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Job Summary

The Institute Archives & Special Collections at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seeks a forward-thinking, technologically creative, and service-oriented professional for the position of Archivist. Reporting to the Manager of Archives and Special Collections, the Archivist will be responsible for the organization, preservation, and discoverability of collections in all formats. The Archivist will collaborate on special projects to highlight the Archives in support of Institute-wide priorities and wider programmatic initiatives along with participating in outreach, reference, and education activities to facilitate engagement with the collections to users locally and worldwide. The Archivist participates in and receives support for professional development activities and will maintain knowledge of current and emerging technological best practices, standards, and trends in the field. This position is part of an information service team integral to the Rensselaer Libraries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in library science, or equivalent, from an ALA accredited library sciences program
• At least two (2) years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with digital preservation workflows and familiarity with preservation systems (Archivematica, etc.)
• Experience with Drupal-based repositories and the archival information management systems (ArchivesSpace, etc.)
• Experience applying appropriate metadata standards to born-digital collections
• Experience supervising staff, student employees, or interns

• Proficiency in creating and providing guidance on documentation for digital collections ingest processes and workflows
• Familiarity with major library Research databases
• Basic knowledge of current library standards in information management and operations
• Ability to preserve, process, and manage collections in all formats and mediums
• Ability to supervise student workers
• Ability to create a welcoming environment that is inclusive of constituents from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to learn new software, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to analyze and solve problems
• General technical aptitude 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Applied understanding of the semantic web and linked open data
• Knowledge of preservation, legal/copyright, and ethical issues related to access
• Ability to communicate effectively with constituents at various levels of technical expertise

Shift

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Travel

Driving

No Driving

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $60,000 - $65,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.