The Processing Archivist will play a seminal role in creating access to the Kennedy Center's newly formalized archives by overseeing the day-to-day work of arranging and describing physical and digital archival assets in a variety of formats. Primary responsibilities will include appraising collections, developing and executing processing plans, writing and encoding finding aids, assisting with the transfer of materials to and from off-site locations, and providing research assistance and services to external constituents as well as internal departments as part of the Archives staff. Other responsibilities may include digital projects, exhibits, outreach duties, and other special projects.

In the first year of this position, with the approaching 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Center in 2021, the Processing Archivist will have an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to an important institutional program that manages thousands of unique and irreplaceable archival records, raises the profile of the collections, and ensures ongoing preservation of the Center's legacy. Once fully established, the Archives will provide information and historical documentation to serve the work of the organization, including artistic programming, marketing, social media, public relations, fundraising, and outreach.

Duties and Responsibilities:

80% Appraises, weeds, accessions, arranges, and describes archival materials in a variety of formats, including digital and audiovisual content

20% Responds to archival inquiries from Kennedy Center staff and external stakeholders.

N/A Potentially supervises interns and/or volunteers on processing projects

N/A Other duties as assigned.

N/A Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner.

N/A Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.

Education/Experience

• 2-4 years of professional-level archival processing experience
• Master's degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education at time of employment.
• Knowledge of standard and emerging archival and information science technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with databases, content management systems, digital asset management systems, film/video elements, and digital formats.
• Knowledge of and experience in applying metadata standards.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to function independently and in groups; build and maintain relationships with partners and organization staff; ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated experience or aptitude for collection development.
• Knowledge of best practices in basic conservation and preservation.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• Background in theater or performing arts environment and/or experience working in an organizational or association archive strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of trends, techniques, and methods in digital humanities (e.g., linked data, TEI, crowd-sourced transcription/annotation).
• Supervisory experience
• Concentration in archives and records management or equivalent experience

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. This position frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work in an environment which may include exposure to dust or mold.

Work Environment

Normal office environment, primarily seated, using computer, phone and other routine office equipment.

Requires extended hours, weekends and travel.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world premier performing arts organization and our nation's cultural center. Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan.