Job Details

Hamon Library Project Archivist (HR Title: Librarian I)

Position Number: 6845729
Location: Dallas, TX
Position Type: Libraries

Hamon Library Project Archivist (HR Title: Librarian I)

Salary Range:

$54,581.40-$60,646.00. Salary is commensurate with experience.

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

About SMU Libraries

Southern Methodist University is a nationally ranked private research university located in Dallas, Texas. The SMU Libraries include six libraries on the main campus and one in Taos, New Mexico, with the Rees-Jones Library of the American West scheduled to open in 2027. SMU Libraries is committed to collaboration, professional growth, and access to information, providing a supportive environment for library and archival professionals.

About Hamon Arts Library

Hamon Arts Library supports teaching, learning, and research in the visual and performing arts, including art, art history, architecture, dance, film, music, and theatre. The library holds distinctive archival and special collections that support scholarly inquiry and creative practice.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

SMU Libraries seeks a skilled and collaborative Archivist to support the processing, description, and access of archival and manuscript collections held at Hamon Arts Library for a term of two years. This position plays a critical role in advancing collection stewardship, improving discovery, and supporting research use of archival materials related to the visual and performing arts. Reporting to the Director of the Hamon Arts Library and collaborating closely with the Archivist of the Bywaters Special Collection, the Archivist will survey, preserve, arrange, and describe special collections related to theatre and film in the special collections of Hamon Arts Library (Bywaters Special Collections and G. William Jones Film & Video Collection).

Essential Functions:

Archival Processing and Description. Arrange, describe, and process archival and manuscript collections in accordance with professional standards and best practices. Create and edit finding aids and collection documentation to support discovery and access.
Access, Research, and Reference Support. Support researcher access to archival materials and assist with reference inquiries related to collections. Promote responsible handling and use of archival materials.
Collections Management and Preservation. Contribute to collection maintenance, preservation workflows, and environmental best practices. Identify preservation needs and collaborate with colleagues on long-term stewardship strategies.
Collaboration and Project Work. Work closely with librarians, archivists, and staff across SMU Libraries to support project goals, workflows, and shared priorities. Participate in meetings and contribute to documentation and reporting related to archival projects.
Professional Practice and Compliance. Apply ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsible archival practices. Adhere to SMU Libraries policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Public History, or a related field
Experience working with archival or special collections
Knowledge of archival standards and best practices
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage projects and meet established timelines

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience processing archival collections in an academic or research setting
Familiarity with archival description tools and systems
Experience working with arts-related or culturally significant collections

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Position is open until filled. Applications submitted by February 8, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit:

A resume or CV,
A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas

Job: Library Services

Organization: Provost - Other

Schedule: Regular

Shift: Staff

Employee Status: Individual Contributor

Job Type: Full-time

Job Level: Day Job

Travel: No

Job Posting: Jan 9, 2026, 5:51:36 PM

To apply, visit https://smu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=PRO00000353&tz=GMT%2B00%3A00&tzname=UTC