Lead Archivist & Institutional Records Manager

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 America's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across the United States and around the world, connecting the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, no matter their background. We welcome all Americans and creators and visitors from across the globe to discover, experience, learn about, be inspired by, and engage with the arts.

Why Join Us

We offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees to include: 

• 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
• 13 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $95,000 - $117,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Lead Archivist and Institutional Records Manager would build out a robust and enduring archives program, including systems and process, within the Center. The Lead Archivist and Institutional Records Manager will be primarily responsible for 1) maintaining and growing the Center’s archival collection, including documents and other historical materials; 2) developing a system to manage the federal and trust records of the Center, including developing and implementing record retention policies and procedures;  3) organizing, maintaining and managing the Center’s and its affiliates’ Fine Art collections; 4) overseeing the JFK Gallery museum operations including exhibitions and renovation and 5) further developing and overseeing a system of Digital Asset Management. Through this position, the Archives shall continue to serve the work of the Center, including artistic programming, marketing, social media, public relations, fundraising, and outreach. This position will build an archiving and collections team and 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 Lead Archivist and Institutional Records Manager will report to the General Counsel and collaborate with other departments, when working on long-term projects. 

Key Responsibilities

• Creates a two- to three-year work plan toward establishing the Center’s archives and collections management program to include: developing a mission statement, collection development policy, access services, and operational procedures.
• Develops an archives and collections team, potentially to include interns, volunteers, fellows, part-time and full-time staff.
• Supervises day-to-day operations of a large archive, and advises senior management on operational, administrative, personnel and budgetary matters.
• Oversees accessioning, processing, inventorying, storage, and deaccessioning of archival and collection materials.
• Develops collection management system for Fine Art collection of Center and its affiliates, and oversees the accessioning, inventorying, conservation, deaccessioning, return or other disposal of artworks.
• Assesses storage space for archival materials and Fine Art and makes recommendations on space usage and consolidation.
• Identifies materials and artworks in need of conservation.
• Develop institutional records system including policies and procedure compliant with federal document system requirements, as required
• Develops, updates, maintains, and implements document retention and destruction schedule for Center offices.
• Oversees the inventorying and preservation of photographs
• Develop a system for digital asset management, including production assets.
• Collaborates with the Information Technology Division to develop and maintain Center Digital Asset Archive.
• Revises processes to improve efficiency or adapt to new requirements, software, or other operational systems changes.
• Create and maintain collection(s), finding aid(s), and archives’ database.
• Analyzes and maps workflows.  Develops forms, manuals, work plans, web content and other documentation. Communicates and documents revised processes and procedures.
• Schedules, assigns tasks, and prioritizes workloads.  Sets appropriate goals and deadlines.  Ensures timely completion of work.  Assigns and monitors progress on work assignments and special projects.  Identifies and reports staffing needs to administrative head.
• Monitors environment and assesses the condition of archival facilities, reports pest-control and maintenance needs, and makes recommendations regarding utilization of archival space.  Contributes to long term planning for expansions and/or relocations.
• Identifies collection development opportunities.
• Answers reference queries to support the work of Center staff.
• Answers external inquiries for historical and institutional information and materials.
• Assists in identifying and pursuing archive funding sources and formulating budget recommendations to maintain an ongoing archiving program. 

Key Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in professional level archives, and collections and records management work.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science or Archival and Records Management from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education at time of employment.
• Knowledge of standard and emerging archival and information science technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with databases, content management systems, digital asset management systems, film/video elements, and digital formats.
• Knowledge of and experience in applying 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.
• Demonstrated experience or aptitude for collection development.
• Knowledge of best practices in basic conservation and preservation.
• Experience in management of Fine Arts collections, including accessioning, deaccessioning, conservation and storage.

Additional Information

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 infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds.