Job Announcements

Image Processing Assistant Part-Time (part-time/temporary, funded through June 2022)

The MHS seeks an Image Processing Assistant to join the Collections Services department. This is a part-time (7-14 hours per week) temporary position, available starting in November 2021 and continuing through June 2022.

The Imaging Processing Assistant will create digital components for digital projects and web presentations for three different funded digitization projects focusing on various manuscript collections. The work contributes to the Society’s mission to make its archival and library collections discoverable and useable by a wide web-based audience. This position is very production-oriented and will require the successful candidate to be comfortable with repetitive tasks. The Imaging Processing Assistant will be a member of the digital team and report to the Senior Archivist for Digital Initiatives.

Schedule and logistics:

The position will be available in November 2021 and will end in June 2022. The position will primarily be onsite but will also include the option of working on some image processing tasks remotely. MHS staff members must abide by protocols established because of the current public health crisis including providing proof of vaccination

Duties:

  • Prepares digital components (digital images, associated metadata) using an image editor, an XML editor, a web content management system and other in-house web tools and delivery systems.
  • Creates master digital images of items from the Society’s collections
  • Creates derivative digital images from master images of originals and microfilm
  • Creates item metadata and content descriptions
  • Contributes to the creation and dissemination of digitized content through web presentations
  • Follows existing documentation and guidelines regarding digital imaging and metadata creation
  • Participates in digital project team meetings and offers input about current production issues

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant area and completion or current enrollment in Master’s degree in library science, archives or history program
  • Demonstrated experience with image editors (e.g. Photoshop, Bridge) and scanning procedures
  • Experience with handling archival materials
  • Familiarity with primary sources and an interest in history
  • Ability to work on repetitive tasks
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow specific guidelines and instructions
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Preferred qualifications

  • Some experience with XML, EAD, XSLT, METS and/or MODS
  • Experience with descriptive cataloging standards
  • Firsthand digital imaging experience in a rare books or manuscripts repository
  • Experience working with content management systems

Hourly rate: $16.00

Application procedures: Please e-mail cover letter, résumé, and names of three references to Nancy Heywood, Senior Archivist for Digital Initiatives, [email protected].

Paper Conservator

The MHS seeks a paper conservator. This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position; Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The MHS is an independent, scholarly research library founded in 1791 for the threefold purpose of collecting, preserving, and disseminating sources for the study of American history. The MHS holds more than 3,600 manuscript collections, as well as extensive collections of early American imprints, newspapers, maps, printed ephemera, photographs, engravings, and other research materials.

Duties: 

The paper conservator is responsible for the hands-on conservation of paper-based (manuscript and print) materials employing a variety of techniques including cleaning, flattening, repair, alkalization, tape removal, and mold remediation; documentation of condition and treatments; and preparation of items from the collection for exhibition and digitization. In addition to hands-on conservation, the successful candidate will also be responsible for the overall preservation of the collection. The paper conservator will work closely with the facilities department to maintain proper climate control and pest management; train staff working with collections on the proper handling of library materials; coordinate all contract services for conservation work not done onsite, including the reformatting of audio-visual materials; and serve on the Society’s internal security and emergency management teams. The paper conservator also will create enclosures, perform basic preservation tasks, re-house collections as needed, and maintain the supplies, equipment, and workspace in the conservation lab. The paper conservator may also prepare condition reports for outgoing loans, conduct tours and presentations for students and visitors, and supervise student interns and volunteers. The successful candidate will be a member of the Collections Services Department and report directly to the Vice President for Collections.

Qualifications: 

  • Master’s degree (preferred) or Bachelor’s degree with coursework in paper conservation
  • Minimum of three years’ bench work with paper conservation of special collections material from a variety of time periods
  • Knowledge of current paper conservation techniques
  • An understanding of basic conservation and preservation principles, including disaster preparedness; proficiency using conservation equipment and tools
  • Experience preparing materials for exhibition, including mounting, matting, and framing; and experience preparing condition and treatment reports.
  • Training and/or experience with the preservation of special collections materials preferred.
  • The successful candidate must be flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
  • S/he must possess strong planning and organization skills with an ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Salary: $54,000 - $63,000, with a competitive benefits package

Application procedure: Send a cover letter, resumé, sample images and reports of conservation treatments, and the names of three references, preferably by email, to: Brenda Lawson, Vice President for Collections, [email protected].

Digital Preservation Archivist

The MHS seeks a Digital Preservation Archivist. This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position; Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The MHS is an independent, scholarly research library founded in 1791 for the threefold purpose of collecting, preserving, and disseminating sources for the study of American history. The MHS holds more than 3,600 manuscript collections, as well as extensive collections of early American imprints, newspapers, maps, printed ephemera, photographs, engravings, and other research materials. 

Duties: 

The Digital Preservation Archivist will be responsible for the long-term preservation and ongoing access to MHS digital collections and will play a central role in building and sustaining a digital preservation program. The Digital Preservation Archivist will oversee the Society’s implementation of Preservica to preserve and provide access to its digital assets, including born-digital and digitized records, audiovisual materials, and the Society’s institutional records, as well as unique work products of the MHS such as metadata and XML encoding. The Digital Preservation Archivist will work closely with the Senior Archivist for Digital Initiatives and Processing Archivists to develop policies, procedures, workflows, and documentation for managing, preserving, and processing digital assets, including those in hybrid digital and analog collections. The successful candidate will manage the transfer of digital materials from a variety of current and legacy media formats such as tapes, floppy disks, CDs, and hard drives, and implement procedures for ensuring the authenticity and preservation of, and access to, this material. The Digital Preservation Archivist will continuously expand and share his/her knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in the field.

