Job Opening Title:
Archivist
Name of Employer:
Woodman Family Foundation
Job Site Location (City AND State):
New York, NY
Application Deadline:
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Bachelor’s required; Master’s preferred
Years of experience required:
Minimum 5
Salary Range:
$60,000 – $65,000
Job Opening URL:
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
The Woodman Family Foundation stewards the artwork and legacies of three artists: Betty Woodman (1930 – 2018), sculptor and ceramicist; Francesca Woodman (1958 – 1981), photographer; and George Woodman (1932 – 2017), painter and photographer. We maintain and oversee a substantial collection of artworks by each artist from all periods and media, organize museum and gallery exhibitions and publications of their work, and facilitate the placement of their works in public collections. We fund the WFF Housing Stability Grant for artists in partnership with NYFA.
We maintain and make available to scholars the extensive archives of each of the artists.
The archives are a key component of our collection and mission, containing a range of materials related to all three artists’ work and lives, including personal and professional correspondence, notebooks, published and unpublished writings, notes, sketches, analogue and digital personal photographs, artwork documentation images, digital materials, studio materials, and more.
The WFF Archivist will apply their expertise in archival standards, archive access, and systems for record management (digital and analogue) to the collection. They will continue processing the archives; develop and update our archival policies and record management systems; facilitate research for exhibitions, publications, and special projects; and ensure that our archive is properly preserved and maintained.
Responsibilities:
Processing
o Complete the processing and rehousing of our collection according to archival standards
o Review, manage, and maintain conventions for metadata, keywords, descriptions, and notes in database
o Create database records and add relevant keywords and notes
o Assist with transcriptions, translations, and internal research
o Update finding aids to reflect restricted materials and recently processed materials on an ongoing basis
o Prepare records to appear on container lists, including notations about restricted materials, confirming consistency between database and physical folders
o Create container lists
o Conduct processing of born-digital materials, integrating them into the collection
o Collaborate with Imaging Manager on digitizing archival materials
o Provide periodic Processing Survey and updates
Research and Access
o Assess use, needs, and potential roadblocks in expanding access to our archive
o Collaborate with collections staff to support connections between archival resources, artwork records, exhibition histories
o Review materials and designate researcher access
o Field and manage research requests from outside researchers
o Schedule and supervise outside researchers accessing the archive
o Collaborate with Collections Curator, Collections Researcher, and Executive Director on materials for scholars, outside curators, exhibitions, publications, articles, etc.
Systems and Policies
o Further develop, maintain and streamline systems and policies for organizing and managing archival materials
o Finalize Foundation policies regarding restricted materials and redactions based on industry standards and the specifics of our collection
o Review and finalize WFF archive access policies, research request forms, and NDA agreements to ensure safety of our collection
o Create system for scholars to request digitized materials for off-site study and reproduction rights for archival materials
o Streamline system for tracking research requests, research visits, and materials shared and published
o Keep up to date on new systems and software that can enhance preservation of and access to our archive
Collection Management
o Manage physical archive, including monitoring climate control system and assessing housing of materials, to ensure that collection is properly preserved
o Re-house restricted materials and mark folders accordingly both physically and in database
o Order supplies, organize archival projects, provide annual budget projection for archival expenditures
o Work with database consultant on updates to archival module as needed
o Liaise with archival consultants and vendors
o Supervise archival interns
o Host peer archive visits
Requirements:
• MLIS with concentration in archive management or equivalent education and experience
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in comparable or related position, with a proven track record processing and overseeing a similar type of archive for an artist endowed foundation, museum, or library
• Proficiency and experience with FileMaker, Google apps and content management systems
• Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 35 pounds
Skills:
• Knowledge of best practices and archival standards for: access and use policies; record management and preservation; cataloguing and naming conventions for metadata, descriptions, and keywords; designations and handling of restricted materials; archival storage; and the handling of fragile materials
• Experience with systems for physical and digital archival processing
• A proactive attitude, showing initiative and working independently when needed to bring projects to fruition in a timely and professional manner
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely with the team to ensure smooth operations
• Agility, flexibility, and the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively while also meeting shifting deadlines
• Ability to multi-task while giving attention to detail; strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Discretion
• An understanding of and commitment to the mission, goals, and standards of our Foundation and a desire to be an integral, collaborative member of our team
The Archivist reports to the Executive Director and works in close collaboration with our Collections Curator and Collections Researcher.
This is a full-time, four (4) day per week position, Monday – Thursday. Salary is $60,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include annual two (2) weeks paid vacation; paid winter break; paid holidays; five (5) paid sick/personal days; health insurance reimbursement; and 401k with employer match.
The Woodman Family Foundation is committed to expanding diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in our field. We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
TO APPLY: please send resume and cover letter to jobs@woodmanfoundation.org