Manuscript Processing Archivist

$43,509.31 - $50,035.70 Annually

Location

25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS

Full-Time

Job Number

H

0475 - ARCHIVES-ARCHIVES & HISTORY

Opening Date

01/14/2026

1/28/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary

$43,509.31

$50,035.70

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, established in 1902, collects, preserves, and provides access to the state’s archival resources. Today, this mission continues through the efforts of the department’s five divisions. Our mission is to preserve Mississippi’s diverse historic resources and share them with people worldwide, inspiring the discovery of stories that connect our lives and shape our future. Agency contact:
Laura Rawson, Personnel Manager, lrawson.gov

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) seeks a manuscript processing archivist to serve in the Archives and Records Services Division. This position will implement and coordinate the accessing, appraisal, arrangement, description, cataloging, preservation, and disposition of collections comprising personal papers and organizational records. The incumbent will participate in collection development and assist with acquisitions, collection transfers, and donor activities throughout the state.

They will also prepare and administer legal documents related to acquisitions, access restrictions, and rights management concerns. Management responsibilities will include developing policies and procedures, assisting with grant development and management, and supporting the recruitment, supervision, scheduling, and training of volunteers and interns. The incumbent will access, arrange, and describe manuscript collections to ensure their preservation and accessibility for research.

This work will include planning and implementing the arrangement and placement of collections, as well as researching, writing, and updating descriptions to produce finding aids and catalog records. They will also perform reference services and outreach for manuscript collections by receiving and responding to requests from staff and the public, serving on rotation in Reference Services on Saturdays as assigned, giving public presentations about collections, and assisting with the preparation of collection materials for museum loans, exhibits, and in-house displays for classes and workshops.

In addition, the incumbent will plan and carry out special projects by developing new guidelines, procedures, and forms; identifying potential archival projects; contributing to grant proposals; and coordinating special processing projects as needed. They will assist in supervising interns and volunteers by developing work plans for assigned projects, overseeing archival arrangement, description, and conservation work, and reviewing and evaluating interns' and volunteers' performance.

The ideal candidate will be able to accurately identify and read various types of handwriting, including cursive. They will demonstrate a strong knowledge of Mississippi history and possess excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with section members, MDAH staff, and the public.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 4-7 years of experience. Agency preferred qualifications: A Bachelor's degree and up to two years of related experience, along with familiarity with integrated library systems (particularly Koha), MARC cataloging, and Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS). The ideal candidate will also be able to effectively navigate Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.

Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201

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