Archivist

Southwestern Law School’s Leigh H. Taylor Law Library seeks an energetic, service-oriented, and collaborative Archivist to steward and elevate our one-of-a-kind collections, including the iconic Bullocks Wilshire archives.  This role provides an opportunity to preserve the rich legal and cultural history of Los Angeles while contributing to a nationally recognized academic institution.  The role includes curating collections that span law, architecture, education, fashion, and the golden era of Hollywood, all housed within one of L.A.'s most beloved Art Deco landmarks. 

The successful candidate will take the lead in managing, organizing, and promoting archival materials in all formats, ensuring these treasures are preserved, discoverable, and shared with the community. Southwestern’s archive collections offer a rare blend of legal, cultural, and architectural significance. In addition to smaller specialized collections, the successful candidate will manage and grow materials tied to:

  • Southwestern Law School’s 114-year legacy from its early days as an inclusive evening college to its place as one of California’s oldest law schools.
  • The Bullocks Wilshire Building, a preserved Art Deco masterpiece, now a law school.
  • The Bullocks Wilshire Department Store, a cultural time capsule of L.A., Hollywood glamour, and 20th-century fashion, with over 400 vintage artifacts in the collection.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Appraising, arranging, and describing archival collections of all media types
  • Conducting historical research to ensure accuracy and context
  • Leading archival digitization and metadata projects
  • Creating rotating and permanent exhibits that bring the archives to life
  • Publishing national-standard finding aids and MARC records
  • Enhancing public access to the archives through collaboration and innovation
  • Planning tours, talks, and special events that highlight the archives
  • Collaborating with departments such as Institutional Advancement and Marketing
  • Writing grants to support special archive projects
  • Leading tours of our historic Bullocks Wilshire building

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • MLS/MLIS (or equivalent) degree from an ALA-accredited program 
  • Two or more years of experience in an archive or similar repository
  • Strong skills in collection management, metadata, and description standards
  • A passion for public engagement, including dynamic speaking and tour docent abilities
  • A collaborative mindset and the ability to work both independently and in teams
  • Flexibility for occasional nights/weekends for special events
  • Exceptional organization and communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Experience with event planning, particularly exhibitions, receptions, or educational programming
  • Supervisory experience
  • Legal education or professional experience
  • Interest or background in historic preservation, 20th-century American architecture, or Art Deco history

Salary: $75,000 to $80,000/yr., depending on experience.

To Apply: For full consideration, submit a cover letter, CV and three professional references to jobs3@swlaw.edu.  

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