DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. A Service Sorority An Equal Opportunity Employer VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: ARCHIVIST OPENING DATE: May 9, 2011 DEPARTMENT: Operations CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled WORKSITE: 1707 New Hampshire Ave., N. W. NO. OF VACANCIES: One (1) Washington, DC 20009 TOUR OF DUTY: Full- time, 40 hours per week FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt SALARY: Commensurate with Experience, plus benefits POSITION PURPOSE AND SUMMARY This position was established to be the means by which to maintain the integrity of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority s documents and other materials that have historical importance. Thus, she serves as the guardian of the memories and records that shape the identity of the Sorority in the world. Initially, the Archivist will have responsibility for establishing and implementing procedures for setting up the archives that will contain mixed media, including documents, e.g., chapter charters, letters, books, video and audio recordings, photographs, and electronic records, and even art and antiques. She will conduct a survey of records and materials to determine priorities for preservation or conservation before beginning arrangement and description. In sum, the Archivist will perform the following duties: appraises, describes, classifies, arranges, and preserves the Sorority s records and other materials. In addition, the Archivist will create ways to prepare archival records to allow quick access for use by members of the Sorority and other appropriate users in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Archivist will serve as the organization s primary historical data and research expert capturing and presenting a reliable picture of what the Sorority was like during a particular event or an era of the past. Also, the incumbent of this position will be responsible for the National Headquarters Library which will continue to be the repository of most books and magazines and certain permanent exhibits. The Archivist will report to the Properties and Facilities Coordinator. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Evaluates records and other historic materials for preservation and retention. For the most part, these materials will be intrinsically valuable and some may be fragile, requiring careful handling, or may be in need of repair or conservation. 2. Arranges the acquisition and retrieval of records and other materials.
Page 2 of 3 3. Uses own experience, as well as best practices, to determine the correct way to maintain the archives of mixed media, applying the principles of provenance and original order. 4. Establishes policies, procedures, and systems for archival recordkeeping, research, retention, depository, and destruction of documents and materials which hold no value. 5. Responds to in-person, telephone, electronic, and other written inquiries from members of the Sorority and the public. 6. Creates materials for providing training to members of the Sorority on archival procedures - how to access, use, and interpret the materials in the archives. 7. Arranges exhibitions, presentations, and tours of the archival materials, including recommending documents for publishing purposes or referencing in publications. 8. Advises on the budget and strategic plans for ensuring the credibility, quality, and value of the archives. 9. Serves in a records management role, determining records that justify the costs of storage and preservation. 10. Interacts with the Information Systems staff in creating and maintaining accessible computer archives or databases, and with other staff in records management, such as membership records. 11. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the Sorority at all levels, colleagues, and the public. 12. Serves as liaison to the Sorority s National Heritage and Archives Committee on the archives and related matters. 13. Performs other duties as assigned by the Properties and Facilities Coordinator. QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 1. Membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 2. Minimum B.S. degree in archival science or archives management, library science, information science or related field, such as history, with adequate coursework in these fields. 3. At least three (3) years of verifiable experience as an archivist or librarian. Note: Significant professional experience in a related position that required collecting, organizing, and accessing information will be considered qualifying experience. 4. Ability to apply knowledge of conservation to ensure that the different types of media are stored and maintained properly. 5. Highly proficient in records management and computer application and technologies. 6. More than a familiarity with the documents, media, and other contents of the archives. 7. Extremely detail-oriented, analytical, logical, and organized. 8. Demonstrated ability to conduct research. 9. Excellent project management skills. 10. Ability to meet deadlines for projects, presentations, and other assignments. 11. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with all levels both within and outside the organization, and to provide effective presentations. 12. Ability to deal effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 13. Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Page 3 of 3 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Considered a plus) 1. A Master s Degree in archival science, library science, or information science. 2. Certification by Academy of Certified Archivists or other creditable organization. WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Work is performed in an office environment/library. 2. May work outside of normal working hours when required. 3. May be required to travel to an event to give a presentation, set up an exhibit, or collect information or other materials. 4. Performance of physical requirements -- exerting 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible amounts of force frequently in lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving records and other materials. To Apply for this position, submit a current resume that reflects that you possess the required qualifications as described in this vacancy announcement, along with a cover letter that states specifically your salary requirements. Also, please indicate the title of the position. Submissions that do that include all of the requested information will not be considered. Mail to: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 1707 New Hampshire Avenue, N. W. Washington, DC 20009 Attn: HR Manager or email to: hrmanager@deltasigmatheta.org