Job Opening Title:
Assistant Archivist
Name of Employer:
Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts
Job Site Location (City AND State):
Los Angeles, CA
Application Deadline:
Rolling
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program required
Years of experience required:
2-5 years of full-time (or its equivalent) paid professional experience in archives after graduate school
Salary Range:
$65,000- $78,000 commensurate with experience, skills and fit
Job Opening URL:
https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/foundation/jobs
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
JOB TITLE: Assistant Archivist
DEPARTMENT: Archives
STATUS: Non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Archives
SUPERVISES: n/a
HIRE DATE: Open until filled
The Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts advances the artist’s spirit of critical thinking, risk taking, and provocation in the arts. Established by Kelley in 2007, the Foundation seeks to further Kelley’s philanthropic work through grants to arts organizations and artists for innovative projects that reflect his multifaceted artistic practice. The Foundation also preserves the artist’s legacy more broadly and fosters an understanding of his life and creative achievements through educational initiatives including exhibitions, educational events, publications, and the preservation and care of the Foundation’s art collections and archives. For more information visit www.mikekelleyfoundation.org.
The Archives maintains a collection of original papers and materials related to the artist’s life and work, which include substantial digital holdings. The Archives also maintains the records of the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts. At MKFA, we are a small team that works closely together. No task is too small as we all understand that all responsibilities get us closer to our mission.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Foundation has updated the Assistant Archivist position description and is still actively seeking qualified candidates for this role. We anticipate a November start date.
The Assistant Archivist reports to the Director of Archives and is primarily responsible for processing materials and making them accessible to staff, researchers, and other stakeholders at the research center. This role requires an individual with a strong understanding of professional archival standards and the ability to work independently while contributing to team efforts. The Assistant Archivist will also assist with various archival and collections management tasks and help implement effective systems to support the foundation’s mission. This is a unique opportunity for an emerging archivist to work with a range of materials within a mission-driven, supportive, arts-focused environment .
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Prepare and execute processing work plans: rehouse materials, assess conservation and preservation needs, arrange and describe materials and catalog resources using ArchivesSpace.
● Iteratively perform quality assurance review of archival products to ensure a consistent high-quality product that aligns with industry and local standards.
● Safely handle, rehouse, and store archival materials, identifying those that need conservation treatment.
● Support born-digital processing efforts, including quality assurance workflows and data cleaning
● Support other areas of archival programs and in-house research as needed, including hands-on research assistance and supervision of staff and researcher access to materials.
● Collaborate with the archives team to maintain and update internal documentation of local practices and workflows.
● Work with the Foundation’s Art Collections team and Executive Director as needed to recommend and prepare periodic archival loans for public exhibitions.
● Implement collection management policies and procedures in accordance with archival best practices.
● Collaborate to refine processing workflow and systems to enhance efficiency and consistency.
● Help ensure the security and environmental monitoring of archival facilities
● Other duties as needed to further the mission of the archive and the Foundation.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
● Master of Library and Information Science in Archival Studies from an ALA-accredited program
● 2-5 years of full-time (or its equivalent) paid professional experience in archives after graduate school
● Demonstrated knowledge of archival best practices related to arrangement, description, housing, handling, and preservation
● Strong understanding of archival standards, including DACS and EAD
● Familiarity with authority records such as LCNAF, LCSH, and AAT
● Intermediate level skills working with spreadsheets and text editing software such as Google Sheets/MS Excel and Google Docs/MS Word
● Experience using content management systems such as ArchivesSpace and FileMaker Pro
● Experience efficiently using a PC computer with the Windows operating system installed
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
● Self-starter with the ability to engage in big-picture thinking and produce detail-oriented work
● Experience using ArchivesSpace reports and bulk update spreadsheets
● Training and/or interest in working with digital archives. Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) certificate holder or similar coursework completed
● Experience using Asana, JIRA or other project management tools
● Background or interest in art history, contemporary art knowledge, and/or familiarity with artistic studio production processes helpful
SCHEDULE, WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Position works at our Highland Park, Los Angeles location during standard business hours Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm and may require travel to storage facilities
• Work is primarily performed at a workstation in an office environment and in our climate-controlled archives stacks. Periodic work at a second storage facility in Azusa is required
• Periodically requires lifting, moving 25–40 lb. boxes, and using a stepstool or ladder
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and ability to drive
• This position will require a background check
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a 3-year full-time position with the potential to extend at the conclusion of the term.
Salary range: $65,000- $78,000 commensurate with experience, skills and fit.
Competitive benefit package includes:
• Paid vacation (10 days per year accrued)
• Paid holidays (11)
• Paid winter break (up to 5 days annually)
• Paid sick/safe time (10 days per year accrued)
• Medical insurance with optional vision and dental plans available
• Eligibility for 401k after 6 months with annual employer contribution and match
• Potential for Professional Development
• Optional Flexible Spending Account
• Paid lunch hour
APPLICATION PROCESS
We are seeking to hire an Assistant Archivist as soon as possible to support the continued growth of our archives program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Everyone is welcome and our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. We believe that diversity drives innovation and allows employees to do their best work.
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, a sample of professional writing or other descriptive product that you created, and a list of three references detailing relevant experience noting Assistant Archivist in the subject line to jobs@mikekelleyfoundation.org.
Please note that no telephone calls are accepted. All inquiries, including any accommodation requirements, should be sent to jobs@mikekelleyfoundation.org.
In California, the relationship of employer and employee is generally “at will.” This means that, without an employment contract, the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause.
It is the policy of Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Archives Gig 