to develop policies, standards, and workflows for describing and preserving born-digital and hybrid collections.
  • Establishes and refines workflows for providing maximum and equitable access to collections while respecting university records policies, laws, and privacy concerns.

Access to Archives and Manuscripts Collections

  • Manages the SCRC Encoded Archival Description (EAD) Program. Leads SCRC collaboration with other Library units in maintenance and development of finding aids database and integration of finding aids and other archives and manuscript descriptive resources into Library tools and systems.
  • With colleagues, develops and implements Library standards and metadata for digitization and other digital collection programs involving archives and manuscripts materials.
  • Manages Large-Scale Digitization program for archives and manuscripts collections, including selection of collections and enhancement of finding aids and other tools to provide access to digitized materials.
  • Collaborates in inter-institutional initiatives for integration of finding aids and other digital access tools, including the Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) and Chicago Collections Consortium (CCC).
  • Participates in and supports Library efforts to broaden community access to archives and manuscripts

Staff Management

  • Hires, trains and assesses performance of professional staff, student staff, and interns.
  • Sets goals for individual staff members to achieve Library, department, and unit priorities; works with staff to ensure that goals are met and to resolve issues that arise

Other Responsibilities

  • Contributes to SCRC and Library goals
  • Submits regular reports on archives and manuscripts processing and access
  • In collaboration with the University Archivist and the Director of Special Collections, monitors expenditure of unrestricted and restricted funds allocated to support processing and management of archives and manuscripts
  • Supports and participates in SCRC donor and collection development activities relating to archives and manuscripts collections
  • Participates in projecting and developing plans for physical space and facilities for the archives and manuscripts collections
  • Participates in and supports reader services and class instruction
  • Supports and participates in public programs of SCRC and Library
  • Serves as a member of Library committees and working groups
  • Participates in professional associations and maintains and develops knowledge of current developments in archival processing, metadata standards, electronic records management, and preservation

Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school or another relevant degree with certification in Special Collections/Archives or related field with equivalent experience
  • Minimum of three years of related archival and manuscript experience
  • Demonstrated experience processing large and complex archival or manuscript collections
  • Knowledge of archival theory and practice as demonstrated through experience performing archival appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation
  • Supervisory experience
  • Knowledge of standards for the description of archival and manuscript materials
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills, subject research skills, and interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Ability to conceptualize and organize extensive collections in diverse formats
  • Knowledge of ethical and legal concerns affecting acquisition and management of, and access to, archives and special collections
  • Ability to work effectively and collegially with staff, administrators, faculty, and other members of the University and donor community
  • Ability to manage projects, including setting priorities and meeting deadlines and budget goals

Preferred:

  • Experience supervising archival processing
  • Familiarity with standards and best practices for working with born-digital archival material
  • Demonstrated commitment to professional development

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to lift 40-pound box.

Application Instructions

To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website: http://apply.interfolio.com/165236. Review of applications will begin after April 24, 2025. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Salary and Benefits: $60,000 - $70,000. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses. 

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Questions: Contact the University Library Human Resources department at libraryhr@uchicago.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.