Archivist, Kautz Family YMCA Archives – University of MN Twin Cities

Archivist, Kautz Family YMCA Archives (UL439)

Job ID 348495
Location Twin Cities
Job Family Libraries & Museums
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
Job Code 9715S1
Employee Class Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

The Kautz Family YMCA Archives seeks an outgoing and collaborative individual for the position of Archivist in the Kautz Family YMCA Archives. This role is responsible for the management of the records documenting national level records related to the diverse network of communities comprising the American Young Men’s Christian Association. The position’s focus is primarily internal though includes limited reference, instruction, and outreach services.  The role oversees workflows and procedures to improve efficiency and quality of material acquisition, accession, description, storage and retrieval. Using a suite of digital programs, including UMedia, a collection of digitized primary source materials, and a growing digital records and web archives program, the position also manages the creation of digital resources.

The Kautz Family YMCA Archives is one of 15 distinct collecting areas, or units, in a highly collaborative Archives and Special Collections (ASC) department of the University Libraries, and is one of 4 units within Migration and Social Services Collections. The position reports to the Reference and Access Archivist in the unit.

Responsibilities:
Collection Management (70%)

  • Assess and ensure accurate recordkeeping of acquisition and transfer.
  • Appraise collection material utilizing professional best practices, and in depth knowledge of the records creators  including:
    • Evaluating potential donations for inclusivity to inform acquisition.
    • Assessing collection needs including, but not limited to, any preservation or care issues.
    • Evaluate potential donations for relevancy to the existing collection.
    • Factor extent and processing requirements in decision making.
  • Build and manage processes that facilitate arrangement and description of collections including:
    • Develop, recommend, and document policies, procedures, and standards for arranging and describing currently-held records as well as future records.
    • Develop solutions that address a backlog in collection management.
    • Develop systems and operations that ethically incorporate student work.
    • Use critical and independent judgment in assessing archival processing needs and priorities.
    • Collaborate with ASC Central Processing, Digital Library Services, and metadata colleagues to facilitate and enhance description and access to collections.
    • Conduct research in support of rich description.
    • Create finding aids and access tools using national and local standards.
    • Improve discoverability through redescription, digital surrogate metadata, and similar.
  • Conduct preservation needs assessment and planning, collaborating with Libraries colleagues.
  • Craft, implement, and manage on an ongoing basis retrieval/reshelving processes for the unit ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Manage book and serial collections, collaborating with Libraries colleagues.
  • Manage digitization projects, collaborating with Libraries colleagues.
  • Manage space and ensure accurate collection management data.

Research Services (15%)

  • Assess user needs to develop and maintain relevant, high-quality services and efficient and effective access to collections.
  • Assist patrons in refining research topics for course projects, theses, and dissertations.
  • Leverage research expertise and knowledge of collections to respond to University, community, national, and international queries, working across MSSC and ASC units when appropriate.
  • Manage usage data and recordkeeping. Ensure patron privacy at all times.
  • Provide excellent research access to all patrons through the procurement of reference service, access copies and/or distance services.

Engagement and Outreach (10%)

  • Create relevant content for Libraries exhibits, blogs, social media, and Wikipedia and other public spaces. Manage social media. Contribute to Libraries and YMCA communications outlets to raise awareness of Archives.
  • Support Archives and ASC events as needed.
  • Support the YMCA movement’s preservation and records management through toolkits, online and in-person training and guidance.

Service to the Libraries, the University, and the Community (5%)

  • Contribute to the goals and strategic initiatives of the Libraries, the University, and the YMCA through leadership of and/or active participation on committees, working groups, and task forces.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: This is a full-time, 12-month, annual renewable appointment.  Salary commensurate with skills and experience.  The salary minimum for this position is $57,646.  The University of Minnesota offers excellent benefits, and a substantial moving allowance.  Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 5 or more years of related experience, or master’s degree with 3 years of related experience.
  • Experience with archival collection management including accessioning, identifying preservation issues, description, and digitization.
  • Experience in providing research and reference services for archives or special collections.
  • Aptitude for working on multiple large projects at once, balancing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in cooperation with colleagues in a service-oriented, collaborative environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion through working respectfully and effectively with individuals to create and foster an inclusive community.
  • Limited, supported, travel to YMCA sponsored events or to local YMCAs to support preservation of YMCA history.

Preferred:.

  • Experience building and managing digital collections.
  • Knowledge of protocols and standards used in libraries and archives.
  • Demonstrated creativity, initiative, self-direction, and innovative thinking.
  • Interest in problem-solving and analytical solutions.
  • Facility in use of technology and applications in archival collections.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the history of the Young Men’s Christian Association in addition to its organization and operation.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format:  (DO NOT copy and paste.)

  • Resume.  
  • Cover Letter (identify cover letter with UL439).  
  • Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three current references. 

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there.  Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.