JOB PURPOSE
Mercy Archives preserves, relates and promotes the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas through professional archival, library, heritage, and records management practices. This full-time position will be an integral part of the Mercy Archives team, and will actively collect, document, preserve and promote Community, organizational, life, and ministry records to tell comprehensively and consistently the story of Mercy. This role engages in outreach, education, and accessibility creation activities to connect users and stakeholders, including reference and research services, exhibitions, heritage displays, and other activities.
Sustained and inspired by their relationship with God and one another, the mission of the Sisters of Mercy is to respond with vision and compassion to the needs of people who are poor, sick, and uneducated. This mission serves as a motivational force in the day-to-day activities of the employees of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and as we extend compassion and mercy to others, practice and encourage social justice, and strive to live mercifully.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Follows professional archival best practices to ensure appropriate acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, and use of materials in the Mercy Archives.
- Assists with the development collections by actively collecting, receiving, appraising, and incorporating records and other materials transferred or donated to the Mercy Archives, according to the established Collections policy.
- Provide expertise to support community members, associates and companions, staff, historically sponsored and co-sponsored ministries, volunteers and interns across the Institute responsible for local collections management, ensuring the continued preservation of material related to the story of Mercy.
- Coordinates with the former local and regional Communities regarding the orderly transfer of records, artifacts, and heritage as appropriate to the Archives.
- Participate in professional activities of religious and other archival groups.
- Participate in the creation, maintenance, and execution of programming, including exhibitions and heritage displays among others, to educate audiences on the history and legacy of Mercy. Advocates for the Archives function and how it contributes to the ongoing vibrancy of the community.
- Provide expertise and support for internal and external reference requests, as well as historical and heritage research as needed.
- Actively participate in activities to make more visible and build upon multiculturalism and internationality initiatives reflected in the Mercy history and culture.
- Some travel may be required.
- Other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Competencies and Experience
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Public History, or an ALA-accredited MLIS degree along with formal course work in archives administration or other archival training or experience.
- At least two years practical experience applying professional archival principles and practices such as creating finding aids, evaluating materials for historical value, describing, arranging, and preserving materials.
- Ability to maintain professional confidentiality when working with sensitive non-public documents.
- Knowledge and appreciation of the demands and requirements of research, and the ability to recognize and evaluate the historical value of documents, records and artifacts.
- Experience conducting reference and research services using archival materials.
- Ability to build relationships and work both independently and collaboratively, proactively and constructively.
- Knowledge of the application of digital technologies in archives, as well as computer proficiency with Microsoft applications.
- Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to relate to broad and diverse audiences.
- Ability to manage varying duties and priorities while meeting deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Understanding and appreciation of the traditions and culture associated with the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and religious life.
- Subject-area knowledge related to women’s history, religious history both in the United States and across the world.
- Familiarity with database management, metadata, and authority control.
- Certified Archivist or intent to work towards certification.
- Experience handling rare and fragile materials.
- Knowledge of organizational social media initiatives and activities.
- Experience in training and supervising interns and volunteers.
- English/Spanish bilingual communication and comprehension skills.
If you are interested in applying for this position please send your resume to koosterhuis@sistersofmercy.org.