TITLE: Archivist, Temporary Position

PAY: Non-exempt, full-time, $23-$28/hour

STATUS: Contract Position

SHU SUMMARY:

 

The mission of Siena Heights University (SHU), a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment that respects the dignity of all. Since its founding in 1919 as a women’s college, the institution has responded to the signs of the times. Enrollment has included both men and women, a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students. Learning has occurred both on-ground and online. Siena Heights is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as an institution founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, MI, with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

 

The university is closing in June 2026.

 

GENERAL PROJECT SCOPE: 

 

The Processing Archivist is a 6-8 month or up to one-year full-time temporary position designed to collect, appraise, arrange, describe, and prepare the historical records of SHU for transfer to a final repository(ies).  While following the guidance of SHU Leadership’s honorable closure plan and in collaboration with the Adrian Dominican Sisters' archival team, the Processing Archivist will prepare the collection and execute the approved final transition plan. All duties are performed in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of SHU. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DELIVERABLES:

• Assess the current preservation state, collection scope, and physical and digital extent of the overall collection and align with current archival SHU policy.
• Study and understand the history and culture of SHU to bring the Archive to an honorable closing.  Meet with Leadership, Adrian Dominican Sisters, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and students. 
• Collaborate closely with existing departments to schedule final content transfers to the archival collection, including but not limited to Leadership, Communications, Advancement, Campus Life, Technology, etc. Schedule final content transfers of both physical and digital materials.
• Organize, arrange, and document collection according to university schema best practices.  Create a box-level inventory of the entire collection for the future receiving repository(ies). 
• Based on approved policy, execute the management of sensitive materials, for example: legal, confidential files, and copyright records.
• Recommend deaccessioning out-of-scope content like artwork, artifacts, media, blueprints, etc., for disposition, donation, etc.
• Identify, assemble, and procure SHU Leadership approval for the official history sources of SHU.  Generate a bibliographical collection/list, reference guides, and SHU glossary that captures terms unique to the SHU community.  
• Enhance, prioritize, and execute an honorable closing project plan that considers the prior SHU Archive Transition Proposal.
• Delegate, train, and oversee volunteers, interns, and other staff as applicable.
• Collaborate with current Leadership, key stakeholders, interns, and the Adrian Dominican Sisters team to execute the above tasks.
• Provide regular reports that record project progress and strategic solutions.
• Apply archival best-practice standards for appraising, de/accessioning, cataloguing, processing, storing, and accessing the final collection.
• Expand upon the SHU Archive Transition Proposal, research, recommend, and prepare the Archive for its final home.
• Respond appropriately to safety hazards and/or emergencies following written campus procedures. Comply with all safety policies and procedures by practicing good safety and health habits while performing duties.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the project.

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

In collaboration with SHU Leadership and other key stakeholders, the Processing Archivist will create a final transition plan for the University Archives. Upon approval, the Processing Archivist will execute the approved final plan and bring the Archive to an honorable closure.  Throughout the contract, the Processing Archivist will provide monthly written reports of project status and deliverables to the Provost.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree Required
• Master's Degree in Library Science with a specialization in Archival Administration preferred.  

Experience:

• Minimum of three to five years of experience in archival work.
• Knowledge and experience in archival processing, digital collections, and project work. 
• Familiarity in working with university collections preferred.
• Competency in MS Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and digital sharing platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to learn, understand, and support the SHU Mission and Values.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to function independently with flexibility and personal integrity.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a timely manner.

Working Conditions:

• This position is based on the SHU campus in Adrian, MI, with on-site presence required during all working hours.
• May be required to stand for extended periods, lift and move materials up to 20 pounds, and perform physically demanding tasks as needed.
• Full Time, Monday through Friday. Flexibility with work schedule, including occasional extended hours or weekends, may be required to meet project deadlines.

Contract Details

• Full-Time Contract Position
• Duration of 6-8 months (possibly up to one year depending on project progress)
• Compensation – Commensurate with experience
• Contractor is responsible for payment of taxes and insurance

ACCOUNTABILITY: Accountable to the SHU Provost

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of this position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply by submitting your resume and cover letter to SHUjobs@sienaheights.edu