Job Opening Title: Associate Research Archivist
Institution/Organization Name: New York Transit Museum
Job Location (City, State, Province, Country): Brooklyn, New York, USA
Application Deadline: July 15, 2016
Link to job posting:
Years of experience required: 2 years
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Please include instructions for how to apply.: Friends of the New York Transit Museum is hiring an Associate Research Archivist to oversee: research requests made by MTA agencies; outside researchers and press; rights and reproduction invoices and contracts; research for exhibits and public programming; and promotion of collections through social media. The New York Transit Museum collects, preserves and presents material relating to the region’s public transportation, past and present, focusing on the agencies of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and their predecessor companies. Established in 1976, the Transit Museum currently holds a collection of more than 4,300 cubic feet of historical records and approximately 8,000 artifacts, including historical vehicles.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Archive Research
The Museum has two archive locations and research centers in addition to the Museum. MTA Agencies and the outside public can make research requests remotely or visit the Archives in person. The Research Archivist will be responsible for:
• Setting up research appointments and assisting researchers with their requests.
• Working with Press Aide on image requests to promote the museum.
• Scanning or digitally transferring, photographing or compiling copies of material requested by researchers.
• Overseeing rights and reproduction invoices and contracts.
• Tracking invoices, modifying invoices, payments, and following up with expired contracts.
Curatorial & Collection Research
Curators and Collection staff often require assistance with researching items in the collection for exhibitions and public programs. The Research Archivist will be responsible for:
• Compiling research as requested by staff.
• Fact checking and proofreading exhibit scripts.
• Assisting with putting together material for public programs and assisting in the presentation when asked.
Outreach and Social Media
The Museum is actively promoting the collection through an online collection portal, finding aids and social media sites. The Research Archivist will be responsible for:
• Creating weekly posts for social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr promoting the collection and Curatorial activities.
• Photographing, scanning and recording content to put online.
• Helping to grow our online collection portal by editing and selecting records for publishing online.
• Assisting with editing and putting Finding Aids & Pathfinders online.
• Coming up with new ways to promote the collection online or through public programming.
Other Tasks
• When asked, assisting with processing incoming collections or installation and removal of exhibits.
• Participate in the general activities of the Curatorial Department, including the supervision of staff and interns, as may be required.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge and an interest in New York transportation history
• Enjoys working with the public
• Experience and an interest in social media
• Knowledge of best practices in handling and preservation of archival material
• Understanding of licensing rights and creating legal contracts
• A firm understanding of copyright law
• Able to manage multiple work processes and projects simultaneously
• Must have advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, scanning, database management and familiar with Collection Management Systems such as PastPerfect and basic knowledge of digital photography
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work productively, both independently and in teams
• Patience and a sense of humor
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in museum studies, library & information studies, archival studies, history or a closely related field, preferred
ABOUT THE TRANSIT MUSEUM:
The New York Transit Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history, and one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. The Museum explores the development of the greater New York metropolitan region through the presentation of exhibitions, tours, educational programs, and workshops dealing with the cultural, social, and technological history of public transportation. Since its inception 40 years ago, the Museum, housed in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, has grown in scope and popularity. As custodian and interpreter of the region’s extensive public transportation networks, the Museum strives to share, through its public programs, this rich and vibrant history with local, regional, and international audiences. The Research Archivist position is employed by the Museum’s non-profit affiliate, Friends of the New York Transit Museum.
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health, dental, vision.
Qualified individuals interested in this job opening must apply by e-mail. Resume and cover letter should be sent as .docx or PDF to Desiree Alden-Gonzalez, Acting Collections Manager desiree.alden@nyct.com. Specify subject as Associate Research Archivist Posting.
Friends of the New York Transit Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
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