University Archivist

Job Requisition:

JR101302 University Archivist (Open)

Job Posting Title:

University Archivist

Department:

CC00054 WM001 | PROV | Swem Library Operating

Job Family:

Staff - Librarians

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Swem Library

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

William & Mary Libraries support and enhance teaching and research and foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

William & Mary Libraries invites applications for the position of University Archivist. This position leads the collection, management, and preservation of the university’s official and historical records and serves as the primary authority on the materials that document William & Mary’s history.

Reporting to the Director of the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC), the University Archivist sets priorities for the University Archives, ensuring the documentation of institutional history in accordance with university priorities, Virginia state guidelines, and professional archival standards.

The University Archivist works directly with the Office of the President and other university departments on matters related to university history and official records. The position also serves as the Public Records Officer for William & Mary, overseeing the university’s compliance with the Virginia Public Records Act and leading education, consultation, and outreach on state records retention guidelines.

This position collaborates regularly with the Office of University Counsel, Human Resources, Office of University Advancement, Student Affairs, and other administrative and academic units to support records management, institutional memory, and historical storytelling.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Collection, Preservation, and Institutional History
o Serve as the steward of the University Archives and an expert on the materials that document William & Mary’s history.
o Advise the Office of the President and other senior leaders on questions related to William & Mary’s history.
o Appraise, acquire, and preserve records and materials that document the governance, culture, and activities of the university.
o Lead efforts to share William & Mary’s institutional history through research, exhibits, and public engagement.
• Records Management
o Serve as William & Mary’s Public Records Officer, ensuring compliance with the Virginia Public Records Act and state records retention guidelines.
o Develop and deliver records management consultation, training, and guidance to departments across the university.
o Oversee records appraisals, records transfers, and records disposition in collaboration with university departments.
• Research, Instruction, Outreach & Public Services
o Provide research support on university history for campus offices, faculty, students, alumni, and external researchers.
o Design and deliver instruction sessions and workshops that integrate archival and other special collections resources into academic courses and campus programs.
o Collaborate with colleagues across the University to develop public programs, exhibits, and storytelling initiatives related to university history.
o Promote awareness of the University Archives through outreach and partnerships across campus.
o Cover reference shifts and the welcome desk and reading room.
• Professional Engagement
o Participate as an active and engaged professional faculty member of William & Mary and serving on library and university committees as required.
o Participate in professional development activities and maintain awareness of standards and innovations in the library and archival field.
o Serve as a mentor for graduate student apprentices and undergraduate student assistants.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program, Archival Studies, History, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience managing institutional archives programs.

• Knowledge of archival theory, records appraisal and management principles, and relevant legal frameworks (e.g., the Virginia Public Records Act).

• Experience delivering instruction and making presentations.

• A commitment to growth related to communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a college or university archives setting.

• Familiarity with Virginia state records retention schedules and higher education governance.

• Experience working with and preserving archival collections in non-textual formats, such as photographs, audio recordings, video recordings, and digital files.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present history to various audiences.

 

Conditions of Employment: 

• This position may require additional hours beyond the typical work week, to include occasional overnight and weekend and holiday work as needed to meet the business needs of the operation.

Duties: 

40% Collection, Preservation, and Institutional History:

• Serve as the steward of the University Archives and an expert on the materials that document William & Mary’s history.

• Advise the Office of the President and other senior leaders on questions related to William & Mary’s history.

• Appraise, acquire, and preserve records and materials that document the governance, culture, and activities of the university.

• Lead efforts to share William & Mary’s institutional history through research, exhibits, and public engagement.

 

30% Records Management:

• Serve as William & Mary’s Public Records Officer, ensuring compliance with the Virginia Public Records Act and state records retention guidelines.

• Develop and deliver records management consultation, training, and guidance to departments across the university.

• Oversee records appraisals, records transfers, and records disposition in collaboration with university departments.

 

20% Research, Instruction, Outreach & Public Services:

• Provide research support on university history for campus offices, faculty, students, alumni, and external researchers.

• Design and deliver instruction sessions and workshops that integrate archival and other special collections resources into academic courses and campus programs.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the University to develop public programs, exhibits, and storytelling initiatives related to university history.

• Promote awareness of the University Archives through outreach and partnerships across campus.

• Cover reference shifts and the welcome desk and reading room.

 

5% Professional Engagement:

• Participate as an active and engaged professional faculty member of William & Mary and serving on library and university committees as required.

• Participate in professional development activities and maintain awareness of standards and innovations in the library and archival field.

• Serve as a mentor for graduate student apprentices and undergraduate student assistants.

Posting range: $65,000 to $75,000 commensurate with experience.

 

Additional Job Description:

 

For full consideration, please apply by the review date. A resume/CV and cover letter are required for this position and should address why you are interested and how you meet the qualifications. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0539 - Librarian II - Exempt - Salary - S11

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S11

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-02-02

Review Date:

2026-03-03

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

 

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.