Director, Chevy Chase Historical Society Archive and Research Center
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Chevy Chase Historical Society (CCHS) seeks a skilled, experienced, and enthusiastic professional for the full-time position of Director of the CCHS Archive and Research Center.
About CCHS
The Chevy Chase Historical Society (CCHS), a nonprofit membership organization with an all-
volunteer board, has been collecting material relevant to the area for 43 years. The CCHS archive is a unique resource for scholars, students, and residents of Chevy Chase, Maryland, one of the earliest planned suburbs in the United States. The archive contains approximately 15,000 photographs; 400 maps; more than 140 oral histories; a variety of documents such as memoirs, municipal records, personal papers, letters and yearbooks; a non-circulating reference library; and research files of pamphlets, clippings, and other materials.
Position Summary
The Director of the Archive and Research Center is the sole full-time staff member, and reports to the President of the Chevy Chase Historical Society. In addition to the primary responsibilities listed below, the Director will be the face of the Archives and Research Center, interacting with the public and surrounding municipalities, as well as sister organizations such as Montgomery History, Bethesda Historical Society, and DC History Center.
Primary Responsibilities
The Director of the Archive and Research Center will:
- Plan, direct, and coordinate the daily operations of the Archive and Research Center. These tasks include accessioning, arranging, digitizing, describing, and re-housing current and new manuscript collections, photographs, maps, and other material, as well as implementing basic preservation methods and collection development.
- Manage the human resources at the Archive and Research Center by recruiting graduate interns and volunteers, and by supervising and training interns and volunteers in an effective and collegial manner.
- Manage the Archive and Research Center in compliance with the annual budget and with the requirements of grant funding.
- Ensure that policies and procedures for the archive are in accordance with archival best practices. Maintain the Archive by monitoring environmental conditions and coordinate with outside vendors, contractors, etc., as needed.
- Maintain both the PastPerfect database and the CCHS website. http:/www.chevychasehistory.org
- Conceive and oversee the creation of new online exhibits drawn from the archival collection a well as research elsewhere.
- Oversee and enhance the CCHS oral history program and collection.
- Provide reference and research assistance for community members, patrons, volunteers, and interns.
- Manage social media platforms and develop content for outreach efforts.
- Support the Lecture Committee’s twice yearly public lectures program, both in person and virtual, usually held in the evening or on a late afternoon on a weekend.
- Support the Gala Committee, as it plans the annual fundraising event. This includes overseeing the research and writing of a house history for the CCHS Spring Gala, and designing and producing a physical exhibit created for the event.
- With Board oversight, manage the content and production of the three-times-yearly CCHS Newsletter, including developing short articles, editing, and liaison with outside printer.
- Prepare a column about the recent activities at the Archive and Research Center for the CCHS Newsletter.
- Prepare and present a brief written report on activities at the Archive and Research Center at the CCHS Board Meetings, which are typically held 10 times a year, usually in the evening.
Qualifications
- A Master’s Degree or PhD in Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Library Science, Public History, or US History with demonstrated experience working in an archive, in both analog and digital formats, OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Library Science, or US History, with a minimum of two years of hands-on experience working at an archive, in both analog and digital formats.
- Demonstrated strength in written, verbal, and analytical skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to prioritize work to ensure timely completion of projects. Aptitude for complex, analytical work with attention to detail, demonstrated in problem-solving skills, flexibility, and creativity.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the CCHS Board Members, staff, volunteers, donors, and members of the public.
- Demonstrated knowledge of US History in general, and familiarity with, or quickly able to learn, the history of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and the greater metropolitan area of Washington, DC.
- Experience, skills and familiarity with analog and digital collection preservation best practices using PastPerfect and standards such as DACS and Dublin Core.
- Strong computer skills, with desktop experience using InDesign, Photoshop, Constant Contact, WordPress, and Publisher as well as Drupal, the CCHS website content management system.
- Ability to bend, kneel, and lift heavy boxes.
Compensation
This is a permanent, full-time position, with occasional weekend and evening hours required. The starting salary will be $54,000 - $56,000 with opportunity for increases, plus nine paid federal holidays, two weeks annual vacation, and five paid sick days. Paid parking is provided.
Applications
Applicants should email the following: 1. a letter of application addressing your qualifications, 2. a resume, and 3. contact information for three professional references.
Email: director@chevychasehistory.org
Deadline for application: October 4, 2024. Review of candidates will begin September 16, 2024. Prompt applications are encouraged.
