African American History Archivist

Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) is seeking an African American History Archivist to oversee the African American Archives, established in 1970. This role focuses on collecting, preserving, and providing access to historic documents, photographs, memorabilia, art, and artifacts related to African American life, history, and culture in Northeast Ohio. The collection includes manuscripts, photographs, microfilm, newspaper collections, and museum artifacts specific to the African American experience.

WRHS gratefully acknowledges support from The George Gund Foundation, The Booker Tall Endowment Fund, The George L Forbes Endowment Fund, The Margaret R Barron Scholarship Fund, and the United Black Fund for its African American History initiatives.

About the role

This full-time, exempt professional position reports to the Acting Library Director. The Archivist will assess, accession, inventory, arrange, describe, and process manuscripts, create finding aids, and maintain donor relationships. The role involves coordination with WRHS library and archival projects, including exhibitions, public programs, special events, and educational initiatives. The Archivist will also engage with professional organizations to stay current on archival standards and promote WRHS.

Responsibilities

• Arrange, process, and preserve collections following professional standards (DACS, EAD, MPLP).
• Create accurate finding aids, including Encoded Archival Description for online access.
• Maintain professional standards for work environment, records, confidentiality, deed of gifts, stewardship, processing, and storage.
• Collaborate with WRHS Cataloging, IT Systems Manager, and Archives Team to ensure accurate and timely data entry into the WRHS Collection Management System and OCLC.
• Support WRHS’s strategic and operational priorities, including marketing, communications, and policy development.
• Occasionally supervise interns and volunteers.
• Participate in development and implementation of archival policies and standards.
• Occasional travel, evening, and weekend hours may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Acting Library Director.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in library science (MLIS) with an emphasis on archival processing and management preferred; Bachelor’s degree in history or related field considered.
• Two years of archival processing experience, including knowledge of EAD and MPLP.
• Proficiency with information technology systems in a special collections or archival setting.
• Understanding of legal and ethical standards for archival and manuscript collections.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project, and time management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
• Active membership or willingness to join professional and scholarly associations related to archives or libraries.
• Ability to work proactively, flexibly, and collaboratively to achieve institutional goals.

Pay

$45,000 - $50,000/year