Community Archivist
Part-Time (24 hours/week)
In-Person, New York, NY
Compensation: $25–30/hour, based on experience
Duties include:
Hands-on processing, arrangement, and description of existing collections
Complete folder-level description of Visual AIDS Artist Files (39 linear feet)
Publish a DACS-compliant finding aid for the Visual AIDS Artist Files in accordance with DHP grant requirements
Create a system for managing institutional records and arrange and describe unprocessed collections pertaining to Visual AIDS’ institutional history
Catalog and organize research library according to Library of Congress standards
Interface with community members
Work directly with Artist Members and estates to gather and update biographical information and add additional physical and/or digital materials to the archive and Visual AIDS website
Facilitate in-person and virtual research visits and field research questions in a timely manner
Assist in developing community surveys and other forms of community input to ensure accessibility and inclusivity
Develop and implement community-based archival policies and manage collections growth
Building on existing documents, further articulate plans for collection management and development that uphold Visual AIDS’ organizational values
Collaboratively envision strategies for the sustainable growth of our collections through new acquisitions, community engagement, and focused research projects
The Community Archivist should:
Be a people person who is comfortable communicating directly and empathetically with our broad and diverse constituency.
Have hands-on experience in processing archival collections and archival management, preferably in a community-based archive setting.
Hold a Library Science, Information Science, Art History, or related degree, or the equivalent experience and expertise.
Have a strong interest in learning about the intersections of AIDS activism, related cultural production, and contemporary and historic artistic communities. Previous work in the field of HIV and AIDS is not required. Interest and familiarity with downtown New York art histories of the 1980s and 90s is a plus.
Take the initiative in organizing and structuring their day-to-day work
Be able to work in-person at the Visual AIDS office in Chelsea for the majority of their hours
Commitment and Compensation: This is a part-time (24 hours per week) permanent position, primarily working in-person at the Visual AIDS office in Chelsea, New York. Compensation is $25–30/hr, based on experience. Benefits include 48 hours of paid time off per year and 40 hours of sick and safe leave per year.
To apply: Send a cover letter, résumé, and references as a single PDF file to jobs@visualaids.org by October 30.
To Read Full Posting: https://visualaids.org/blog/hiring-community-archivist
