VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
KHS Archivist III - KHS Archives Administrator
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky's Heritage Cabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov.
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking an Archives Administrator to join our Historical Resources Division. The Archives Administrator fulfills the mission of the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) by ensuring that the institution maintains the highest standards in the care, accessibility, and development of its archival and oral history collections. As an American Alliance of Museums-accredited institution and a Smithsonian Affiliate, KHS requires meeting standards of excellence, and this position plays a key leadership role in upholding those standards.
The Archives Administrator provides administrative and tactical support within the Historical Resources Division, with a focus on leading the activities of the archival and oral history teams. This role is highly collaborative, working closely with internal colleagues and supporting collecting organizations across the Commonwealth. Under the direction of the Director of Historical Resources, the Archives Administrator implements strategic initiatives that enhance archival development and access across the agency.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
o Lead efforts to maintain, preserve, and improve access to the KHS archival and oral history collections.
o Participate in the KHS Collections Committee review process.
o Propose and implement policy and procedural updates related to archives and oral histories.
o Collaborate with the curatorial team on the review and revision of key documents, including the collections management policy, disaster plan, and collections plans.
o Oversee archival backlog processing and digitization initiatives aligned with KHS collecting priorities.
o Cultivate and maintain relationships with potential donors and partner organizations to strengthen the collection.
o Recommend archival conservation priorities.
o Supervise and engage directly in archival processing and related activities.
o Support the interpretation and use of archival collections in exhibitions, publications, public programs, and scholarly research.
o Represent KHS at professional events, public programs, and partner institution activities.
o Supervise the oral history team, guiding project priorities in alignment with the agency's collections plan.
o Oversee the administration of the Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC).
o Collaborate with curators and exhibit teams to safely and effectively display archival
o Supervise and mentor the archival and oral history staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
To see the full position description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers.
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as library management software (e.g., OCLC WorldShare) and collections/content management systems (e.g., PastPerfect, CONTENTdm, Omeka, etc.).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
Knowledge of archival standards
Adherence to professional codes of ethics, collections care best practices/standards, and involvement in field-related organizations.
Knowledge of Kentucky history desired. Experience working with diverse community organizations and volunteers.
Supervisory or project management skills
Minimum Requirements:
Education: Minimum of Archival Administration, or Library Science, Public History, History or a related field.
Experience: Five (5) years of experience working in a library special collections or archival setting. Substitute Experience for Education: additional experience will substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.
Working Conditions:
Must be able to lift materials of up to 40 lbs. Must be able to safely handle fragile archival materials.
Must be able to remain stationary (sitting or standing) for long periods with other periods of frequent bending, stooping, and reaching.
Special Requirements
Knowledge of Kentucky history desired.
This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Director of Historical Resources. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $46,252.61 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. The regular schedule includes with a 37.5-hour workweek, and the position may require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours and travel as needed to support the programs and events of the
Kentucky Historical Society. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls accepted. The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 12, 2025. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.
