Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is seeking a Special Collections Archivist to join our library staff at the DAR Headquarters building in Washington, DC.

The Special Collections Archivist will apply their knowledge of current archival standards and best practices to arrange, preserve, and provide access to the DAR's Special Collections. Our Special Collections include such items as manuscripts, file case items, family bibles, and personal genealogical research papers.

The Society's national headquarters complex includes the DAR Library, one of the nation's premier genealogical research centers. The Library collection contains over 200,000 physical volumes, including genealogical compilations, record abstracts, and other materials such as family histories, cemetery record transcriptions, and Bible records that are available only at the DAR Library.

Essential Responsibilities:

• This role is responsible for processing new collections and preserving existing collection materials. This will include performing physical processing of materials, naming and numbering new collections, creating a hierarchical catalog record, and developing online finding aides.
• This position will develop guidelines, subject headings, policies, and procedures to ensure proper collection management.
• Oversees the overall maintenance and condition of the Special Collections materials, identifies conservation and preservation issues, and works with internal staff and external vendors to ensure materials are properly protected.
• Will collaborate with our Digital Projects Librarian to prioritize items for digitization.
• Review donation requests to ensure that they fill a needed place within our collection and that they meet our guidelines.
• Supervise the work of an Assistant Archivist for the Americana Collection and will have the opportunity to develop and implement a long-term strategy for managing this collection.
• Provide assistance to researchers at our Reference Desk, which will include retrieving/refiling requested materials and providing basic genealogical research consultations as needed.

Required Qualifications :

• MLS/MLIS Degree in Library Science/Information Science from an ALA accredited institution is required.
• Specialization in archival management is preferred.
• 3-5 years of relevant library or archival experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training.
• Extensive professional knowledge of archival concepts and practices, including materials selection and collection development, information tools, and searching techniques required.
• Knowledge of basic preservation techniques (primarily paper preservation) and prior experience with fragile materials.
• Prior experience working in a Reference Services Library setting is required.
• Relevant technical skills, including facility with metadata standards (e.g., MARC, EAD, Dublin Core) and repository platforms, are required.
• Ability to supervise staff and provide professional mentoring.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people, including the public, members, executive officers, staff, vendors, and others.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to adapt to specialized programs and databases.
• Background and/or experience in American genealogical research and sources preferable.

Perks and Pay :

• Hiring annual salary range is between $60,000 to $70,000, with the final determination based upon the candidate's overall experience.
• We offer both paid vacation and paid sick leave, up to 12 days each for 1st year of employment and observe 14 holidays.
• Medical/Rx, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer-paid life insurance/AD&D and Long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care)
• HSA with employer contribution if enrolled in the HDHP option.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a full-vested employer match.
• Free tickets to Constitution Hall events.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The DAR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.  

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