Reporting to the Head of Archives Processing, the Visiting Archivist leads the processing of the Jim Alexander photographs collection and creates descriptive tools for the collection including a comprehensive finding aid and a MARC catalog record. The Visiting Archivist is also responsible for providing reference services to researchers using the collection, which may include Emory students and faculty, visiting scholars, and members of the public. The incumbent is expected to participate in outreach activities to promote the collection through social media, contributions to Rose Library publications, and other collection activation efforts and activities.
Jim Alexander is an American documentary photographer who has spent over 50 years documenting Black culture and civil and human rights movements across the United States. In 1977, he became photographer in residence at the AtlantaNeighborhood Arts Center and was photographer in residence at Clark College from 1984-1990. The collection consists of 108 linear feet of photograph prints, negatives, slides, and contact sheets of images taken by Jim Alexander from circa 1960-2022, including images of prominent African American politicians, athletes, activists, authors, and artists.
This is an entry-level position, but it does require some prior experience arranging and describing archival collections, such as through a graduate internship, practicum, or part-time role.
The successful candidate will have knowledge of African American history, art, or visual culture, demonstrated through (for example) an undergraduate minor or major in African American studies, art history, or related field, or hands-on experience with African American archival collections.
This position is funded by a grant from the Getty Foundation.
Flexible Workplace
This position offers some possibility for flexible work arrangements; however, the expectation is that the successful candidate will work primarily on-site.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Join Our Information Session: Visiting Archivist for the Jim Alexander photographs
Date: August 12, 2025
Time: 3:00–4:00 PM (ET)
Details: Learn more about the role, our collections, and what we're looking for in the next curator.
If you're interested and available to join, please register here to receive the Zoom webinar link: https://emory.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P9bGB2a7RjKk5wRj4Ad8hQ
Join us to learn about the Visiting Archivist role at Emory’s Rose Library. The position focuses on processing the Jim Alexander collection—over 100 linear feet of photographs documenting Black culture and civil rights from the 1960s to 2022.
Ideal for early-career archivists with an interest in African American history, art, or visual culture. We’ll share more about the role, the collection, and what we’re looking for.
Register to receive the Zoom link!
Interested candidates should review the applications requirements and apply online at {https://apply.interfolio.com/171624},
Applications may be submitted as Word or PDF attachments and must include:
1) A cover letter that includes a statement of interest, describing your qualifications and relevant experience, as well as your interest in this position and in contributing to the mission and values of Emory.
2) A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your educational background and relevant professional experience.
3) On a separate document list the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of 3 professional references including a current or previous supervisor.
Candidates applying by September 5, 2025, will receive priority consideration Review of applications will continue until the position is successfully filled. Emory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that welcomes and encourages diversity and seeks applications and nominations from women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
