Job Details
About Our Organization
Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem is a cultural leader that champions and preserves the prolific legacy of artists of African descent while simultaneously promoting critical thinking about art, culture, and community. Born out of an urgent need amid the political, social, and cultural ferment of the late 1960s, the Studio Museum was founded to create a new paradigm in which institutionally ignored artists of color would be seen, discussed, rewarded, and made known to the public. Today, the Studio Museum continues to serve as the nexus for Black artists locally, nationally, and internationally, and for work inspired and influenced by Black culture.
Job Summary
The Studio Museum in Harlem is seeking an Archives Fellow for a one-year long part-time fellowship, to join the growing Collection and Exhibitions Management team responsible for the Museum's permanent and special collections, exhibitions, and archives. Reporting to the Studio Museum's Archivist and working in close collaboration with the curatorial and collections management stakeholders, the Archives Fellow will support the ongoing processing of The Studio Museum in Harlem's institutional records and assist in the creation of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids. The Archive Fellow will work in consultation with the Museum Archivist to define and follow processing standards and create standardized descriptions, to ensure consistency and quality for the overall project.
Through processing, the Fellow will gain hands-on experience rehousing and cataloging ephemera, photographs, negatives and slides. Projects will require attention to detail and thoughtful organizational skills. In this position, the fellow will collaborate with the Archivist ongoing research projects supporting inaugural exhibitions and programming. Additionally, the Fellow will support the Archivist with reference requests. The role provides a unique opportunity to experience how the Archive operates and enhances the Museum's curatorial and educational missions to celebrate Black visual artists.
Start date: April 1, 2024
Duration: 1 year
Max 20 hours a week
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- In close conjunction with the Museum Archivist, coordinate the organization of a large, complex, multi-format manuscript collection.
- Input, assign, track, and systemize archive material metadata, following archival metadata standards.
- Assist in establishing archive processing work-flow.
- Prepare and distribute monthly reports to track progress.
- Coordinate digitization, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications- Demonstrates knowledge working with collections of contemporary art.
- A general understanding and knowledge of the principles of archival appraisal, survey, arrangement, description and preservation.
- Consistent accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
- Effective written and oral communication.
Desirable:
- Currently pursing a MLS or MLIS degree or qualifying work experience with Archives and Special Collections.
- Expertise in the use of a broad range of information systems, services, and databases relevant to archives and special collections.
- Direct experience with processing collections and establishing an EAD finding aid.
- Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS/TMS Collections) and NetX.
- Strong background in mid-twentieth century and contemporary art by artists of African descent.
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in art history or a related field, preferably with an Archives Certification.
- Familiarity with different DAMS and/or similar type Digital Asset Management Software.
Physical Demands - Must be able to lift boxes up to 30 pounds, as well as climb ladders.
Compensation $25/hr
Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.
Application Instructions: Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or faxes, please.
Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.
The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The Studio Museum is requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination for employment. In order to be eligible, participants must show proof of vaccination and a form of personal ID.