Archivist

Essential Function: Assume primary responsibility for the management of the records of the Archdiocese of Mobile and for providing reference services to various patrons and ministries within and without the archdiocese.
Reports to: Vicar General FLSA: Hourly, Non-exempt

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Management of the permanent physical archives:
• Arrange, describe, store and retrieve administrative and historical documents, files, records (both paper and electronic), as well as artifacts stored in the archives
• Ensure that all permanent records continue to be catalogued using the PastPerfect database and maintain those already entered
• Monitor the building to maintain a safe environment for the documents
• Continue to collect and preserve Sacramental Registers from all parishes and missions, in which all records are at least 75 years old, digitizing them for access and preservation
• Every 10 years, gather the current Sacramental Registers from all parishes to digitize and write to microfilm as protection against catastrophic loss
• Maintain an inventory of items held in trust and items loaned to outside entities
• Manage the research library

Records Management, permanent and non-permanent records:
• Continue to develop and update a records retention schedule for the archdiocese
• Manage the retention of non-permanent paper records during their retention period when there is not enough room for them at the office of record
• Develop and maintain an electronic document management system for the archdiocese
• Provide training in records management to the various offices in the archdiocese

Reference Services:
• Be available to the Chancery and to employees of the archdiocese to provide any records they may need in their work
• Research and provide copies of archived Sacramental Records for the faithful when requested for current sacramental use
• Provide assistance to parishes currently in the archdiocese and those formerly in the Diocese of Mobile, and to outside researchers, when requested
• Provide assistance for genealogy researchers as time allows

Administrative Duties:
• Create/maintain policies and procedures for the archives as necessary
• Oversee creation yearly of the archives budget and manage the day-to-day accounting
• Perform other duties as assigned, including administrative duties in the archives

Physical/Mental Requirements: Requires coordination and manual dexterity, normal mental and visual ability; ability to lift 40 pounds to place on shelves 5.5 feet high. Walking, sitting, standing, stooping, reaching, talking, handling, hearing, and carrying and lifting of moderately heavy items.

Basic Qualifications:
• Catholic in good standing with the Church
• Have a working knowledge of, and a strong commitment to, the mission of the Catholic Church
• Ability to make independent decisions
• Excellent communications skills, including written, verbal and public speaking and presentation skills
• Have reliable transportation with an ability to travel locally as required; weekend work may be required at times
• Have excellent human relations and interpersonal skills
• Must be a "self-starter" and be well organized
• Be proficient in information management using computer technology
• Must have an understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Successfully complete a criminal history and background check
• Professional bearing and clean, neat personal appearance

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree, masters in library science or archival studies is preferable
• Equivalent experience working in archives would be considered
• Training or a working knowledge of archival processes and procedures
• Records management experience or willingness to continue education
• Detailed computer skills, including experience with, or willingness to learn, management of the electronic records of the archdiocese

Other Preferred Skills and Abilities:
• Proven ability to successfully prioritize and handle multiple tasks
• High sense of responsibility because of the need to safeguard valuable, fragile, and confidential archives materials
• Have or be willing to develop a working knowledge of basic key Latin, French and Spanish words

Please send resume, cover letter including your expected salary and references, either within the resume or listed separately to [email protected] no later than April 15, 2023.