Description
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, to join
the growing Collections & 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's institutional records and assist in the creation of
Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids. The Archives 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
on 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: January 6th, 2025
Application deadline: November 4th, 2024
**This role is a 6-month in person position. This role pays $25/hr with a max of 20hrs a week (part-time).**
Please submit both a cover letter and resume to be considered.
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
Required:
- 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.
Work Environment
- This position is considered a non-exempt position for purposes of
federal wage and hour law, which means that you will be eligible for
overtime pay for hours in excess of 40 in a given workweek.
- Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.
- Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible,
with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can
be further discussed.
Compensation
$25/hr with a max of 20hrs a week
Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit.
Application Instructions:
Please upload your resume and cover letter to your application at this link https://tinyurl.com/5y58u6n4. 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.
