Job posting: Archives Associate, South Side Community Art Center

Janet Olson — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:16:05 GMT

Full time, two-year, in-person position, made possible by a grant from the Getty Foundation.

Salary: $60,000

The South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) seeks to hire an Archives Associate. The Associate will report directly to the Manager of Archives and Collections to support the stewardship of the archives and art collection at the South Side Community Art Center. The Archives Associate will be primarily responsible for completing the processing of mid-level to sizable collections that range up to approximately 200 linear feet, in particular the Dr. Margaret T. G. Burroughs Collection. Archival assets include a range of text, graphic, and art-related materials: letters, documents, photographs, artworks, ephemera, magazines, recordings, and books.

Other primary functions of this role include assisting in the development of policies, procedures, guidelines, and strategic planning, and providing recommendations and implementing best practices for ongoing collections care, access, education, engagement, and digitization strategies.

The ideal candidate for this role should demonstrate a willingness to develop an in-depth familiarity with the South Side Community Art Center (https://sscartcenter.org/), its history, impact in the community, the SSCAC staff, and a dedication to stewarding archival materials.

Key responsibilities include:
- Archival processing of numerous unprocessed collections with primary focus on the completion of the Dr. Margaret T. G. Burroughs Collection, including developing work plans for each collection, cataloging, and completed finding aids using specified collection management tools
- Conducting research to support processing work including Scope and Content Notes, completed Finding Aids, public programs, and other documentation to support the archives.
- Under the direction of the Archives and Collections Manager, working collaboratively with SSCAC staff, Archives and Collections Committee of the Center’s Board, and occasionally with outside contractors (web design team, guest curators, strategy consultants, etc.)
- Participating in team meetings, strategic planning, and workflow discussions
- Applying knowledge and expertise on archival descriptive standards, intellectual property rights, archival collections care, and strategies towards digital preservation of archival materials
- Researching, developing, presenting, and implementing best practices in organization, storage, and access (physical and digital) for archival collections; and providing documentation of methodology and research
- Engaging in plans for digitization, promotion, use, and development of the SSCAC’s Archives with both institutional and community researchers in mind
- In conjunction with the Archives and Collections Manager, developing the Archives Processing Manual to outline a streamlined process for stewarding the archives

Additional duties include:
- Conduct archival reference by communicating with researchers and supervising archives visits for individual researchers, classes, and other archives patrons in consultation with the Archives and Collections Manager and the Executive Director
- Assisting in the day-to-day work and responsibilities of the Archives and Collections Manager, including supervision of volunteers, interns, or student workers
- Support SSCAC staff at events, openings, and public programs by actively participating with needed tasks
- Maintaining a professional profile by participating in professional development opportunities which include participating in relevant conferences, and publishing writing related to our archives and collection for SSCAC website, social media platforms, and academic journals.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (with a focus in Archival and records management, rare books and manuscripts, digital preservation, and library conservation), Art History, or Museum Studies.

To apply for this position:

Please submit the following materials to rachel@sscartcenter.org:
● A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and in the South Side Community Art Center
● CV or Resume
● Two academic or professional (or one of each) references that can speak to your ability, accomplishments, and strengths as an applicant for this position

Application deadline: July 31, 2026

Internship opportunity: Archival Processing Assistant, DuSable Museum

Janet Olson — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:03:33 GMT

Internship: Archival Processing Assistant, DuSable Museum

Summer internship, 20 - 25 hours weekly for 6 - 8 weeks

The DuSable Black History Museum is offering unpaid summer internships to students, especially those in the field of Library Science, who are seeking practical archival processing experience.

Under the active supervision of the museum’s Senior Archivist, students will contribute to the museum’s ongoing effort to organize, describe, and catalog a large backlog of materials related to Black history, life, and culture.

Requirements:

Patience and attention to detail

Candidate must be pursuing studies in Library Science, Archives, Museum Studies, or related fields

For more information: https://dusablemuseum.org/careers/ If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please respond with details of your availability and include a few words about why you are interested and how you feel you can contribute: hrapplicants@dusablemuseum.org

Application deadline: July 10, 2026

Chicago Area Archivists Jobs

Job posting: Archives Associate, South Side Community Art Center

Internship opportunity: Archival Processing Assistant, DuSable Museum