02/07/2014 26090

PENNSYLVANIA STATE ARCHIVES DIRECTOR

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible administrative and professional work in the management of the holdings, programs and services of the Pennsylvania State Archives.

The employee in this job directs the location, appraisal, acquisition, accessioning, arrangement, description, preservation, storage and provision of access to manuscripts, public records and other documents of permanent public interest or historical significance. Work involves responsibility for the implementation of the Commonwealth Records Management Program, in conjunction with the Office of Administration; overseeing the operations of the State Records Center; providing archival services to county and municipal governments, school districts and the judiciary; and promoting interest in the preservation of the state’s documentary heritage. Important aspects of this work involve establishing policies pertaining to the accessioning, disposition, and use of public and private records and manuscripts and adapting agency operations to incorporate technological changes to archival and records management methods, including the application of information technology to the storage and access of records. The employee in this job has considerable interaction with representatives of Commonwealth agencies regarding the retention and disposition of agency records consistent with administrative and legal requirements. Supervision is exercised over professional, technical and other support staff. Work is reviewed through reports, conferences, and the evaluation of program accomplishments for effectiveness and adherence to departmental policies and expected outcomes.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, develops, and administers programs related to the research, publication and archiving of historical and public records.

Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the work of a professional staff in the collection, arrangement, and preservation of historical and public records, including reports in electronic format.

Plans and directs the protection and preservation of public records against physical deterioration, theft, or mutilation.

Plans and directs the restoration of damaged materials.

Establishes policies and processes to determine the historic value and importance of materials, records, manuscripts, and collections and makes final decisions to accession or dispose of materials.

Establishes policies and plans systems to preserve and make accessible electronic records which have been determined to have permanent or archival value.

Oversees staff in the digitization of paper records and the development of systems to make such records accessible on line.

Oversees staff in the provision of advice, guidance and consultation to state and local government officials and agencies on records retention, storage, and preservation issues and the disposition of public records.

Negotiates with executive and senior state government officials to acquire state agency records which have archival value.

Directs the operation of the State Records Center to provide efficient and secure storage, inventory and retrieval of inactive state agency records.

Serves as a consultant to Historical and Museum Commission staff, outside groups, and individuals seeking advice on matters of an archival nature.

Oversees staff in the arrangement, description and organization of holdings into records groups, manuscript groups and collections of special interest.

Oversees staff in the preservation and storage of special collections including photographic prints and negatives, maps, postcards, posters, audio recordings, and motion picture films.

Plans and oversees facilities management for the specialized preservation and storage of materials.

Serves on the State Records Committee by participating in the development of State Records Management Program policies and procedures, reviewing and recommending Executive Board approval of the General Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, and reporting of records issues to the Secretary of Administration.

Serves on the State Historical Records Advisory Board as State Historical Records Coordinator.

Speaks before professional and lay groups and participates in professional organizations in an effort to promote interest in historical and archival activities.

Develops and participates in the development and interpretation of policies and procedures pertaining to the collection, preservation, and disposition of public records.

Directs staff in the development and maintenance of research assistance services.

Participates in and oversees the development of brochures, newsletters and other materials promoting the State Archives programs and services.

Oversees staff in the development and presentation of training on archival methods, records management and related matters.

Analyzes the potential impact of proposed legislation on the State Archives and Records Management Program.

Prepares policy and position papers on archival and records management issues.

Manages the bureau budget.

Prepares reports and correspondence.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of archival science and administration, including the management of electronic records.

Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and materials used in the care and preservation of permanent records and manuscripts, including records in diverse formats, such as maps, photographs, motion picture and microfilm, audio and video tape, and records in electronic format.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to determine the importance and historic value of materials, records and manuscripts.

Knowledge of the sources, methods, and techniques used in historical research.

Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to the collection and disposition of public records.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations on policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of records management.

Knowledge of management principles, practices and techniques.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of professional experience in archival work, including three years in a supervisory capacity; and a master’s degree in history, archival science, library information science, information science or a closely related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes five years of professional experience in archival work which included three years in a supervisory capacity.