Assistant Archivist

Full-Time

The Medical Mission Sisters Unit North America Archives are looking for an Archives Assistant to process archival collections, conduct high-level inventories and prepare materials for a large-scale transfer of records to an academic institution in the fall of 2027. 

The Medical Mission Sisters Unit North America was founded in 1925 as a religious order of Catholic sisters focused on training medical professionals and serving communities around the world. Its institutional archives document the rich history and activities of the 100-year old congregation and serve as a valuable resource to the organization, researchers and scholars across numerous fields.

This position is especially suitable for early-career archive professionals seeking valuable experience in archival processing and collections management, or experienced professionals seeking a fixed-term position.

This is an on-site, full-time position based in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia, expected to run for approximately 15 months.  This position provides full employment benefits.

DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES:

Assist with the backlog of appraisals and accessions

Collaborate with the archivist to create and maintain inventories and finding aids

Document and purge non-archival documents and artifacts

Digitize materials as needed

Assess records and artifacts for preservation, and re-house materials as needed

Maintain repository environment according to best practices

Respond to reference requests from sisters, staff, and leadership team, as well as outside researchers; provide reading room supervision

Receive and accession incoming records

Maintain a high standard of professional confidentiality

Promote the values and mission of the Society

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Ability to:

Organize and plan own work, meet agreed, prioritized objectives, with a systematic, methodical approach to tasks

Use judgment and initiative creatively

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Possess a well-developed ability to work effectively with others as part of a team

Exhibit diplomacy and ability to work with persons from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds

Espouse a strong commitment to learn and work with the values and mission of the Society

Foster a respectful, cooperative, professional, and courteous work environment, maintain confidentiality and employ tact and diplomacy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum college degree in history, library science, or related field; MLIS preferred

Previous experience in archives, special collections, or records management

Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice

Knowledge of best practices for digital preservation and digitization

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects, working cooperatively with others or independently.

EOE