Archives and Collections Coordinator

Job Description:

Are you passionate about history and enjoy connecting people with their community’s heritage and culture through research, exhibits, and public programming?

The City of Summerside is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic museum or archives  professional to support the stewardship, preservation, and promotion of the City’s archival and artifact collections. Reporting to the Director of Culture Summerside, the Archives and Collections Coordinator plays a key role in preserving the City’s documentary heritage and material culture collections while enhancing public access through exhibitions, educational programming, and community engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, and collaborative, with strong communication skills, a commitment to best practices in collections management, and a passion for local history and culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works with Culture Summerside staff by taking a lead role in the management of the city’s archival and artifact collections.
• Collaborate with donors, City departments, community organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of archival and artifact collections.
• Appraise, arrange, describe and catalog, archival materials and artifact collections using recognized standards and best practices.
• Manage digital collections management systems
• Implement preventative conservation practices and coordinate specialized conservation services when required.
  Maintain accurate collection records and conduct regular audits to ensure the integrity of archival and artifact holdings.
• Ensure compliance with archival and artifact collections management standards
  Provide reference services at the MacNaught History Centre and Archives and respond to public and internal inquiries regarding historical and municipal records.
• Supports the development of archival, artifact and art exhibitions in collaboration with Culture Summerside staff, including planning, scheduling, and installation.
• Develop and deliver tours, workshops, presentations, and educational programming that promote awareness of the City’s archival and artifact collections and cultural assets.
• Collaborate with Culture Summerside staff and volunteers to enhance public engagement through exhibitions, events, and community initiatives.
• Supervise, train, support, and evaluate part-time archival and artifact collections staff and volunteers.
• Maintain and update disaster preparedness plans, digital preservation strategies, and archival and artifact collections management procedures.
• Prepare reports on collection activities, usage, and preservation initiatives.
• Assist with budget planning and monitoring and identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, and revenue generation.
• Participate in departmental meetings and provide support for administrative and collections-related projects as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

• University degree or college diploma in Archival Studies, Library Science, Museum Studies, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant archival or museum experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in an archival or museum setting, including experience supervising employees and/or volunteers.
• Knowledge of archival and museum principles, preservation practices, records management, and the care and handling of archival and museum collections.
• Experience applying archival description standards using (RAD) or museum nomenclature and working with collections management software. Experience and knowledge of AtoM, and PastPerfect, is considered an asset.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
• Experience using digital technologies to improve public access and engagement, such as digital exhibits, QR codes, or other interpretive tools, would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated skills in public speaking and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers, researchers, donors, and community partners.
• Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Knowledge of the history of Summerside and Prince Edward Island would be considered an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) would be considered an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence. Access to reliable transportation may be required.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits
• Access to 24/7/365 virtual healthcare
• Employer-paid Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP/EFAP)
• Pension plan
• Three weeks of vacation to start
• Supportive and welcoming work environment in a thriving community

40 hours per week, with occasional work required outside of regular hours to support programs, events, or operational requirements.

How to Apply:

Submit a confidential cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to jobs@summerside.ca  Please include “Archives and Collections Coordinator” in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The City of Summerside is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and accessible workplace for all employees.

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