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The Bentley Historical Library seeks a collaborative and service-oriented Archivist for University Archives and Records to lead the Library's fieldwork and collection development for the University of Michigan's archives. The position strengthens documentation of the University's diverse and evolving history by building relationships with administrative units, faculty, staff, student organizations, alumni, and affiliated individuals.

 
This is a regular appointment, recognizing that sustainable records stewardship and fieldwork require long-term commitment and continuity of presence. The position reports to the Associate Director for Collections at the Bentley Historical Library. 

Working within the University Archives and Records, the Archivist identifies, appraises, and acquires records and personal papers that reflect the university's teaching, research, and community impact. This position will sustain the success of earlier acquisition work with university records while critically exploring new and emerging areas for future collecting. The Archivist will collect materials in all formats, including digital, and ensure that archival transfers and records management practices align with the Bentley's mission and university policies.
 

This role is integral to Bentley's commitment to inclusive collecting and reparative archival practices, ensuring that the full scope of university life, administrative, academic, research, and cultural, is represented and preserved for future generations.
 

The Bentley Historical Library, a vital part of the University of Michigan, is dedicated to collecting and promoting the study of the histories of the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Open to the public without fee, the Library welcomes researchers of all backgrounds. With over 11,000 research collections, including the papers of Michigan governors, records of student and faculty life, and the complete historical archive of Michigan's intercollegiate athletics, the Bentley provides a rich resource for historical research. The Library features a state-of-the-art conservation lab where expert archivists and conservators teach and preserve materials such as books, maps, and architectural drawings. Additionally, the historic Detroit Observatory on the University's central campus is a division of the Library, further enhancing its resources and outreach.

For more information, please visit our website: bentley.umich.edu
 

A detailed list of responsibilities is available here.

University Archives Fieldwork and Collection Development
Build and sustain relationships across campus to identify, appraise, and acquire records in all formats. Strengthen documentation of the university's evolving history through active fieldwork and responsive collecting.

Advocacy, Description, and Records Stewardship
Advise units on records stewardship and coordinate timely, policy-aligned transfers. Support descriptive and preservation practices that ensure long-term access and integrity of university records.

Outreach and Education
Provide training, consultations, and presentations that help campus partners understand their roles in documenting university life. Promote awareness of archival processes, requirements, and resources.

Professional Development and Service
Engage in ongoing learning and professional service to support an inclusive, collaborative, and forward-looking University Archives program.
 

• Master's degree with coursework in archival studies or an advanced degree in a related discipline, combined with relevant archival experience.
• Knowledge of archival and records management principles, practices, and descriptive standards (DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH).
• Familiarity with born-digital records appraisal, description, and preservation.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment and work effectively both independently and collaboratively with a heterogeneous group of staff and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and commitment to professional engagement and continuous learning.
• Comfort with and ability to learn new technologies.
   

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Salary Information

The general salary range for this position is $61,000- $64,000 annually. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position, and internal equity within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

The mode of work for this position is Hybrid.

The salary for this position will be based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

Excellent benefits are available; for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/
 

This faculty position is subject to the U-M/LEO-GLAM collective bargaining agreement. Appointment is anticipated at the Assistant Archivist level. The minimum salary for this position is $61,000 at the Assistant Archivist level. Salary and rank are dependent on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is $61,000 - $64,000 annually.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, on behalf of their Librarian, Archivists, and Curator bargaining unit (LEO-GLAM), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The Administrative Designee, who is responsible for communicating with Employees about requests for reasonable accommodations in the Bentley Historical Library, is Camille Ulrich. They may be reached at culrich@umich.edu.

Employees on the Ann Arbor or Dearborn Campuses may also contact the Disability Equity Office by email at disabilityequity@umich.edu, by phone at 734-763-0235, or by visiting their website.
 

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. 

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled. The estimated beginning date for the appointment is mid-March.
 

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.