Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin Is Hiring A Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist

Join Our Team as a Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist at the Leo Baeck Institute!

The Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin (LBI), a leading research archive dedicated to German-Jewish history, is seeking a passionate Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist to play a vital role in describing, accessing, and managing archival collections. This is a fantastic opportunity to work hands-on with unique materials within one of the world’s most prominent research institutions.

About the Position

• Location: Leo Baeck Institute at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011 📍
• Hours: 38 hours per week (Full-Time) 🕗
• Salary: $60,000–$70,000 plus benefits; commensurate with experience
• Start Date: January 5, 2026, or earlier
• Application Deadline: November 20, 2025
• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm; Friday 9 am to 3 pm; Hybrid onsite and online work depending on tasks

About the Leo Baeck Institute

The Leo Baeck Institute (LBI) is a renowned research archive and library dedicated to the history and culture of German-speaking Jews. Its extensive collections comprise primary sources and scholarship on Jewish life in Central Europe before the Holocaust. As a partner of the Center for Jewish History, LBI is committed to preserving and expanding access to its rich holdings, digitizing millions of pages, artworks, and documents—ranging from rare Renaissance volumes to personal correspondence of notable figures. LBI promotes scholarship and public understanding through various programs and exhibitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and enhance metadata records and find aids for archival collections 📝
• Coordinate acquisitions and accession workflows for physical and digital materials 📥
• Assist with donor correspondence and documentation 🤝
• Supervise collection assistants and contribute to collection processing to ensure adherence to standards 🗃️
• Maintain data quality and consistency across systems in collaboration with team members 🔄
• Handle archival materials carefully, accurately, and securely 🛡️
• Perform administrative duties as assigned 📋
• Report to the Director of Collections

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, or related field 🎓
• 2 to 5 years of experience with archival preservation, management, and systems 💼
• Excellent German reading skills 🇩🇪
• Legal authorization to work in the US (US Citizenship or Green Card) ✅
• Knowledge of archival standards and best practices, including digitization and preservation methodologies 📚
• Experience creating and working with archival metadata standards (e.g., DACS, EAD, MARC) 🏷️
• Familiarity with collection management systems and discovery platforms 🔍
• Experience with acquisitions workflows and special collections accessioning 📂
• Strong attention to detail, quick learner, and adaptability 🧠
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills 🤝
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform physical tasks as needed 💪
• Commitment to confidentiality and the highest ethical standards 🔒

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Aleph, OCLC Connexion, Archivists’ tools like ArchivesSpace, or similar systems 🖥️
• Experience with digital preservation tools such as Rosetta 🛠️
• Knowledge of authority control, linked data, and digital standards 🌐
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and other relevant software 🖥️
• Interest and knowledge of German Jewish and broader Jewish history 🕊️
• Reading knowledge of Old German script, European languages, Hebrew, or Yiddish ✍️

Application Instructions

Please send your resume, cover letter, and the names of two references to:

• Renate Evers, The Bruno and Suzanne Scheidt Director of Collections 📧 revers@lbi.org

Or visit the official job listing for more details: LBI Metadata and Acquisitions Archivist Job Posting.

We are committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities. The Leo Baeck Institute prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.