Job Posting - Digital Archives Assistant - McDonogh School

Digital Archives Assistant

Position Details

Title Digital Archives Assistant - Part Time
Supervisor Director of Archives and Special Collections
FLSA Designation Non-Exempt
Calendar 12 month

General Summary

The Wilson | Young Archives & Special Collections at McDonogh School seeks an exceptional candidate to join our best-in-class archival facility as a Digital Archives Assistant. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth and experience in a premier archives program that manages one of the most diverse and significant collections among independent school archives. While on-site hours are required, the archives assistant may complete some duties remotely.

Our archives, established in 1989, serves as the official repository for McDonogh School (founded 1873) and houses hundreds of linear feet of extraordinary special collections extending far beyond institutional records. From manuscript collections and historical photographs to rare books, maps, artwork, and artifacts, our holdings document not only McDonogh's rich 150+ year history but also include materials of national and international significance—ranging from student organization records and military uniforms of early McDonogh cadets to a remarkable collection of etchings by renowned British artist Eileen Alice Soper (1905-1990). As our Digital Archives Assistant, you'll work directly with these irreplaceable primary source materials while contributing to our partnership with Digital Maryland, the statewide digital preservation program of the Enoch Pratt Free Library/Maryland State Library Resource Center. This collaboration ensures your work will have lasting impact and reach beyond our institution, contributing to Maryland's broader cultural heritage preservation efforts.

The Ideal Candidate: We seek a motivated individual with a bachelor's degree—or who may be pursuing advanced study in—History, American Studies, Public History, Museum Studies, Library Science, Information Studies, Digital Humanities, Art History, English, Literature, Anthropology, Sociology, Education, or related fields, and/or current enrollment in an ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS program. This role is perfect for someone passionate about preserving cultural heritage and eager to gain comprehensive experience in modern archival practice.

Under the supervision of the Director of Archives & Special Collections, you'll take primary responsibility for advancing our ongoing digitization initiatives, gaining hands-on experience with the complete digital preservation workflow while working with historically significant and often irreplaceable materials. This position offers flexibility as either a paid work-study internship with potential academic credit (subject to approval by the student's academic institution) or as a standard paid, part-time (20 hours per week) hourly ($25.00/hour) stipended position, depending on your needs and institutional arrangements.

About McDonogh School: McDonogh School is a community that finds joy in work, in play, in discovery, and in the realization of personal potential. Strong, mutually respectful relationships inspire a passion for teaching and learning, a dedication to personal integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Embracing diversity of background, culture, and thought, the school builds upon its founder's original mission to provide life-altering opportunities and to develop in students the will to do the greatest possible amount of good.

Essential Functions

  • Execute the full digitization workflow from start to finish, including careful handling and scanning of irreplaceable primary source materials
  • Create detailed metadata for digital records following professional standards
  • Conduct quality control review and file management
  • Perform technical processes supporting digital preservation initiatives
  • Contribute to processed collections being added to Digital Maryland
  • Support other archival projects as needed

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Current student in, or recent graduate from an ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS program, OR Bachelor's degree—or pursuing graduate study beyond a bachelor’s—in relevant field with demonstrated interest in archives/digital preservation .

Additional Experience

  • Archival processing experience, including creation of DACS-compliant finding aids (preferred)
  • Experience with digital asset/collection management systems such as ArchivesSpace, CONTENTdm, or similar platforms (preferred)
  • Knowledge of archival preservation standards and proper handling of materials and artifacts

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Appreciation for the work and culture of schools and comfort interacting with young people on occasion
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising professional discretion
  • Enthusiasm for preserving and providing access to historical materials
  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to follow directions

Working Conditions

Lifting and carrying of equipment is not typical but may be required on rare occasions. Lifting up to 25 pounds. Other working conditions include climbing stairs, walking around campus, sitting, standing, and significant computer use including extensive close use of a computer monitor.

Apply Online

Any questions you may have regarding this position can also be directed to Janet Graham, Human Resources Manager, at 443-544-7060 or jgraham@mcdonogh.org.

If you do not see an open position that matches your qualifications at this time please create a candidate profile and join our talent pool.  Access our Career Portal here, and click "Create Account" on the right-hand side to be considered for future openings.