University Archivist

Description Job Summary The Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University seeks a collaborative, adaptable, service-oriented, and innovative professional to serve as the University Archivist. Reporting to the Director of the Archives, this person will provide leadership for the selection, appraisal, transfer, description, and preservation of official University records of permanent value, including implementing a records management program. The person will also articulate a vision for collecting opportunities within and beyond the official records of the institution. Collection efforts will seek all formats of material, with special attention to digital records such as email, websites, and other born-digital materials. The person will collaborate with faculty, students, administrators, alumni, and researchers, providing in-depth reference assistance, classroom instruction, and public-facing presentations. This is a twelve-month, continuing (non-tenured) faculty position, to be hired at the Assistant Clinical Professor level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies, including donors, university administrators, alumni, researchers, and members of the public. • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, written, and oral communication skills, with a positive customer service orientation. • Ability to balance and complete multiple concurrent projects, set priorities, and work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of University faculty and staff. • Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and flexibility; and a commitment to professional engagement and continuous learning, including learning new technologies. • Knowledge of standards and best practices relevant to the appraisal, acquisition, preservation, and use of University records in all formats. • Experience with digitization and understanding of digital asset lifecycle management, including institutional repository systems (Digital Commons, ArchivesSpace, Omeka, Aviary, etc.). • Knowledge and experience in archival preservation practices, technologies, and methodologies, including analog and digital preservation for multi-format collections. • Demonstrated knowledge of descriptive and metadata standards (EAD, DACS, Dublin Core, etc.). • Excellent project management skills and the ability to supervise the work of others. • Ability to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. • Ability to move archival collections (up to 40 pounds). • Ability to tolerate dust and possible mold exposure. • Ability to tolerate occasional exposure to fumes. Required Qualifications • MLS, MLIS, or MS degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent education and experience (advanced degree in a relevant discipline, such as History, combined with professional experience working in archives) is required by the time of appointment. Preferred Qualifications • At least two years of full-time experience working in a university archives. • Knowledge of ETSU’s history. Key Functions and Expected Performance Primary Duties • Oversees the appraisal, acquisition, preservation, and use of University records of permanent historical and administrative value in analog and digital formats and the private records of organizations and individuals associated with the University (including alumni), for documenting the history and functions of ETSU. • Develops, promotes, and implements policies leading to an effective and integrated records management program that meets the University’s current and future records and information management needs and all state and legal requirements. • Advises University departments on appropriate schedules for retention and disposal of University records in all formats. Works with responsible individuals in record-creating departments and offices of the University to provide for the transfer of non-current records of permanent historical value to the University Archives. • Evaluates, accesses, and arranges University records and donated collections and prepares finding aids to facilitate their use by researchers • In coordination with colleagues in the Sherrod Library and Archives of Appalachia, takes an active role in developing a program of instruction, outreach, public presentations, tours, exhibitions, and publications that promotes understanding of the University’s history in the campus and larger communities and that enhances awareness and use of the archival records for research, teaching, and administrative purposes. • Provides in-person and remote reference service for University Archives holdings. • Collaborates with faculty to provide course-integrated instruction on the nature of University Archives and the history of ETSU. Assists in identifying University Archives collections that students could use for class projects and independent research. • Participates in ongoing efforts to preserve and provide access to digitized and born-digital records, with particular attention to email, websites, and related content. • Fosters interest about ETSU’s history through the development of digital resources, programming, and presentations. • Serves as the key point of contact between University Archives and ETSU’s institutional repository (Digital Commons), to ensure that digitized and born-digital content is preserved and made accessible according to professional standards and best practices • Works collaboratively with colleagues in the Sherrod Library, Archives of Appalachia, Information Technology Services (ITS), the ETSU National Alumni Association, and departments across the university to facilitate the appraisal, acquisition, preservation, and use of University records. • Supervises and trains student assistants. Secondary • Performs other duties as assigned Application Instructions • Exempt positions are required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. • Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. • Please attach the following: Cover Letter, CV, and Transcripts. • The job posting will remain open until filled, but applications received by January 7th, 2026, will be guaranteed consideration. Compensation & Benefits • Starting salary of $53,000.00 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package including professional development support. The budget for this position is limited to the Assistant Clinical Professor rank. • Benefits – please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/. University Overview East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement. ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disclaimer Statement: • Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.