Job Opening Title:
Reference Archivist
Name of Employer:
Presbyterian Historical Society
Job Site Location (City AND State):
Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline:
2/28/2026
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Masters
Years of experience required:
2
Salary Range:
$50,500 to 58,700
Job Opening URL:
https://1.adp.com/GJZ9cgm5k3o
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
Application instructions:
Cover letter and resume required
Apply online via the following link: https://1.adp.com/GJZ9cgm5k3o
The Presbyterian Historical Society seeks a Reference Archivist who will play a central role in connecting constituencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), scholars, and the general public with one of the nation’s most significant collections documenting American religious history. The society’s vast collections document 500 years of religious, political, and cultural history, including Reformation-era texts, papers of prominent Presbyterian leaders and missionaries, records of ecumenical organizations, and vital records from congregations across the country. The society’s collections are significant for the study of religious and civic life in Colonial America, the First and Second Great Awakenings, the American Revolution, westward expansion, mission work across the globe, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, and other social justice work.
The Reference Archivist will lead work on the society’s Presbyterian- affiliated Native American Schools subject guide, an ongoing effort to document the Presbyterian Church’s involvement in establishing, funding, and/or operating schools for indigenous peoples in the United States. The Reference Archivist will also serve as a member of the Reparative Description Team, a cross-departmental committee dedicated to evaluating, revising, and updating outdated and offensive terminology in the society’s descriptive tools and enhancing existing description where the lived experiences of marginalized communities have been erased or under-described.
Roles and Responsibilities (listed in order of priority):
Delivers high-quality reference and research services across multiple service channels (in-person service desk, email, telephone, online chat). Provides in-person reference and research consultation and assistance during designated research hours.
Provides accurate and timely remote reference services in response to basic and complex information requests to constituencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), scholars, and the general public.
Collaborates with Public Services colleagues to continually evaluate and improve reference and research services.
Contributes to the development of subject guides, FAQs, and other research support tools. Leads work on the Presbyterian-affiliated Native American Schools subject guide project.
Serves on the PHS Reparative Description Committee and other cross-departmental teams as assigned.
Contributes writing to the PHS blog and other communications.
Contributes to outreach activities as assigned.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the PC(USA) Interim Unified Agency.
Essential Position Requirements:
ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science with a specialization in archives. An advanced degree in a related discipline, combined with experience in archival reference services, may be substituted.
At least two years of full-time experience in an archives or special collections library.
Demonstrated experience providing research support to diverse user groups with varying levels of exposure to archives.
Demonstrated experience interpreting bibliographic records and archival finding aids; searching catalogs, databases, and other discovery tools; and explaining the use of these tools to researchers.
Required Competencies:
Time and self-management skills: Effective at meeting deadlines, adjusting priorities, and working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Communication skills: Ability to communicate clearly, positively, and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Strong writing and editing skills.
Interpersonal and relationship skills: Ability to work in a consultative and collaborative style. Ability to effectively manage interpersonal relationships.
Technology skills: Demonstrated ability to use and adapt technology to deliver reference services, manage research workflows, and collaborate effectively in a digital environment. Proficiency with Windows computers and Microsoft software products (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.). Familiarity with virtual meetings tools (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Able to use and quickly adapt to new and changing software.
Strong attention to detail.
Fluency in English.
Helpful Skills:
Have a deep understanding and commitment to cultural and racial ethnic inclusiveness. Value diverse groups, ethnicities, genders, communities, cultural constituencies and points of view. Able to relate well to people from all walks of life and of varying theological perspectives.
Fluency in Spanish, Korean, or another language.
Experience in developing educational resources and teaching about archives.
Experience researching and writing on historical topics.
Physical Requirements:
The position is based in Philadelphia and requires regular in-person reference work. Limited opportunities for flexible scheduling or remote work may be available in accordance with institutional policies.
Ability to retrieve collection materials from various locations on multiple floors. This includes using step stools and ladders and handling boxes up to 40 pounds.
Ability to use the computer for extended periods of time.
Sight and hearing required.
Benefits:
The PC(USA) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including:
Medical
Dental
Pension Plan
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible Spending Account
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
Vacation Days, Sick Days, and Paid Holidays.