Philanthropic Studies Archivist

The Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives at IU Indianapolis University Library hosts one of the largest collections of materials for the study of philanthropy in the US. The philanthropy collections include the Joseph and Matthew Payton Philanthropic Studies Library, as well as the collected records and papers of foundations, community organizations, and individuals involved in philanthropy and national service. The Indiana University Indianapolis University Library seeks an archivist to manage and develop philanthropy-related archival collections, including the National Service Archives. This person will assist students, faculty, and external researchers with using the library’s philanthropy-related collections.

The Philanthropic Studies Archivist reports to the Director of Distinctive Collections and works closely with colleagues within Special Collections & Archives and Distinctive Collections to ensure ease of access to and use of philanthropy-related archival collections. The successful candidate will have experience with both physical and born-digital archival materials.

This is a tenure-track position, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2024. University Library is especially interested in promoting an environment of diversity and excellence throughout the institution and welcomes candidates committed to fostering diverse and inclusive environments.

Indiana University Indianapolis is an urban research and health sciences campus with 15 degree-granting schools and more than 375 degree and certificate programs. Located in downtown Indianapolis, a multicultural and affordable mid-sized city, the campus serves more than 25,000 students.

As the state’s premier urban research institution, IU Indianapolis is committed to being a welcoming campus community that reflects and enacts the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that inform academic excellence.

Ranked #58 by U.S. News and World Report among the most innovative schools and among the top 100 for best educational value, IU Indianapolis is an urban research and health sciences campus with 17 schools and more than 394 degree and certificate programs. Located in downtown Indianapolis, a multicultural and affordable mid-sized city, the campus serves more than 25,000 students from 139 countries and 50 states.

As the state’s premier urban research institution, IU Indianapolis is committed to being a welcoming campus community that reflects and enacts the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that inform academic excellence.

The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is the world’s first school dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Indiana University has been at the vanguard of philanthropy education since the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University was founded at IU Indianapolis in 1987. Led by the center, IU established the field of philanthropic studies with the nation’s first bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as the nation’s first endowed chair in philanthropy.

About Indiana University Indianapolis and University Library

IU Indianapolis, an urban-serving institution with a mission and a vision focused on both diversity and community engagement, has been the recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from Insight into Diversity (the nation’s oldest higher education diversity publication) for twelve consecutive years. The campus has been recognized in recent years by Forbes Magazine as the #3 best employer for women in the state among universities, and the #4 best employer for diversity in Indiana. University Library is a Power of Libraries award winner and home to numerous award-winning professionals. University Library is looking for archivists who will support our commitment to engage with the wider educational community through performance, professional development and service that are inclusive of the rich diversity of our campus and our city. We seek candidates who will not only enhance our representational diversity but whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environments for our students, staff, and faculty.

IU Indianapolis condemns racism in all its forms and has taken an anti-racist stance that moves beyond mere statements to interrogating its policies, procedures, and practices. We hope to identify individuals who will assist in our mission to dismantle racism so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed at IU Indianapolis.

Responsibilities

  • Actively collect archival materials related to philanthropy and national service that are deemed of permanent value, including the identification and acquisition of collections from underrepresented constituencies
  • Cultivate relationships with past and prospective donors of records to the Philanthropic Studies Archives
  • Supervise and perform philanthropy collection management activities, including accessioning, processing, preservation, and preparation of finding aids
  • Prioritize and manage the processing and description of philanthropy collections, including the National Service Archives, working with 1 full-time Archives Specialist and student assistants
  • Hire, train, and supervise student assistants to efficiently and effectively process philanthropy collections
  • Ensure both born-digital and physical materials in the Philanthropic Studies Archives are publicly accessible, in cooperation with other members of the Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives
  • Assist virtual and in-person researchers using materials in the Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives, working closely with faculty, students, staff, scholars, and other researchers in the use of the Library’s Special Collections
  • Collaborate with Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives department members and other librarians to improve service, provide access to collections, develop policies and procedures, and move other department initiatives forward
  • Serve as a member of the Digital Collections Advisory Group charged with evaluating potential digital collections projects, setting priorities, and establishing best practices for digital collection creation.
  • Collaborate with the Digital Preservation & Digital Collections Librarian to prioritize philanthropy collections for digitization and digital preservation, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of digital assets over time

Required Qualifications

  • An ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science or an equivalent degree in a related field
  • Minimum 2 years of professional experience in archives, inclusive of internships and student employment
  • Demonstrated experience processing archival collections
  • Demonstrated knowledge of archival best practices, principles, and current trends
  • Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work in a complex team-based environment
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of users and colleagues

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of the nonprofit field and/or philanthropy
  • Demonstrated understanding of digitization efforts and knowledge of digital formats
  • Demonstrated understanding of digital preservation best practices in archives
  • Knowledge of preservation and conservation issues and practices
  • Working knowledge of EAD

Compensation and Application

The minimum salary is $54,000, with additional funding for professional development and travel. Benefits include 22 vacation days, 10 paid holidays, health/dental insurance options, and retirement contributions of 10% to a Fidelity Investments retirement plan. A start-up package includes $10,000 for moving and ongoing professional development expenses.

Deadline for applications is August 31, 2024. The position is available no sooner than October 1, 2024. Please forward a CV, contact information for four references (include name, title, telephone number, and e-mail address) and a letter of application discussing your ability to advance the library’s Strategic Priorities, and the individual strengths you will bring to the position. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/25337

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to University Library Human Resources Generalist Joycelynn Marshall at the following email address:jomoakle@iu.edu.