Summer Archival Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intro/Program Description: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) is a well-established Manhattan community-based agency that provides support services to approximately 20,000 New Yorkers. We are one of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults throughout New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families.

Purpose of Position: The Goddard Riverside Archive Summer Intern will assist the communications department in examining, organizing, and storing various pieces of historic media in preparation for Goddard’s 175th anniversary. This will include, but will not be limited to: Photos, videos, past public communications, past internal communications, and similar items. The intern will also engage in light writing for potential inclusion in physical and digital media. The intern will be instructed and guided by individuals in the communications department.

Schedule: Monday through Friday; May 27-August 26; exact dates flexible, 9:00am to 5:00pm with flexibility (14 hours a week)

Hourly Range: $18.50-$22.00 per hour

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

Role, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

• Describe, organize, and label materials at file and box level according to established record groups
• Digitize photos, documents, etc.
• Re-house materials in provided archival boxes, folders, and sleeves if needed
• Move archival boxes and assets in and out of storage
• Support creation of a guide for navigating the physical archive
• Research the history of Goddard Riverside, related organizations, and their leaders and supporters, at the NY Public Library, Columbia Archives and other institutions
• Read books about Goddard and other organizations and make a record of relevant content
• Offer ideas on how to translate archival information and materials into compelling content for our 175th anniversary
• Create/compile timeline of events with photos, documents etc. with notations
• Write short biographies of relevant historical persons for inclusion in digital and physical communications

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• At least 2 years of undergraduate coursework in history, library science, or related field (major preferred)
• Attending a tri-state (NY, NJ, CT) college or university in the upcoming fall semester for undergraduate or graduate studies OR Graduated from a history or related undergraduate or graduate program this past semester (Spring 2026)

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience using institutional archives – requesting, handling items, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strict deadlines
• Ability to work with a diverse population, both inside and outside the agency
• Self-directed with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• High level of energy, proactivity and commitment
• Preferred: an interest in 20th Century New York City history and/or an interest in the history of social services

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be:

• Proficient user of office technology and information systems (including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Preferred: familiar with visual storage software Canto
• Preferred: familiar with task management software Monday.com
• Preferred: familiar with design software Canva

Physical Requirements

• Extensive computer use
• Dexterity to move fragile objects
• Able to lift 20 lbs
• Able to sit or stand for over an hour
• Ability to travel throughout NYC (residency preferred)

Work Environment

• This is an on-site position with 14 hours per week
• Goddard Riverside Main Office on the Upper West Side
• Columbia University Archives at Butler Library
• NY Public Library branches

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.