Museum Archivist – Cogswell Heritage House (CT) American School for the Deaf

SCOPE OF DUTIES

The Archivist is a multi-faceted position that integrates the roles of Archivist, Registrar, Project Manager, and Museum Manager. This role is responsible for the professional stewardship of collection materials, including accession, repatriation, cataloging, and conservation. The Archivist manages both physical and digital operations of the Cogswell Heritage House/American School for the Deaf Archival Database, ensuring all practices comply with federal and state regulations and standardized archival and museum practices. Additionally, the position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the building housing the archive.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Archive & Collection Management

Accessions & Inventory Management: Manage an inventory control process that incorporates existing accession records and researches potential new acquisitions.
Standardized Processing: Ensure all new materials are documented according to registration standards and oversee the repatriation of deaccessioned items.
Cataloging: Manage and catalog collections using archival field standards and best practices for both physical and digital materials and objects.
Institutional Collaboration: Maintain existing and establish new relationships with other institutions to facilitate collaborative projects, exhibits, item loans, and the accession or deaccession of materials.
Access & Retrieval: Develop finding aids and archival databases to facilitate research and access to collections.
Technical Standards: Establish standardized classification systems and nomenclature systems for organizing diverse collections.

2. Archival Preservation & Documentation

Archival Database Management: Oversee the digital operations of the CHH/ASD Archival Database, including procedures related to the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA).
Digital Preservation: Execute digital imaging for documentation and ensure the accuracy and proper formatting of transcripts for both new and existing acquisitions.
Collection Care: Implement proper storage methods and environmental controls for diverse materials, ensuring items are housed correctly both on and offsite.

3. Museum Stewardship & Public Programming

Facility Management & Disaster Planning: Maintain CHH/ASD facilities and equipment, including the development and implementation of a disaster plan for the collections.
Guided Tours: Manage and coordinate requests for historic guided tours of the Cogswell Heritage House and ASD’s West Hartford Campus. Responsibilities include:
Maintaining timely communication with requestors regarding dates, group size, and specific needs.
Arranging necessary interpreters, including ASL, International, and Tactile.
Coordinating museum volunteers and guiding tours when volunteers are unavailable.
Research Requests: Manage and coordinate responses to all external and internal requests for research.
Public Outreach: Prepare reports, updates, and articles for the Annual Report and ASD’s weekly newsletter; deliver public presentations related to projects and collections.

4. Administrative Leadership

Budgeting & Funding: Advise on the annual budget, oversee expenditures, and identify potential funding sources in cooperation with Institutional Advancement.
Project Leadership: Develop project plans, identify and track tasks, and supervise the work of interns and volunteers.

Core Competencies:

Strong knowledge of Deaf history and key historical figures, with a specific understanding of the history of the American School for the Deaf.
Excellent interpersonal, writing, research, and time-management skills.
Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
Ability to lift 30 lbs.
Proven reliability, trustworthiness, and a positive demeanor.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Graduate degree required (MA required, PhD preferred) in History, Museum Studies, Library Science, or a related field.
Five or more years of experience in the archival field (or equivalent education/certification).
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in database software and archival metadata standards.
Experience digitizing archival materials and managing digital objects.
Knowledge of programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA).
Ability to properly handle historical and fragile documents.
American Sign Language proficiency strongly preferred or commitment to learn.
Ability to flex work hours as needed to meet the needs of the museum.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Group health insurance and other fringe benefits are available.
$1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for newly hired employees, not applicable for re-hires.