Archivist

Cumberland University - Lebanon, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Lebanon, TN

Educational Services

About the position

The Papers of Diane Black seeks an Archivist for a two-year appointment from 2025 to 2027. Employment beyond the end date is dependent upon funding and project completion. Diane Black was a Republican political leader who served as a Tennessee State Representative, Tennessee State Senator, and United States Representative. Additionally, she served as Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives from January 2017 until January 2018. The Archivist will arrange, manage, and build on the existing collection, process papers, provide reference assistance and collaborate with other University personnel. The Archivist will process the collection in a timely fashion and make it broadly accessible. The Archivist will identify materials for digitization and provide necessary metadata, as well as create interpretative content for an online presence. The Archivist will develop methods of sharing the professional accomplishments of Representative accomplishments beyond the campus.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibilities of the Diane Black Papers Archivist include collection management and access to, promotion of, and outreach related to the political papers of Representative Black.
• Provide vision and strategic direction for the political papers and archival materials, skillfully managing as well as developing the collection.
• Meet the emerging needs and maintain the strength of the collection, stay current in best practices and areas of expertise. Interact with vendors regarding needed supplies.
• Evaluate needs, plans for, and manages processing of materials, spaces, and locations.
• Preserves and maintains the collection using industry-best practices.
• Manage materials and space allocations effectively.
• Report regularly regarding these activities.
• Maintain and cultivate relations with donors.
• Facilitate access to the collection by providing instruction, research assistance, consultations, and orientations to the Cumberland University community and the public-at-large.
• Maintain relevant research tools such as bibliographies, catalogs, interpretative writings, or other descriptive guides in support of research or other needs of users of the papers.
• Promotes awareness of the collection through programs and related outreach events and tours.
• Pursue professional development in order to acquire and maintain expertise.
• Provide other miscellaneous services to the University, as needed.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program or significant experience.
• A minimum of two years work experience as an Archivist.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively in a collegial environment with faculty, students, administrators, the general public and the Black family.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication, presentation or training or teaching skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Undergraduate degree in American history preferred.