University of Southern Mississippi

Digital Humanities Archivist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Digital Humanities Archivist.

Position Details

Location

Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division

University Libraries

Position Type

Staff

Employment Status

Full Time

Grant Funded

Yes

Pay Grade

E12

Posting Close Date

November 10, 2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note: The DH Archivist is a two-year grant funded position.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Digital Humanities (DH) Archivist provides strategic leadership for the Mississippi Digital Humanities Hub, the Mississippi Digital Library (MDL), and University Libraries’ digital initiatives. This position directs large-scale digitization and digital preservation projects, develops statewide metadata and preservation policies, and advances external funding opportunities through grant leadership. The DH Archivist supervises staff and student workers, represents MDL and the Hub at state, regional, and national levels, and plays a key role in shaping digital strategy, partnerships, and visibility for the University and its collaborators.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. The Digital Humanities Archivist directs the growth of the Mississippi Digital Library (MDL) through statewide partnerships, outreach, and professional engagement. This role represents MDL and the Digital Humanities Hub at state, regional, and national levels by chairing committees, presenting at professional conferences, and building strategic networks. The Archivist also advises library leadership on digital strategy, digital humanities initiatives, and metadata policy to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
2. The Archivist leads large-scale digitization and digital preservation projects in collaboration with partner institutions, ensuring adherence to national standards and long-term sustainability. This includes supervising digitization and metadata assistants to maintain consistency and quality across collections. The role develops and implements statewide best practices for digital humanities metadata, digital preservation, and interoperability while staying current with evolving national and international standards.
3. A key responsibility of the position is to lead grant development efforts, including writing proposals, administering funded projects, and preparing reports for funders and leadership. The Archivist oversees project budgets, ensures compliance with funding requirements, and communicates progress to stakeholders to secure ongoing external support for digital initiatives.
4. The DH Archivist supervises staff, graduate assistants, and student workers engaged in digitization, metadata creation, and technical support. The role also serves as the primary technical and strategic advisor for subcontracted digital humanities projects, providing guidance to ensure interoperability, sustainability, and long-term visibility. Additionally, the Archivist offers mentorship and professional development opportunities to staff and partners to strengthen expertise and capacity in digital preservation.
5. The Archivist elevates the visibility of MDL and the DH Hub through public presentations, media engagement, and statewide partnerships. By leading outreach efforts to cultural heritage institutions, the role fosters new collaborations and supports the growth of digital initiatives across Mississippi. The Archivist also advances the reputation of MDL and the Hub through scholarly publications, professional presentations, and active participation in national and regional professional communities.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Library & Information Science or a related field; and five (5) years of experience in digital libraries, archival preservation, or related field. Must be able to travel and occasionally stay overnight when traveling.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-informed decisions.
• Proficiency in project management, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage complex workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly, particularly those related to digital preservation, metadata, and archival systems.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including mentoring and professional development of staff and students.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in digitization, metadata creation, and preservation activities.
• Ability to distinguish between colors to ensure fidelity and quality control in digital imaging and digitization processes.
• Flexibility and adaptability to evolving standards, technologies, and best practices in digital libraries and digital humanities.
• Ability to represent the University effectively at state, regional, and national levels through presentations, publications, and professional service.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in archives, digitization, and digital humanities.

Knowledge of best practices and standards in digital libraries and archival arrangement and preservation.

Familiarity with archival description standards (Dublin Core, EAD, etc.)

Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

Demonstrated knowledge of Mississippi's cultural heritage and history.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

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