Processing Archivist at the DAR Library

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

The Processing 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 archival collections include manuscripts and the Americana collections, which contain such items as family bibles, letters, 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.

This position would be ideal for someone looking to expand their archival experience within a specialized field.

Reports to: Special Collections Archivist

Essential Responsibilities:

• Process archival records, collections, accruals, and accessions to the collections according to best practices.
• Assesses conservation needs and ensures materials are stable and properly housed.
• Will assist in the planning and implementation of long-term collection management.
• Create hierarchical archival records, finding aids, and MARC catalog records.
• Work with our Digital Projects Librarian to digitize materials that are of high value to our genealogical researchers.
• Processes research requests from the public and staff as assigned.
• Assist researchers at our reference desk on a regular basis.

Required Qualifications:

• MLIS Degree in Library Science/Information Science from an ALA accredited institution with a specialization in Archives is required.
• 1-3 years of relevant library or archival experience, or an equivalent combination of education and training.
• Experience working in reference services is required.
• Knowledge of basic preservation techniques (primarily paper preservation techniques) and prior experience with fragile materials.
• Knowledge of archival concepts and practices, including materials selection and collection development, information tools, and searching techniques.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including the public, members, executive officers, staff, and vendors.
• 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 $50,000 to $56,000, 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.