CURRENT OFFERINGS:
ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST – Portland, OR
ARCHIVIST – Rockville, MD
ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST – Portland, OR
The Winthrop Group has an immediate opening for a part-time Archivist to manage the Archives of a family-owned company based in Portland, Oregon. The Archivist will work on-site in the client’s archives for approximately 2 days per week. A Lead Archivist will provide regular support and oversight. This position starts in March 2025 and is currently contracted through June 2025, with a high likelihood of extension beyond that date.
Responsibilities
Manage the company Archives, ensuring ready access to the collection and long-term preservation of all materials. The Assistant Archivist will devote half of their time to processing and the remainder of time to responding to reference requests, undertaking approved outreach initiatives. The Assistant Archivist will be responsible for:
- Processing incoming accessions and an accession backlog in accord with professional standards and the procedures established for the Archives;
- Accessioning, arranging, describing, and cataloging archival materials (analog and digital), and preparing finding aids in order to ensure records can be accessed efficiently;
- Responding to requests for archival materials and/or historical information from management and employees and, if approved, from journalists, researchers or members of the public;
- Working with and educating company staff to maximize engagement with the Archives as a resource for inspiration and heritage assets;
- Identifying, appraising, and collecting the company’s archival materials (regardless of format);
- Providing support for preparation of exhibits, publications, web pages, visual presentations, for use in meetings, events, and communications;
- Preparing regular update reports and special activity reports as requested.
Requirements
Candidates for this role should possess the following qualifications:
- Demonstrated knowledge of standard archival collections management practices and procedures, including accessioning, processing, object handling, etc.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of professional archival experience
- Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science or related field
- Experience using and managing digital archival records and collections databases
- Familiarity with digitization projects preferred
- Ability to prioritize assignments and work effectively under time constraints
- Aptitude for formulating and implementing goals and objectives
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
- Familiarity with basic preservation techniques
- Flexibility with scheduled assignments
- Excellent collaboration and communications skills
- Ability and willingness to work alone or as a cooperative team member
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 40 lbs. and navigating one flight of stairs
- Comfortable working alone in Archives storage and workspace
Compensation
$30 per hour ($240 per 8-hour day)
Application Instructions
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for three (3) references to careers@winthropgroup.com with the subject line “Assistant Archivist – Portland.”
About The Winthrop Group
Founded in 1982, The Winthrop Group provides professional archives and history services to non-profits, businesses, foundations, museums, educational institutions, performing arts organizations, families, and individuals. We help our clients capture, organize, preserve, and learn from their pasts, creating valuable resources of knowledge and insight with a multitude of practical applications.
EEO Statement
Winthrop welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences, and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or ability. Members of communities historically underrepresented in the archival profession are encouraged to apply.
ARCHIVIST – Rockville, MD
The Winthrop Group is seeking an experienced Archivist to establish the archives program for a mission-driven nonprofit that has been a leader in social enterprise for over 120 years. This full-time, salaried position is expected to begin in March 2025 and will last for 12 months. Work will take place at the nonprofit’s headquarters in Rockville, MD and at a nearby offsite storage facility.
The Archivist will work closely with a client liaison and Archives Committee, providing monthly updates and bi-annual reports. The role also involves close collaboration with an Archives Intern, Winthrop Digital Archivist and Senior Archivist, the latter of whom will oversee the project and provide both onsite and remote support from New York City.
Responsibilities
Archives Governance
- Collaborate with client stakeholders to identify and establish an Archives Committee to provide oversight;
- Draft and implement foundational policies, including a Mission Statement, Collecting Policy, and Access Policy;
- Meet regularly with stakeholders and Winthrop archivists involved with project;
- Prepare brief monthly updates for client liaison;
- Attend annual meeting with the Archives Committee to review progress, priorities, and upcoming initiatives.
Collection Management & Other Tasks
- Develop and implement a prioritized work plan aligned with organizational goals;
- Consolidate, weed, rehouse, and stabilize archival records;
- Process and catalog high-priority collections to enhance discoverability, use, and long-term preservation;
- Select and implement a Collections Management System (CMS) with Digital Archivist support;
- Improve physical collection storage conditions in coordination with Facilities staff;
- Manage digitization projects with third party vendors;
- Leverage the organization’s DAM to expand access to historical resources, in partnership with Digital Archivist;
- Develop metadata standards and controlled vocabularies for archival materials and digital assets;
- Potential travel to Boston for short-term work supporting the nonprofit network;
- Respond to reference requests from staff;
- Support content development, outreach, and tours.
Required Qualifications
Candidates for this role should possess the following qualifications:
- MLS/MLIS with an archival concentration or a related graduate degree with a Certificate in Archival Studies or ACA certification
- Minimum of 3–5 years of professional archives experience
- Strong archival processing experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including leadership, communications, IT, and facilities teams
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mentality
- Familiarity with digital asset management systems, metadata standards, and digitization workflows
- Experience developing digital exhibits
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
The following will also be considered:
- Experience in a nonprofit or corporate archives with a nationwide presence
- Experience working with non-archivist stakeholders
- Knowledge of or interest in social enterprise
- Experience working with committees or advisory groups
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $64,000 - $76,000, commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Annual professional development funds
Application Instructions
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three references to careers@winthropgroup.com with the subject line: “Archivist – Rockville, MD.”
About The Winthrop Group
Founded in 1982, The Winthrop Group provides professional archives and history services to non-profits, businesses, foundations, museums, educational institutions, performing arts organizations, families, and individuals. We help our clients capture, organize, preserve, and learn from their pasts, creating valuable resources of knowledge and insight with a multitude of practical applications.
EEO Statement
Winthrop welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences, and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or ability. Members of communities historically underrepresented in the archival profession are encouraged to apply.
