What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Engagement Archivist position at Robert W Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center Inc?
Job Summary:
Term, 2-year grant-funded position
The Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library (AUC Woodruff Library) supports the teaching and learning missions of three institutions of higher learning that comprise the world’s largest consortium of HBCUs—Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. Conveniently located and easily accessible to the campuses, the AUC Woodruff Library is the center of intellectual and social life at the Atlanta University Center.
The AUC Woodruff Library seeks a dynamic and relationship‑driven professional to lead donor and community engagement initiatives that elevate awareness, access, and stewardship of the John R. Lewis Congressional Papers and other significant archival collections. Reporting to the Director of the Archives Research Center and working closely with the Strategic Partnerships, Communications, and Engagement department, the Community Engagement and Partnerships Archivist serves as a primary liaison between archival donors, community stakeholders, and the Library.
This role is instrumental in building lasting partnerships, cultivating donor trust, and creating inclusive, community‑centered programming that expands public access to archives. Through outreach, education, collaboration, and stewardship, the position advances the Library’s mission to preserve, interpret, and activate collections for current and future generations. This position will be responsible for outreach, curating community-centered activities, leading educational programming, and partnering with other academic and community organizations to promote collections and increase accessibility.
Supervision Exercised: None
Primary Duties & Responsiblities:
Donor & Community Relationship Management
- Cultivates and sustains meaningful relationships with archival donors, community members, and organizational partners through consistent communication, personalized engagement, and stewardship activities.
- Serves as a primary point of contact for established archival donors, ensuring transparency, trust, and timely reporting on collection-related updates when appropriate.
- Identifies and develops strategic partnerships that expand community participation, amplify donor impact, and increase visibility of archival collections.
Community Engagement, Outreach & Education
- Designs and delivers community‑centered programs, including workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and educational events (both in‑person and virtual), that highlight and interpret archival collections.
- Collaborates with the Communications Manager to develop compelling outreach materials, including social media content, presentations, newsletters, and public‑facing communications related to archival processes and collections.
- Contributes to the development of interpretive and educational materials that contextualize archival holdings and enhance public understanding and accessibility.
Archives Reference & Research Support
- Assists researchers, students, and community members in accessing archival collections, providing reference services that support scholarly inquiry and public engagement.
Strategic Collaboration & Representation
- Works collaboratively with internal library departments, faculty, nonprofit foundations, cultural organizations, and academic institutions to develop shared initiatives, programming, and events.
Represents the AUC Woodruff Library at conferences, public programs, donor meetings, and community forums to promote awareness of archival collections and engagement opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA‑accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and archival experience
Experience:
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a library, archives, or special collections environment (including internships, fellowships, student or volunteer work, or community archiving).
- Demonstrated experience in donor relations, community engagement, partnership development, or event coordination preferred.
- Background in public programming, education, or community‑based organizing strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work, with strong project management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to continuous personal and professional improvement in cultural diversity competence.
- Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to initiate and lead collaborations with diverse constituencies.