Entry Level Archivist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Description
Position Summary
Reporting to the Head of Archives Processing, the Visiting Archivist leads the processing of the Jim Alexander photographs collection and creates descriptive tools for the collection including a comprehensive finding aid and a MARC catalog record. The Visiting Archivist is also responsible for providing reference services to researchers using the collection, which may include Emory students and faculty, visiting scholars, and members of the public. The incumbent is expected to participate in outreach activities to promote the collection through social media, contributions to Rose Library publications, and other collection activation efforts and activities.
Jim Alexander is an American documentary photographer who has spent over 50 years documenting Black culture and civil and human rights movements across the United States. In 1977, he became photographer in residence at the AtlantaNeighborhood Arts Center and was photographer in residence at Clark College from 1984-1990. The collection consists of 108 linear feet of photograph prints, negatives, slides, and contact sheets of images taken by Jim Alexander from circa 1960-2022, including images of prominent African American politicians, athletes, activists, authors, and artists.
This is an entry-level position, but it does require some prior experience arranging and describing archival collections, such as through a graduate internship, practicum, or part-time role.
The successful candidate will have knowledge of African American history, art, or visual culture, demonstrated through (for example) an undergraduate minor or major in African American studies, art history, or related field, or hands-on experience with African American archival collections.
This position is funded by a grant from the Getty Foundation.
Flexible Workplace
This position offers some possibility for flexible work arrangements; however, the expectation is that the successful candidate will work primarily on-site.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Arrangement and Description of the Jim Alexander photograph collection, in consultation with the Curator of African American Collections and the Head of Archives Processing. (80%)
• Outreach, Public Programming, and Reference, in coordination with the Curator of African American Collections, to promote and activate the collection through writing blog posts, articles, or social media and/or programming opportunities to promote the collection and its use to promote the collection and its use. (15%)
• Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge and skills in areas related to primary job assignment as well as maintains general knowledge of current trends in higher education, academic libraries, and information and educational technology and participates in library and campus committees as appropriate for service purposes. (5%)

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master's degree in Library and Information Science OR equivalent education and relevant library experience.
• 0-3 years' experience arranging and describing archives and manuscript collections.
• Knowledge of current national archival and descriptive standards and best practices, including working knowledge of MARC, EAD, DACS, and other archival descriptive standards.
• Background in African American history, art, or visual culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with photographic collections, or knowledge of trends in digitization or processing of photographic collections.
• Experience working in an academic library, public library, school library or other cultural heritage setting, or education institution.

Join Our Information Session: Visiting Archivist for the Jim Alexander photographs
Date: August 12, 2025
Time: 3:00-4:00 PM (ET)
Details: Learn more about the role, our collections, and what we're looking for in the next curator.
If you're interested and available to join, please register here to receive the Zoom webinar link: https://emory.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P9bGB2a7RjKk5wRj4Ad8hQ
Join us to learn about the Visiting Archivist role at Emory's Rose Library. The position focuses on processing the Jim Alexander collection-over 100 linear feet of photographs documenting Black culture and civil rights from the 1960s to 2022.
Ideal for early-career archivists with an interest in African American history, art, or visual culture. We'll share more about the role, the collection, and what we're looking for.
Register to receive the Zoom link!
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should review the applications requirements and apply online at {https://apply.interfolio.com/171624},
Applications may be submitted as Word or PDF attachments and must include:
1) A cover letter that includes a statement of interest, describing your qualifications and relevant experience, as well as your interest in this position and in contributing to the mission and values of Emory.
2) A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your educational background and relevant professional experience.
3) On a separate document list the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of 3 professional references including a current or previous supervisor.
Candidates applying by September 5, 2025, will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is successfully filled. Emory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that welcomes and encourages diversity and seeks applications and nominations from women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans.