Location:
Chantilly, VA
Published: October 11, 2022
Job Overview
As a key member of History Factory’s Archives area, the Senior Manager, Archives, Consulting and Reference, is primarily focused on the provision of research support services; the effective performance and improvement of archival solution design; development processes and client outreach efforts.
Together with the Senior Manager, Metadata and Collection Management, the incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Archives area. As head of the Client and Support Services team, this position works closely and collaboratively with the Senior Director of Archives to manage and oversee the critical assessments conducted by Consulting Archivists in support of planning and coordinating new archival policies, procedures, workflows and projects. This position also occasionally consults directly with clients on developing, promoting and activating archives.
The role will bring experience and expertise in analog and digital archiving practices to Business Development initiatives, contribute to marketing content and proposals, assist in scoping and budgeting projects and ultimately enhancing the services that the Archives area provides to prospects, clients and internal stakeholders.
As head of the Facilities and Reference Services team, the Senior Manager, Archives Consulting and Reference, oversees maintenance of the storage environment, equipment, tools and related documentation in History Factory’s lab facility to ensure the preservation and security of collections.
Job Responsibilities
Managerial Responsibilities:
- Serve as operations co-lead with the Senior Manager, Metadata and Collection Management, responsible for Client and Support Services and Facilities and Reference Services and direct supervision of multiple full-time staff members.
- Coach, mentor and counsel direct reports in order to develop staff in a positive and proactive manner ensuring individuals have opportunity to develop broad knowledge of Archives operations and services as well specialized skills.
- Work with the Senior Director of Archives and the Senior Manager, Metadata and Collection Management, to develop specific training for staff based on need.
- Conduct performance evaluations in a timely manner for direct reports and submit evaluations on time in accordance with company policy.
- Assist in the preparation of periodic reports, including monthly financial reports and other general reports as needed.
Project Development, Planning and Management:
- Advise clients on managing archival materials and participate in the planning and development of client-specific archiving strategies, systems, policies and practices.
- Oversee consulting functions, including interviewing client teams to gather relevant information, promoting program visions through archival solution architecture, and presenting recommendations to client teams and executive management.
- Propose technical and procedural changes to consulting processes consistent with accepted archival standards of practice.
- Oversee Archives research functions, including the development of standards and guidelines governing access and use by clients and internal stakeholders.
- Participate in area-wide strategic planning, including supporting the growth and evolution of History Factory’s service offerings and the development of new projects and initiatives.
- Support and contribute to internal and external promotion of History Factory’s services, including presenting at industry-related conferences and participating in professional organizations.
- Work to build, cultivate and sustain effective client relationships in concert with the Senior Director of Archives and members of the Account Management and Business Development teams.
Records Processing, Collection Management and Reference Support:
- Manage physical and born-digital acquisitions, including appraisal; transfer; data management; arrangement and description; storage; and end-user access.
- Answer written reference questions relating to collections of which the incumbent has special knowledge.
- Provide reference assistance to clients and internal users in person, as needed and assigned.
- In coordination with relevant Facilities and Reference Services staff, lead and assist in the management of storage for collections, including the inventory and arrangement of materials within and outside collections spaces.
- Prioritize the preservation, conservation and security needs of the collections in consultation with the Senior Director of Archives and other members of staff.
Job Requirements
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (or equivalent) from an American Library Association–accredited institution with an archival certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists.
- A minimum of five years’ professional experience as an archivist processing and cataloging archival or manuscript collections, including at least one year of successful experience managing and supervising the daily activities of a unit or department.
Skills, Abilities and Behaviors
- Experience providing reference service, preferably in a special collection or archival setting, including historical research methodology and experience with online research tools.
- Experience supervising staff, including hiring, coaching and performance management.
- Expert knowledge of archival collection management, public services, and preservation practices and tools.
- Excellent organizational, time and project management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in cooperation with colleagues and customers from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds regardless of age, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation or disabilities.
- Demonstrated planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills with superior verbal and written communication skills.
- Commitment to professional development.
- Common office software, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Professional experience using archival collections management software tools, electronic document management systems and digital asset management systems.
- Experience using digitization equipment, such as digital cameras, camera stands, flatbed scanners and image editing software.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Demands
Regularly required to sit for extended periods; walk; stand; drive; use hands to handle objects and feel controls; talk; listen; and vision capabilities that enable reading and viewing a computer screen.
Work Environment
Work environment is an office setting (work station). Employee is not exposed to weather conditions and noise level in work area is minimal.
Regularly required to sit for extended periods; walk; stand; use hands to handle objects and feel controls; talk; listen; and vision capabilities that enable reading and viewing a computer screen.
Must be able to lift and carry a forty-pound box, climb a ladder to retrieve materials, and work in environments which may contain dust and mold.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Email only, please no phone calls.
