Project Archivist (2 positions, 6 month and 12 month contract),Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON

Location: Toronto, ON
Compensation: $68,719 - $89,246

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.


Description and Duties    

The Librarian, Project Archivist position offers an exciting opportunity for a future-focused and progressive professional archivist, who is creative, dynamic, and public service-oriented. As a member of the Archives and Special Collections (A&SC) team, and reporting to the Head, Collection Services, the successful candidate will collaborate with A&SC staff on the appraisal, arrangement and description, re-housing, and preservation of the archival collections related to the Canadian director Jeremy Podeswa. This is a full-time contract position.

TMU Image Arts graduate from 1984, Podeswa is the director of Fugitive Pieces, episodes of Six Feet Under, Queer as Folk, The Tudors, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, Nip/Tuck, and other productions. He has gifted an archive of materials from his career to the TMU Libraries Special Collections. The donation includes scripts, storyboards, photos, concept art pieces, architectural drawings, site plans, set drawings, and handwritten and typed notes. The archive spans genres from drama to horror to fantasy, allowing insight into the creative process from beginning to end, from script to screen.

TMU Libraries' Special Collections was established to help support the learning and teaching needs and facilitate the scholarly, research, and creative activities of the University community by acquiring and preserving rare books, photography, film, and cultural history objects. We have a particular responsibility to help students and staff gain access to the collection and aid them in the interpretation of those objects.


Qualifications    

• The successful candidate shall hold an MA or MLS degree from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent. A specialization in Archival Studies and/or Records Management is preferred. In addition, the candidate must present evidence of the following:
• Six (6) months of relevant experience working in an archive or special collection
• Proficiency in archival arrangement and description including standard schema such as RAD, ISAD(G), etc.
• Familiarity with current archival practices and emerging concepts.
• An understanding and commitment to decolonizing practices in archives and libraries.
• An active commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of their work and practice.
• Excellent working knowledge of archival database architecture and administration.
• Respect, professionalism, and willingness to engage in collegial decision-making through use of existing councils and governing bodies within the institution.
• Project management experience, specifically in planning exhibitions, blog postings, publications, and other events to showcase the work of Archives.
• A commitment to collaboration and collegiality and a strong focus on service to students, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent problem-solving and time-management skills and ability to operate effectively while balancing competing priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Appraisal, Arrangement, Description, Access, Outreach
• Archival appraisal, preservation, arrangement, and description of materials related to the Podeswa collection
• Arrange and describe records according to standard archival practices, using the Rules for Archival Description (RAD)
• Create and update finding aids for the collection, primarily using the AtoM online database
• Apply basic preservation management to archival holdings and ensure materials are properly housed and stored
• Identify access and copyright restrictions in the collection
• Plan initiatives for outreach such as exhibitions, blog posts, social media, and public events.
• Digitization and digital preservation of selected materials

Application information

https://careers.torontomu.ca/psc/hrcgprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=387340&PostingSeq=1&

Job ID 387340

Application Webpage (URL)    https://careers.torontomu.ca/psc/hrcgprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=387340&PostingSeq=1&
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025