Working under the general direction of the University Archivist, the Short-Term Project Archivist will process the Richard Kaplan Collection, consisting of roughly 11,000 items/300 cubic feet of material related to the history of the Holocaust, containing propaganda, posters, ephemera, rare books, papers and documents from concentration camps, anti-Semitic objects, photographs, and more, primarily from the 1930s-1940s. Some examples include uniforms, puppets, racial genealogy forms, “Jude” stars of David, concentration camp artifacts, photographs depicting camps, ghettos, and atrocities, items relating to the Hitler Youth, legal documents relating to racial laws, books and items relating to eugenics, family documents, and ephemera including pre-war Jewish community posters and items, American Bund items, and various formats of propaganda. This collection, some of its contents very rare or unique, will be an important resource for the study of history, antisemitism, propaganda, genocide, and related subjects.

The majority of the text is in English, though many (over a thousand) are in German, and nearly 300 items contain more than one language; Polish, Hebrew, and Czech are also common.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct a survey of the Richard Kaplan Holocaust Collection.
• In consultation with department staff, write a comprehensive processing plan that proposes an arrangement scheme.
• Reconcile extensive documentation with physical holdings, often at the item level; track hundreds of individual materials that may be described together but cannot be stored together.
• Arrange and describe the collection, mostly at the item level, according to accepted archival standards.
• House/rehouse individual items (booklets, ephemera, clothing fragments/accessories).
• Create, edit, and publish online finding aid to the collection.
• Identify items that are candidates for preservation work and digitization.

Note: This is a temporary, gift-funded, term-limited position, full-time for one year.

The hiring range for this position is $25 - $27 per hour.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications submitted by January 3, 2025.

Skills and knowledge: Experience processing archival collections; knowledge of archival and descriptive standards, including DACS, and best practices for appraising and processing archival materials and objects; experience working with Archives Space or similar collection management tool; effective communication and writing skills; strong organizational skills; strong attention to detail; ability to assess and solve problems accurately; ability to work independently; dependability.

Preferred skills and knowledge: Knowledge of Holocaust-era European history, experience working with and cataloging archival objects, experience investigating and documenting complex provenance, experience working with large archival collections and ability to consolidate and organize legacy documentation, knowledge of best practices for describing potentially disturbing or harmful content, language skills (see collection description).

Additional Information: May need to work with confidential information; may be required to sign Confidentiality Statement.

This is a union position. Employees working in this position are covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the University and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 888.  Provisions related to wages, benefits and other terms of employment are contained in the agreement.

Note: Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. is required.

Education: MS degree in Library & Information Science with a concentration in Archives Management (or equivalent) strongly preferred. Individuals with relevant processing experience may also be considered.

Work Experience: Demonstrated experience in processing collections is required. Some experience working in an archives or special collections department or comparable setting is desired.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans.  Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations.  Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society.  Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.

If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.