Lead Archivist for Clark Atlanta University

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library (AUC Woodruff Library) serves as a central resource for the academic and cultural missions of four institutions: Clark Atlanta University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. The Library is integral to the intellectual and social life of the Atlanta University Center. In support of its continued excellence in service, the Library is seeking a highly skilled, dynamic, and customer-focused Lead Archivist for Clark Atlanta University (CAU).

Under the direction of the Head of Research Services, the Lead Archivist will oversee the management, preservation, and accessibility of CAU’s archival collections. This position will be responsible for coordinating the acquisition, organization, and preservation of both physical and digital materials that document the history and activities of the university. The Lead Archivist will work closely with faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders to promote the collection and foster its use for research and instructional purposes. This role also requires conducting specialized programming and instruction on archival literacy and primary source research. Evening and weekend availability will be required on a rotational basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the arrangement, appraisal, and description of archival materials in accordance with professional standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison for CAU’s archival records, ensuring proper acquisition, preservation, and access.
• Develop and implement programming, exhibitions, and outreach efforts to promote archival resources.
• Recommend materials for digitization and oversee the management of born-digital records, ensuring compliance with retention schedules.
• Collaborate with university departments to develop practices for managing and preserving digital records.
• Design and deliver archival instruction and collaborate with faculty to integrate primary source materials into course curricula.
• Assist with both in-person and remote research inquiries related to archival, manuscript, and book collections.
• Participate in department and library-wide committees and initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years’ experience in an archival repository, including comprehensive knowledge of archival processing, project management, and preservation techniques.
• Strong understanding of archival standards for processing, preservation, and description, as well as ethical issues in managing collections.
• Expertise in African American history and culture is preferred.
• Proven ability to build relationships with faculty, students, staff, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Experience with born-digital records management and preservation workflows.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, and archival management systems such as Archives Space and Alma.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing institutional records and digital assets, as well as familiarity with records management practices.
• Project management experience in an academic or archival setting.
• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Science, or a related field from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with the archival environment, including lifting and handling materials.

The Robert W. Woodruff Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more about our Library visit us online at