Curator of Archives

History Colorado

Denver

Application Deadline

Apply By Oct 19th, 2017

Wages

$4,583.00 to $4,835.00 per Month   Calculate

Location

Denver, CO

Hours

40.00

MLS

Preferred

Minimum Education

Master's Degree

Library Experience

Preferred

Supervisory Experience

Preferred

Type of Library

Other

This job is more than 3 weeks old or the application deadline has passed.

Job Description

DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

History Colorado’s collection of original documentary materials and artifacts are central to our mission of “Inspiring generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado.” The collection spans curatorial disciplines and typologies and, while recognizing there are issues and collecting goals unique to each curatorial area, staff works collaboratively to research, document, share, and preserve the people, places, and stories of Colorado history.

History Colorado collects in three main areas: archives, artifacts and photography and film. The archives collection includes books, maps, newspapers, serial publications, oral histories, sound recordings, ephemera, and over 8000 linear feet of manuscripts. For more information about the collection please visit: http://www.historycolorado.org/researchers/archives

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

  • Oversight, management, acquisition, research, and interpretation of the archives collection.
  • Working to build a meaningful collection for the 21st century through the pursuit of a purpose-driven acquisition and deaccessioning program tied to institutional vision and goals and the development and implementation of an updated collection plan in collaboration with other curatorial departments.
  • Improving physical and intellectual control of and access to collection resources through processing and documentation in coordination with Collections Management and Registration.
  • Supervision of staff (part time, contract) volunteers, and interns
  • Working with the Library and Research Center staff to provide and expand broad public access to collection resources through digital means, on-site physical access, and improving documentation to address patron access needs including the creation and revision of finding aids/collection guides
  • Using a variety of approaches to outreach including public presentations, education programs, scholarship, social media, responding to patron and scholarly inquiries, and collaboration with other departments and divisions to realize the collection’s full potential as an interpretive and educational tool and a resource for understanding Colorado history.
  • Promoting the mission and goals of History Colorado through cultivating and sustaining relationships with donors, community groups, colleague institutions, partner organizations, educators, and researchers.
  • Participating in the exhibit development process which may include serving as a content specialist, collections resource, or exhibit developer depending on the project and team composition.

 

Additional Info & Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SUBSTITUTIONS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Required:  

  • Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice and proven ability in processing, preservation, and digitization of archival collections.
  • Knowledge of museum and archival collection standards and best practices and experience with information management techniques and database systems used in museums.
  • A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working with archival collections in a museum or other collecting institution with a public audience.
  • Good communication skills, both written and oral, including evidence of writing and presenting public programs for a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse community groups, colleagues, researchers, donors, and partner organizations.
  • Demonstrated cataloging experience with the MARC format and the application of professional standards to archival processing and description, including DACS, LC name authorities, and LCSH
  • Demonstrated experience writing finding aids to archival collections using ArchivesSpace, Archivists' Toolkit, or EAD
  • Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Experience supervising staff, volunteers, and interns.
  • Familiarity with collecting, preserving, and providing access to born digital materials

PREFERRED CANDIDATE CAN SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATE:

The successful candidate will be a forward thinking and dynamic individual who possesses a passion for preserving and sharing the past and a belief in the power of original documents/photographs/artifacts and the stories they embody to engage people in making personal connections to history through research, exhibit experiences, and educational programs. A creative imagination, the ability to recognize and deal with sensitive issues and diverse cultures, and a willingness to step outside the traditional curatorial role are highly desirable as are:

  • Knowledge of Colorado history and the history of the American West.
  • Innovation in curatorial practice to engage audiences with collections in meaningful ways.
  • Familiarity with EOS.WEB or other OPAC system and the application of Dublin Core metadata standards
  • Experience with strategic planning for archival projects and the ability to manage a broad variety of tasks in response to varying time pressures with shifting priorities and constraints.
  • Successful grant-writing and administration experience.
  • Familiarity with the challenges of oral history collecting, cataloging/transcribing, preservation, and access.
  • Experience developing exhibits in a team environment.
  • Experience prioritizing collections for digitization projects, including familiarity with the nuts and bolts of the scanning/editing/metadata assignation process.

Supplemental Information:

Additional requirements for this position:

  • Ability to work occasional evenings and to travel by car or air, typically for periods of less than one week in duration.
  • Ability to lift boxes of up to 40 lbs. from 14 ft. shelves while on a ladder
  • Successful candidate must pass a criminal history background check prior to hire.

The Community

If you are considering a career opportunity with the goal of making a difference, consider joining
the dedicated people at History Colorado. Our professionals inspire generations to find wonder
and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. The History Colorado
Center is a location convenient to downtown shopping, restaurants, and cultural facilities in the
Golden Triangle district. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we
offer:
Your choice of one of two strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined
Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan
Employee wellness programs
Medical and dental health plans
Paid life insurance plan plus additional optional coverage
Free short-term disability coverage plus optional long term disability
10 paid holidays per year plus paid opportunities to volunteer in the community
Generous paid vacation and sick leave benefits
Excellent work-life programs and more

HISTORY COLORADO has a strong commitment to diversity and cultural competence.
We welcome responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

HR Info

Human Resources

DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dany.McCoy@state.co.us

HOW TO APPLY: Thank you for your interest. Submit an on-line application by clicking the link

http://www.colorado.gov/jobs
Position #GCA-09413-1017



 Failure to submit a complete and timely application INCLUDING responses to all three supplemental questions may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the closing date of 11:59 p.m., October 19, 2017


HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dany.McCoy@state.co.us


METHODS OF APPOINTMENT: This position is not part of the classified state personnel system

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.colorado.gov/jobs
Position #GCA-09413-1017
CURATOR OF ARCHIVES

Posted Oct 5, 2017