Director of Archives and Special Collections - GLBT Historical Society

The GLBT Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that collects, preserves, exhibits and makes accessible to the public materials and knowledge to support and promote understanding of LGBTQ history, culture, and arts in all their diversity. Founded in 1985, we are recognized internationally as a leader in the field of LGBTQ public history. We steward and make accessible one of the world’s largest repositories of LGBT historical materials through our archives and operate the nation’s first museum of LGBT History and Culture in San Francisco.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Archives and Special Collections (DASC) oversees the operations and strategic direction of the GLBT Historical Society Archives Department. Reporting to the Executive Director, the DASC is a key member of the leadership team and collaborates with staff members to ensure the continued growth of the organization and achievement of goals and objectives outlined in the organization’s Strategic Plan. 

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Planning and Department Administration

• Direct annual strategic planning for the Archives Department, including goal setting and outcome evaluation.
• As a member of the leadership team, participate in organization-wide strategic planning and outcome evaluation.
• Set and administer the Archives Department budget and participate in organization-wide budgeting and goal setting.
• Create monthly and annual reports and collate statistics related to archives activities.
• Present to the Board of Directors as needed on Archives Department activities and goals.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity within the Archives and its programming.    

Development and Grant Management

• In coordination with Development staff, design projects for grant-funding and identify development opportunities related to individual and corporate giving, and local, state, and federal funding. Participate in grant prospecting activities.
•  Administer and oversee archival grants and projects, including managing related staff.
• Write and submit grant applications and grant reports, including preparing relevant statistical, narrative, and/or visual reports.

 Staff, Intern, and Volunteer Supervision

•  Recruit and supervise all archival staff, including reference staff, project archivists, conservation specialists, and digital archives staff.
•  Recruit and supervise all paid and unpaid interns and administer the internship program.
•  Recruit and supervise archival volunteers.

Collection Management, Collection Processing, and Digital Archives Program

• Oversee policies and procedures for collections, including accessioning, cataloging, processing, digital archives development and preservation activities, and help set priorities and evaluate outcomes in these areas.
• Monitor physical condition of facilities and collections in all formats and media and address risks. Oversee conservation work and facilitates upgrades as necessary. 
•  Develop, review, and implement emergency preparedness plans for fire, flood, earthquake, and other threats to the collections.
• Create, review, and revise online collection records, including finding aids, as needed.
• Accession and process collections and manage staff undertaking related activities.  
• Lead the Digital Archives Program, including overseeing the implementation of new tools and technologies related to digital collections, online resources, and remote researcher access.

 Collection Development

• Manage collection acquisitions and collection development.
• Develop, review, and uphold collections policy, integrating both research and exhibit needs.
• Define collection scope and identify gaps in holdings in alignment with IDEA goals.
• Identify collections for possible deaccession or transfer and manage these activities.
• Serve as the primary contact for potential collection donors.

Reference 

• Manage reference staff and oversee reading room policies and procedures, including relevant forms, reproduction fee schedules, and licensing agreements.
• Provide research guidance and assistance to patrons as needed, in coordination with reference staff.
• Oversee and manage reproduction and licensing requests, exhibit planning, and communications and outreach activities as they relate to archival material.

Outreach and Public Programs 

• Design and facilitate public events that highlight the Historical Society’s collections.
• Advise on and support other Society public programs.
• Represent the GLBT Historical Society at archives related events or activities, including local, state, and national conferences.
• Engage with LGBTQ communities through outreach activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program or related field.

• Minimum five years of professional experience managing archives and special collections, including experience with strategic planning and budgeting.

• Demonstrated experience applying efficient processing techniques in accessing, appraising, arranging, describing, and preserving archival collections of varying size and complexity.

• Museum or registration experience desirable.

• Experience supervising staff, interns, and volunteers, including providing feedback and evaluating outcomes.

• Experience working with LGBTQ+ and diverse communities is required; knowledge of LGBTQ+ history and culture is preferred.

• Commitment to and proven track record in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of museum and organizational practices.

• Demonstrated experience applying archival standards and vocabularies, including EAD, DACS, and LCSH.

• Knowledge of XML, Online Archive of California, and collections management systems.

• Knowledge of current issues and trends regarding digital archives, digitization, and digital scholarship. Experience building and managing digital archives.

• Understanding and ability to stay abreast of privacy, confidentiality, copyright, and use policies associated with archival materials.

• Excellent leadership, supervision, and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff, volunteers, interns, and stakeholders.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Strong computer skills: Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and Google Suite are required; experience with museum collections management software, ticketing software, and Salesforce is preferred.

• Evidence of professional engagement at local, state, or national levels.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate via phone, video calls and e-mail.

• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

POSITION DETAILS 

• Salary: $90,000/annually

• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, commuter benefits, 14 paid holidays, and PTO benefits are included. A 401(K) employer matching program is available.

• Location: GLBT Historical Society, 989 Market St. Lower Level, and 4127 18th Street, both in San Francisco, CA, with hybrid work options.

• Ability to work evenings or weekends on occasion required 

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The GLBT Historical Society affirmatively values diversity and seeks to hire staff that reflects the diversity of our communities. We are an equal opportunity employer. The Society is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and disrespectful or other unprofessional conduct based on sex, sex stereotype, race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, weight, height, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices, including hiring, benefits, promotions, training, disciplinary action, and termination.

 

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Last updated on Sep 26, 2024