SENIOR ARCHIVIST

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Supporting Longwood’s mission and legacy, the Senior Archivist role is the organization’s central authority for management of the archival materials and records management in all formats. The Senior Archivist establishes and implements oversight, preservation, and conservation strategies, of both analog and digital collections, using best practices to arrange, describe and control archival collections, as well as managing the records management processes. This role develops new and expands on current projects and initiatives with the goals to expand the archival collections, to make them more accessible, and to increase staff and guest awareness of and engagement with the archives. Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing all aspects of accessioning and processing archival collection
• Defining best practices and procedures related to archival content management and records management, both in analog and digital form
• Working closely with Digital Resource Manager, Information Technology division, and other stakeholders in planning strategic initiatives for digitization, access, and preservation of archives
• Overseeing the care, housing and storage of the archival collections
• Contributing to the library’s public services, cross-departmental committees, and outreach efforts to help share Longwood’s many historical stories
• Supervising, mentoring, and overseeing the work of interns, students, and volunteers in digitizing and organizing the collections.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A master’s degree in library science, Information Science, Archival Studies, Public History or closely related field of study
• 3 years of professional experience in arranging and describing archival collections including digital content
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and coaching volunteers, and interns preferred
• Strong knowledge of metadata standards and archival management systems
• Strong knowledge of appropriate preservation practices for archives, audio-visual, digital content, and artifacts, including best practices for environmental and pest monitoring
• Experience with best practices for digitization of archival materials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service skills including outreach and relationship building
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to lead a team and to work collaboratively in setting priorities and vision
• Excellent attention to detail and intellectual curiosity

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.