Paper Conservator

The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) located in Boston, Massachusetts seeks a Paper Conservator. This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position; Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The MHS is an independent, scholarly research library founded in 1791 for the threefold purpose of collecting, preserving, and disseminating sources for the study of American history. The MHS holds more than 3,600 manuscript collections, as well as extensive collections of early American imprints, newspapers, maps, printed ephemera, photographs, engravings, and other research materials.

Duties: The Paper Conservator is responsible for the hands-on conservation of paper-based (manuscript and print) materials employing a variety of techniques including cleaning, flattening, repair (both aqueous and non-aqueous), deacidification, tape removal, and mildew remediation; consultation with the Preservation Librarian and Vice President for Collections to assess condition and determine the most appropriate treatment; documentation of condition and treatments; and preparation of items from the collection for exhibition and digitization. The Paper Conservator also will create enclosures, order supplies, and maintain the equipment and workspace in the conservation lab. The Paper Conservator may also prepare condition reports for outgoing loans, assist with project planning and grant applications, conduct tours and presentations in the Conservation Lab for students and visitors, and supervise student interns and volunteers. The successful candidate will be a member of the Collections Services Department and report directly to the Preservation Librarian.​_

Qualifications: Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with coursework in paper conservation; a minimum of three years’ bench work with paper conservation of special collections material from a variety of time periods; an understanding of basic conservation principles and knowledge of current paper conservation techniques; proficiency using conservation equipment and tools; experience preparing materials for exhibition, including mounting and matting; and experience preparing condition and treatment reports. The ideal candidate will also have experience supervising student interns and volunteers and giving demonstrations and tours of the lab to individuals and groups. The successful candidate must be flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently. S/he must possess strong planning and organization skills with an ability to prioritize and multi-task. The ability to write clearly and succinctly and a strong attention to detail are essential.

Salary and benefits: The MHS offers a competitive benefits package and salary commensurate with experience.

Application procedure: Send a cover letter, resume, sample images and reports of conservation treatments, and the names of three references, preferably by email, to:

Katherine Griffin, Nora Saltonstall Preservation Librarian

Massachusetts Historical Society

1154 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02215 kgriffin@masshist.org

Availability: This position is available immediately. Applications must be received by March 31, 2020.

Processing Archivist

The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) located in Boston, Massachusetts seeks a Processing Archivist. This is a full-time (35 hours/week) position, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm. The MHS is an independent, scholarly research library founded in 1791 for the threefold purpose of collecting, preserving, and disseminating sources for the study of American history. The MHS holds more than 3,600 manuscript collections, as well as extensive collections of early American imprints, newspapers, maps, printed ephemera, photographs, engravings, and other research materials.

Duties: The Processing Archivist is responsible for processing collections of personal and family papers and institutional records, including arrangement, basic preservation, and description according to MHS standards; encoding of finding aids using Encoded Archival Description (EAD); creating MARC collection-level records for entry into OCLC and ABIGAIL, the Society’s online catalog; surveying and inventorying newly-accessioned manuscript collections both on- and offsite; preparing collections for offsite storage; and supervising student interns. The Processing Archivist may also assist with exhibit preparation, reference service, presentations for students and visitors, and moving of collections. The successful candidate will be a member of the Collections Services Department and report directly to the Vice President for Collections.

Qualifications: An MLS from an ALA-accredited program in library science, with a concentration or significant coursework in archives management; a minimum of three years’ experience processing manuscript collections, including 18th and 19th century material; experience encoding finding aids using EAD and Oxygen (or other XML editing software); and MARC cataloging of manuscript collections in OCLC, Voyager, and/or other automated cataloging systems are required. Advanced coursework in history or a related field; experience supervising student interns and implementing More Product Less Process (MPLP); and familiarity with electronic records are preferred. The ability to write clearly and succinctly, as well as a strong attention to detail, is essential. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and able to work independently, as well as part of a team. This position requires the ability to lift boxes weighing up to fifty pounds and to transport materials loaded onto wheeled carts. Interviewees will be asked to complete a transcription test to demonstrate their ability to read cursive handwriting.

Salary: The MHS offers a competitive benefits package and salary commensurate with experience.

Application procedure: Send a cover letter, resume, example(s) of completed finding aids and/or writing samples, and the names of three references, preferably by email, to:

Brenda Lawson, Vice President for Collections

Massachusetts Historical Society

1154 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02215 blawson@masshist.org

Availability: This position is available on May 1, 2020. Applications must be received by March 31, 2020.

Finance Department – Staff Accountant

Purpose: The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the Society’s day-to-day business operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The tasks include varied accounting responsibilities, as well as some human resources and purchasing duties.

Reporting Relationships: This Full-Time position reports to the Controller and indirectly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Scope: Payroll and benefits of $3.5MM; operating budget of $6.5MM; total of 60 MHS employees.

Major Responsibilities:

· Assist Controller with day-to-day accounting and general ledger functions, including journal entries, account reconciliations, bank deposits, credit card processing, and accounts payable*

· Prepare audit workpapers and pull audit sample requests; prepare tax schedules for Form 990*

· Assist with preparing quarterly financial reports for grants, (Federal, State and private foundation), including maintaining supporting records.*

· Assist Controller with processing payroll and maintaining employee benefits, including journal entries for entering compensation information to the general ledger

· Manage purchasing function including negotiating contracts and preferential pricing

· Provides support with office records management

· Additional tasks as assigned

* Essential functions

Key Contacts

External - Banks, vendors, and benefits and insurance brokers.

Internal – All department managers, Executive Assistant to the President.

Requirements:

Education

· Bachelor’s degree with focus in accounting; advanced degree preferred

Experience

· 2-4 years’ experience in an office environment.

· Experience with and knowledge of data processing.

· Experience working in a nonprofit organization a plus

· Experience with payroll processing a plus

Skills

· Strong planning and organization skills with ability to prioritize and multi-task

· Excellent listening skills and the ability to empathize

· Excellent oral and written communications skills

· Strong analytical and problem solving skills

· Detail oriented with ability to understand the “big picture” and act within that context

· Flexibility with time and people

· Ability to work independently

· Available for evening events and occasional weekend programs.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Travel: Minimal

Application Procedures: Please send a résumé and brief cover letter to: thamond@masshist.org AND wtsoules@masshist.org

Compensation: Commensurate with experience