This is a new position at the MHS. Although the primary focus—particularly for the first two years—will be the establishment and implementation of a digital preservation program, the Digital Preservation Archivist may also take on records management tasks for the Society’s institutional records, as well as process analog and hybrid collections. The successful candidate will be a member of the Collections Services Department and report directly to the Vice President for Collections.

Qualifications: 

  • A Master’s degree in library and information science or significant coursework in archives management, digital curation, and/or records management and a minimum of two years’ experience with Preservica or other digital preservation systems and workflows, digital forensics, and/or the management of digital assets are required.
  • Knowledge of relevant standards for archival description and preservation including EAD, and PREMIS, and familiarity with other metadata standards such as MODS are strongly preferred.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with experience in archival processing, preservation, and/or records management.
  • Some experience with legacy media and/or curiosity and capacity to learn tools and software used to transfer, capture, and manage a variety of digital records is also helpful.
  • The successful candidate must be flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • S/he must write clearly and succinctly and possess strong planning and organization skills with an ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Salary: $54,000 - $64,000, with a competitive benefits package

Application procedure: Send a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references, preferably by email, to: Brenda Lawson, Vice President for Collections [email protected].

Availability: This position is available on January 10, 2022. Preference will be given to applications received by November 28, 2021.

Assistant Director of Individual Giving

Founded in 1791, the MHS is an invaluable resource for American history, life, and culture. Its extraordinary collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. Its mission is to promote understanding of the history of Massachusetts and the nation by collecting and communicating materials and resources that foster historical knowledge. The MHS envisions a world where historical understanding is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

The MHS has a commitment to a full presentation of the historical record and aims to be inclusive, open, and fair in all that they do. Toward these ends, they practice and encourage transparent communication in all interactions. It continues to seek, engage, and employ people of all backgrounds as they foster a culture of respect, openness, learning, integrity, and honesty—especially in the face of the sometimes difficult historical truths the organization must preserve and present.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to and collaborating with the Associate Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Individual Giving (ADIG) is an integral member of a Development Department consisting of five full time staff. As ADIG you will be responsible for the logistical, strategic, and tactical operations needed to implement a successful annual fund, donor stewardship events, and related projects. You will be successful in this role if you’re a hands-on development professional with annual fund experience looking to join a nimble and motivated team at an established and growing cultural institution. The work of the ADIG will be focused in two arenas:

  • Overseeing the design and production of the annual fund and coordinating appeals via direct mail, email, proposals, and personal solicitations.
  • Crafting compelling communications, pitches, and messaging to inspire giving.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Development Department as they embark on several exciting projects to expand the scope and impact of the Society’s work. You'll have opportunities to contribute to overall strategy, in addition to significant responsibilities related to implementation of the annual fund. The department is committed to mentorship and professional development for team members including access to skill development courses and opportunities to attend local conferences.

The ADIG will assist with supervising volunteers and interns on related activities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Help develop and implement annual fund appeals from concept to delivery.
  • Collaborate with Development Department leadership by contributing ideas for appeal segmentation.
  • Create related e-communications for annual fund appeals and donor events.
  • Ensure that annual fund donors are appropriately stewarded with timely communications about their philanthropy and associated benefits.
  • Manage the accuracy and consistency of annual fund in the database and track annual fund-related moves management, constituent coding, and other relevant activities.
  • Spearhead logistics for donor cultivation and stewardship events.
  • Assist with the creation of event calendar listings through the Altru platform, and oversees the event registration process.
  • Provide support for Development events, including on occasional evenings or weekends.
  • Provide logistical support for the implementation of the overall development strategy.

Qualifications:

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant Development experience with demonstrated success in annual funds and events
  • Technical competency with Blackbaud Altru or comparable fundraising software, specifically with maintaining donor records, creating queries, and compiling reports and mailing lists
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), Google Suite, and Zoom
  • Experience organizing events, working with vendors, and managing expenses
  • Driven and motivated with a high level of autonomy and accountability
  • Strong organization and project management skills with an ability to prioritize competing tasks
  • Accurate and detail-oriented with an eye for editing content
  • Collaborative work-style both within the organization and with external constituencies
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Shows good judgement and discretion when working with confidential information
  • Genuine interest in the Society’s mission

Of Added Value:

  • Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat, DonorSearch, Constant Contact, Survey Monkey, Issuu
  • A good sense of humor and collegial attitude
  • Innovative and open to change, with creative instinct
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • The salary for this role is competitive with consideration given to candidates with strong annual fund experience. The MHS offers a generous benefits package including:
    • Medical, dental, and life insurance
    • Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
    • Vacation starting at three weeks plus 12-14 holidays per year.
    • Retirement benefits with an employer match of up to 4%
    • Pre-tax commuter benefits and a monthly public transportation incentive
    • Reciprocal entrance to several local education and cultural institutions
    • Remote work flexibility

Application procedure:

To apply to this position, please submit a resume and a thoughtfully written cover letter through the online application portal. We will review and respond to all applications received. For confidential inquiries, assistance in completing the application, or specific salary range information please reach out by email to [email protected].

The ADIG position is full-time and requires availability for occasional evening work. The position is located at the Massachusetts Historical Society which is in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. Currently all Development Department employees are working in a hybrid remote and in-office environment. Remote work is possible for candidates in New England. The position may require minimal travel within Boston when necessary. MHS requires proof of vaccination for COVID-19 for all employees.

Timeline and Hiring Process

We will review and respond to all applications received. While subject to change, candidates elected to advance through the process can first expect a phone interview with Positively Partners, followed by a video interview with Victoria McKay, the Associate Director of Development. Finalists will go on to an interview day with staff and key stakeholders followed by a robust and holistic reference check process. The expected start date is early 2022.

The Society is an equal opportunity employer.

We aim to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a work place free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class"). We offer a competitive benefits package and salary commensurate with experience.