Job Posting: Project Assistant Archivist at Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is currently seeking a Project Assistant Archivist to survey, process, and preserve the recently acquired Seth Siegelaub and Herman and Nicole Daled Archives.  This project is a top priority for the Museum’s Archives due to the collection’s great research potential and the desire of the curatorial staff to access the materials quickly to enhance the understanding of the Museum’s new acquisitions.  Processing these archives entails appraising and organizing the collections, which includes correspondence, unique items created by artists, financial records, and photographs, among other materials.  Descriptive information will then be assembled to create an electronic finding aid.   This is a grant funded position that is expected to last for 12 months.

Specific responsibilities, following professional archival standards, are as follows:

·         Surveys the collection.  Conducts preliminary research on the materials.  Drafts a processing plan, in conjunction with Museum Archives staff.

·         Determines and acquires necessary archival supplies.  Performs simple preservation tasks.  Implements necessary conservation measures.

·         Compiles and revises existing descriptions of the material.

·         Re-files and re-boxes the collection in acid-free housing.

·         Writes and codes detailed finding aid including information on context and related collections as well as description of the material.

·         Assists with reference activities of the Department.

·         Item-level cataloguing of photographic images, and coordinating their digitization and the creation of analogue print copies.

We require an archivist with solid experience, who can work independently.  The archivist must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Art History or 12 semester hours of modern art since 1880, a Master’s degree in Art History with a Certificate in Archival Studies or National Archives Modern Archives Institute Certification strongly preferred.  1-3 years’ experience processing archival collections according to standard archival procedures and research in art history is also required.  Reading knowledge of French required.  Strong verbal and writing skills. Computer literacy and knowledge of Encoded Archival Description (EAD).  Demonstrated knowledge of twentieth-century art, art historical reference sources and other related research materials is also required.

Please submit resume and cover letter, which must include salary requirements, to jobs@moma.org.  Please reference the position title in the subject line.

The Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.