Title: Archivist & Collections Coordinator
Location: Philadelphia, PA (Founding Forward, 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102)
Reports to: Director of Historic Engagement
Status: Full-time
About Founding Forward: Founding Forward is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to informing and engaging citizens through transformational educational experiences grounded in American history. These experiences empower students, educators, and communities to understand, appreciate, and practice the principles, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship. Founding Forward operates from two main locations: the Sir John Templeton Heritage Center, a research, exhibit, and programming space at The Union League of Philadelphia, and a 75-acre educational campus in Valley Forge, PA.
Position Summary: The Archivist & Collections Coordinator ensures the professional stewardship of Founding Forward's historic collections. This role serves as the technical expert responsible for preserving, documenting, organizing, and access to the organization's historical resources. Working closely with the Director of Historic Engagement and the Engagement team, the Archivist & Collections Coordinator transforms historical materials into accessible resources that support education, research, exhibits, preservation, and historic engagement.
Primary Responsibilities:
Collections Management
- Develop and maintain collections management policies, including record retention.
- Maintain collection databases and finding aids.
- Coordinate inventories and storage.
Collections Care
- Accession, catalog, and document historic collections.
- Preserve institutional archives.
- Manage archival processing, from new acquisitions to existing collections.
Conservation & Preservation
- Monitor collection conditions.
- Coordinate conservation projects.
- Recommend preservation priorities and deaccessions.
Research Services
- Respond to internal and external research requests.
- Assist with exhibit development.
- Support publications and educational initiatives.
Collections Support
- Coordinate loans, permissions, and image requests.
- Prepare materials for exhibits, tours, and educational programming.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required in history or archives or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Three years of experience working in archives or libraries
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practices
- Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40lbs.
- Knowledge of PastPerfect Museum Cataloging Software preferred
- Must hold or be able to complete clearances for working with youth and have an active driver’s license.
Click here to apply. Application deadline September 8, after which, all applicants will be reviewed and notified.
Success Measures
- Collections are organized, preserved, and accessible.
- Archival records are accurate and current.
- Research requests are handled professionally and efficiently.
- Historic collections support exhibits, programs, and storytelling.
- Cross-department collaboration strengthens engagement with the related history.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus potential
- Energetic, multi-faceted, team-oriented work atmosphere
- Exposure to a national market
- Health benefits including vision, dental, life, and disability; FSA and HAS (for full-time employees)
- 401(k) plan with company match (after a year of employment) (for full-time & part- time employees)
- Paid Time Off (PTO) (for full-time employees)
- Paid Holidays, Bereavement, and Jury Duty
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement (for full-time employees)
- Opportunities for promotion from within
Founding Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
