Meher Archive Collective (MAC) located near Asheville in Weaverville, N.C. is seeking an Archives Manager. The organization features an archival repository for materials related to Avatar Meher Baba and His connections in the United States, Europe and other countries. Meher Baba (1894 – 1969) lived in India and traveled extensively meeting thousands of people. His spiritual writings, such as God Speaks and Discourses, have influenced people of various religious leanings. Meher Baba maintained silence for almost forty years yet kept an exhausting work schedule.

Conserving objects and materials associated with His life and with the lives of His followers is important for current and future researchers. This relatively new archive has a collection that consists of print, photographs, art, film, objects, ephemera and textiles assembled from donated materials from the U.S. and abroad. The archive will be housed in a 1928 school building that is being completely renovated to meet archival standards.

The position is full time, and the salary is $54,600 per year with paid time off for vacations and selected holidays.

About the Position:

The Archive Manager (AM) will lead the Archive Department, supervising the acquisition, preservation, storage and exhibition of culturally and historically significant materials. The archival software will be organized and maintained with the intent eventually to have major portions of the collection online. The archivist will preserve, organize and maintain documents, textiles, ephemera, photographs, objects and audiovisual materials. In collaboration with department volunteers, the AM manages the accession, processing, storage and digital documentation of new materials. Cordial relationships with donors and other archives will be encouraged. With the use of clear oral and written communications, the AM will work collaboratively with board members, staff and volunteers.  

The AM reports to the MAC board through the archive board liaison.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

With the organization’s mission in mind, create and update policies and procedures in accordance with international archival standards.

In collaboration with others in the department, determine and implement short and long-term planning goals.

Apply records management professional standards to the processing and preservation of archival materials including conservation documentation records.

Assess new acquisitions for rehousing and treatment needs.

Monitor potential environmental risks and complete timely assessments of conditions.

Oversee maintenance of equipment and the workroom, vaults, intake, scanning and exhibit spaces.

Implement clear internal and external communications for the department.

Guide donors in every step of the donation process and maintain communications with them.

Develop a departmental budget for supplies, equipment and furnishings.

Train and manage volunteers who work on site and remotely.

Contribute to external communications including the website, newsletter and social media.

Update and maintain the archival software.

Create finding aids that guide the work of researchers.

Train volunteers to conduct oral history sessions.

Assist researchers on site and remotely within the limits of protocols that fully protect archival materials.

Qualifications:

A master’s degree in library science, public history or museum studies.

A minimum of three years of work experience in archives and special collections.

Experience with standard office equipment and computer programs.

Willingness to learn the history of Meher Baba and to cultivate some familiarity with His writings and mission.

Some knowledge of world religions and spiritual traditions may be helpful.

Working Conditions:

Physical - Capability to lift 30 pounds and to climb stairs.

Visual - Extensive computer use, reading of typewritten, handwritten and digital documents.

Auditory - Phone use and normal conversations.

Manual Dexterity - Work with delicate materials.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, a resume, and contact information for three professional references to archives@meherarchive.org with the words “Archive Manager” and your first and last name in the subject heading.