Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist at Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin

Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist Posted: November 3, 2025. Application deadline: November 20, 2025. The Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin (LBI) invites applications for a Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist position. The role plays a key part in describing and providing access to archival collections and coordinating acquisitions workflows. This position offers the opportunity to work hands‑on with unique materials within one of the world’s leading research archives and libraries focused on German‑Jewish history. About the Leo Baeck Institute LBI is a research archive and library dedicated to the history and culture of German‑speaking Jews. Its extensive collections comprise one of the most significant repositories of primary source material and scholarship on centuries of Jewish life in Central Europe before the Holocaust. LBI has digitized millions of pages of documents, books, and artworks—including rare Renaissance‑era volumes, correspondence of luminaries, and everyday individuals—and promotes the study of German‑Jewish history through public programs, exhibitions, and scholarship support.

Responsibilities

• Create and enhance metadata records and finding aids for archival collections.
• Coordinate acquisitions and accessioning workflows for new materials, including physical and digital collections; assist with donor correspondence and documentation; supervise collection assistants.
• Contribute to processing collections to ensure standards, accessibility, and proper documentation in close cooperation with the senior processing archivist.
• Collaborate with a team of library and archive staff to maintain data quality and consistency across systems.
• Handle archival materials safely, accurately, and meticulously.
• Perform administrative duties as assigned.
• Report to the Director of Collections.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years of experience with preservation, care, and management of archival collections and with library/archival management systems.
• Excellent German reading skills.
• Ability to work in the US (US Citizenship or Green Card Holder).
• Knowledge of archival standards and best practices for preservation, arrangement, description, and digitization.
• Follow shared guidelines and instructions for handling and processing collections.
• Experience creating archival metadata and working with metadata standards (e.g., DACS, EAD, MARC).
• Familiarity with archival collection management systems and discovery platforms.
• Experience with acquisitions or accessioning workflows for archives or special collections.
• Demonstrated interest in historical or archival collections.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to learn quickly.
• Flexible and reliable, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of all materials.
• Ability to lift archival boxes weighing up to 30 pounds; some standing and bending required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Aleph, OCLC Connexion, or similar library/archival systems.
• Experience with ArchivesSpace or similar archival management systems.
• Experience with Rosetta or similar digital preservation systems.
• Knowledge of authority control linked data and digital preservation standards.
• Experience with office software, e.g. Microsoft 365, Adobe.
• Interest and knowledge of German Jewish and/or Jewish history.

Hours & Employment Mon – Thu, 9 am to 5 pm; Fri 9 am to 3 pm. Onsite and online, hybrid depending on work at hand. Full‑time, contract. Salary and Benefits Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range: $60 K – $70 K annually. Benefits include health, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and professional development support. Application Please send your résumé, cover letter, and the names of two references to Renate Evers, Director of Collections, [email protected]. The Leo Baeck Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job