The Hoover Institution Library & Archives is seeking enthusiastic, innovative, service-oriented candidates for the new full-time, career track position of Instruction & Outreach Archivist, responsible for promoting access and discovery of its world-renowned library and archival collections through primary source instruction, writing assignments, exhibit development, and physical and virtual programming directed towards the academic community, broad public, and other audiences.
Please submit a one-page cover letter and resume along with your online application.
About Stanford University's Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy--both domestic and foreign--as well as international affairs.
Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.
With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Instruction & Outreach Archivist is responsible for promoting the primary sources of the Library & Archives through collaborative instruction, publications, programming, and other creative outreach and educational opportunities to encourage collections awareness across the academic community, attentive public, and digital realm. The candidate for this position would use their significant subject knowledge in 20th and 21st century history, strong writing skills, and outstanding research and communication skills to take a lead role in coordinating and developing content for a growing engagement program that seeks to bring increased awareness to the Library & Archives mission and collections.
CORE DUTIES:
Conduct tours of the archives and presentations of archival materials for Hoover and Stanford staff, donors, and a range of visitors and dignitaries.
Work with Hoover staff, fellows, and Stanford faculty to develop robust educational and instructional programs based on primary sources.
Lead class and other visits to the Library & Archives based on twentieth- and twenty-first-century themes and events, in-person and online; create instructional materials and subject guides based on Library & Archives holdings in a wide variety of digital and physical formats.
Consult and collaborate with other staff on promotional and development activities to highlight and promote the Library & Archives instruction and outreach activities, including contributing articles to newsletters, development materials, annual reports, etc.
Contribute high quality written content for L&A website, publications, social media, and other public-facing platforms; support editing and writing projects that highlight Library & Archives collections and the Institution's education and outreach efforts.
Help develop exhibitions, physical and online, that showcase the breadth and depth of the collections and relevance to current events.
Oversee the Library & Archives Silas Palmer Fellowship and Research Support Program and other programs, as directed.
Help to build knowledge of and increase access to the Library & Archives collections and services through in-person and remote programs.
Develop and implement an assessment program to measure and continually improve the efficacy of teaching practices using archival and library materials; collect and maintain statistics, reports, and other metrics to assess and improve functions.
* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Advanced degree in twentieth- or twenty-first-century history, English, public policy, communications, education, museum studies, or a relevant academic discipline, and two or more years of work experience in a large manuscript or archival repository or related institution, or a combination of education and relevant experience. MLIS from an ALA-accredited library school or MA with archival concentration, archival management certificate, or related subject specialty preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, with extensive public speaking experience.
Commitment to special collections and archives public service, including a keen interest in promoting the use and appreciation of archival materials and teaching with primary sources.
Demonstrated ability to work fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adjust to changes and reprioritizations.
Demonstrated knowledge of twentieth- and/or twenty-first-century history highly desirable.
Ability to interact with a diverse staff and public; work collegially with supervisor, peers, faculty, and other staff; and exhibit understanding of importance of service to both the Hoover Institution and outside audiences.
Established understanding of the principles of archival research, organization, practice, standards, and proper handling of unique and fragile materials.
Demonstrated project management abilities and excellent organizational skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, show initiative, exhibit mature judgment and discretion, and organize and manage team-based projects.
Demonstrated research experience, with proven analytical and interpretive skills.
Administrative aptitude and strong recordkeeping and information technology skills.
Experience with, or ability to learn, skills for the supervision and training of staff and student assistants.
Desired/Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated understanding of academic libraries desired.
Strong preference for a working knowledge of one or more non-English languages.
Familiarity with, or ability to learn communication platforms (i.e. Slack, etc.) as well as project management tools (i.e. Smartsheets), course management systems (i.e., Canvas), and application software (i.e., Interfolio).
Awareness of current trends in research and cultural heritage organizations.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Sit a great deal of the time; perform desk-based computer tasks.
Work with books and in places that may be dusty.
Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 15 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
Occasionally use a telephone, operate hand controls.
Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds. Ability to lift 40 pound boxes or bundles.
*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold.
May work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients as well as with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
