Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library comprises an outstanding naturalistic garden, the premier collection of American decorative and fine arts, and a nationally renowned research library, all in a historic Brandywine Valley landscape of nearly 1,000 acres. 

Winterthur considers our employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and provides them with the chance to develop their love of the arts and horticulture while contributing to the mission of the institution.

Working at Winterthur is a unique and rewarding opportunity, offering a variety of career paths in a beautiful setting. At Winterthur employment is more than just work. Employees enjoy an environment that is rich in culture and natural beauty while contributing specific skills and upholding the core values of the organization.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Library Director, the Winterthur Archivist is responsible for the management of the Winterthur Archives. Located in the Winterthur Library (part of the Academic Affairs division), the Winterthur Archives documents the history and development of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, first as a private estate and then as a public museum. The Archives includes the organizational and administrative records of the museum, the records of Winterthur Farms, and papers relating to Henry Francis du Pont and his immediate family, and consists of material in all formats (physical, digital, audiovisual, and multimedia).

The Winterthur Archivist manages all aspects of the museum archives program, including appraisal, accessioning, processing, outreach, and donor relations activities. A highly collaborative, motivated, and visible colleague, the Archivist makes the museum’s archival collections usable, discoverable, and accessible, supports library and institutional initiatives, develops meaningful and relevant public engagement, and supports an active research audience through excellent reference and research service.

Responsibilities:

1. Develops, maintains, and oversees disposition of Winterthur’s records and historical archives, including providing training and guidance to Winterthur staff and departments on records management practices and procedures. Together with the library team, establishes and implements policies, workflows, and guidelines related to collections stewardship activities.
2. Accessions, processes, and makes available archival collections through the library’s management and discovery platforms, including ArchivesSpace and CONTENTdm.
3. In year one, surveys the Winterthur Archives and works with the Library Director to develop a phased plan for providing better access to archival collections, with activities which may include migrating, standardizing, and/or creating new finding aids; generating new descriptive information; rehousing materials; and reprocessing some collections.
4. Works as part of a collaborative team to support library activities, goals, and initiatives, including but not limited to reference and research support, programming, instruction, digital projects, and outreach.
5. Collaborates with the Estate Historian on select outreach, exhibition, and interpretive initiatives pertaining to the history of Winterthur, including a large-scale, permanent Estate history exhibition with an anticipated installation in the next 3-5 years
6. Works with library staff, the Estate Historian, and registration on efforts to document and develop strategies for managing the estate’s object collection.
7. Supports cross-departmental institutional initiatives related to exhibitions, preservation, publishing, digital collections, and public programming.
8. May supervise staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
9. Participates in professional development activities, attending workshops, meetings, and conferences and keeping abreast of current developments, scholarship, and best practices

Compensation: $60,000 - $70,000 annually

Benefits: Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; free general admission for you and your immediate family members.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 35 hours/week

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience: MLS or MS in archival management; or related graduate degree with 3-5 years of professional archival experience in a museum or academic library setting.

Preferred Experience: MLS or MS in archival management; or related graduate degree with 5 years of professional archival experience in a museum or academic library setting with progressive levels of experience; supervisory experience

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Knowledge of archival theory, issues, trends, and best practices, including descriptive standards, metadata, preservation principles, and concepts related to digitized and born-digital materials
2. Understanding of records management principles
3. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including an ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Essential Functions:

1. Valid Driver’s License, and ability to successfully complete a Defensive Driving Course.
2. Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours a day.
3. Ability to stoop, kneel, and crouch; to push and pull carts of varying weights; and to lift up to 30 pounds unassisted.
4. Ability to tolerate dusty environments