Collections Archivist

About The Kennedy Center

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. 

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

The mission of the Kennedy Center Archives is to ensure the organization's creative and operational records of enduring historic value are preserved and made accessible in perpetuity to better serve our mission and constituents. Established in 2019, the Archives’ holdings include administrative files, programs, posters, photographs, recordings and some artifacts. As part of the Public Relations department, the Kennedy Center Archives support institutional storytelling across the Center and via social media, fact-checking, general research support, and special projects. The Archives also serves the general public, with users that include educators and students, independent researchers, authors and publishers, members of the media, artists, and patrons. Having successfully contributed to two major exhibits and other 50th anniversary activities, the Archives’ upcoming priorities include establishing policies and workflows for digitization and digital asset management, along with continuing to process and provide access to physical collections.   

The Collections Archivist oversees the day-to-day work of arranging and describing physical and digital archival assets in a variety of formats. Primary responsibilities include appraising internal records for transfer, accessioning incoming materials, developing and executing processing plans, writing and encoding finding aids, assisting with the transfer of materials to and from off-site locations, and collaborating with Operations to enforce and maintain the Kennedy Center’s records retention schedules. Other duties include maintaining archival collection management systems and standards, as well as providing research assistance and services to external constituencies as well as internal departments as part of the Archives team.   

This position may oversee interns and volunteers and will collaborate with departments across the Center, assisting its mission of informing and educating various audiences about the vision, dedication, and creativity of the United States’ premier performing arts organization and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Collections  Archivist will report to the Lead Archivist and collaborate with other departments, occasionally engaged in dotted-line relationships when working on long-term projects.   

Key Responsibilities

Collections work:   

• Appraises, weeds, accessions, arranges, and describes archival materials in a variety of formats, including digital and audiovisual content  
  Drafts and executes processing plans, finding aids, and other deliverables to enhance access to archival materials   
• Drafts, executes, and oversees digitization project plans based on departmental priorities   

Content management and metadata standards:  

• Oversees implementation and maintenance of archival content management system (ArchivesSpace) and forthcoming digital asset management system   
• Spearheads creation of templates, controlled vocabularies, required fields, and other best practices for archival metadata 
• As needed, drafts and updates policies and procedures for the entire records cycle  
• Provides recommendations and data for annual processing priorities, shifting projects, and annual collections report  

Records management and reference:  

• Lead for Records Management inquiries, in collaboration with Operations; works across the organization to appraise institutional records for potential transfers    
• Responds to reference inquiries and staffs reference appointments as needed •May give presentations to internal and/or external audiences   

Supervision of collections work: 

• Provides training and ongoing guidance to Archives Coordinator, Processing Assistant, volunteers, and interns on assorted collections tasks   
• Spearheads and supervises collections-related volunteer projects   

Other duties as assigned.  

Key Qualifications

• 3-6 years of professional-level archival processing experience  with demonstrated proficiency in extensible and minimal processing best practices   
• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education at time of employment.   
• Knowledge of standard and emerging archival and information science technologies, including databases, content management systems, digital asset management systems, and digitization tools and standards. 
• Knowledge of and experience in applying archival metadata standards. 
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to function independently and in groups; build and maintain relationships with partners and organization staff; ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse clientele. 
• Knowledge of best practices in basic conservation and preservation for physical and digital assets . 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage, and complete complex projects 
• Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving, and flexibility in a fluctuating environment, both independently and individually  
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• While the majority of work is expected to be conducted on-site with physical collections, limited telework may be approved by supervisor (typically twice a month), in keeping with the Archives’ Flexible Work Arrangements policy.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.  This position frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work in an environment which may include exposure to dust or mold.