Syms Archival Intern

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Hebrew Union College

Founded in 1875, Hebrew Union College (HUC) is North America's leading institution of higher Jewish education and the center for professional leadership development of Reform Judaism. With campuses in Cincinnati, Jerusalem, Los Angeles, and New York, HUC educates rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators, nonprofit leaders, and scholars while advancing Jewish scholarship and learning worldwide.

Our mission is to build vibrant Progressive Judaism by educating visionary leaders, advancing Jewish scholarship, and studying Jewish life through an open, egalitarian, inclusive, and pluralistic lens.

Position Summary

The American Jewish Archives (AJA), a division of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, seeks a motivated archivist to serve as a part-time Syms Archival Intern. Funded through the generous support of the Sy Syms Foundation, the internship provides hands-on experience in archival processing, digitization, research, and public history programming while helping preserve and promote the history of American Jewish business leaders, entrepreneurs, families, and institutions. The position supports AJA's mission to preserve and make accessible the documentary record of American Jewish life. 

Essential Responsibilities:

Archival Processing and Description:

• Arrange, describe, and rehouse archival collections in accordance with professional archival standards.
• Create and edit collection inventories and finding aids.
• Assist with quality control and metadata creation for digitized materials.
• Conduct preservation assessments and basic conservation activities under staff supervision.

Digitization and Access:

• Scan archival documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials.
• Prepare materials for digitization and digital access.
• Review digital files for completeness, image quality, and metadata accuracy.
• Assist with uploading and organizing digital collections and related content.

Research Support:

• Conduct historical and biographical research using archival collections.
• Assist staff, fellows, and researchers with reference inquiries.
• Help identify materials related to business history, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and American Jewish life.
• Compile research summaries and annotated resource guides.

Programming and Outreach: 

• Assist in developing educational programs, exhibits, lectures, and public-facing initiatives related to The Syms Collection and other AJA holdings.
• Support events highlighting themes such as first-generation American Jewish entrepreneurs, Jewish family businesses, philanthropy, and the contributions of American Jews to society.
• Help create promotional materials, social media content, and online exhibits.
• Assist with tracking program participation and audience engagement.

Scholarly and Digital Projects:

• Assist with projects that increase awareness and use of AJA's digitized collections.
• Support initiatives that connect archival materials with contemporary audiences.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the internship, participants will: 

• Gain practical experience with archival processing and digitization.
• Develop skills in historical research and archival description.
• Learn about preservation, access, and digital stewardship.
• Contribute to public programs and outreach initiatives.
• Gain exposure to the operations of a nationally recognized archival repository with extensive collections documenting American Jewish history.

Education

• Master's degree in library and information science

Experience

• Familiarity with digitization workflows, metadata standards, or digital collections platforms.
• Interest in American Jewish history, business history, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy.
• Experience conducting historical research.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in archives, history, digital humanities, or public history.
• Knowledge and comfort in using a variety of software applications including but not limited to: Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, scanning software, etc. 

Why Join Hebrew Union College? At Hebrew Union College, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Jewish leadership by recruiting, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of rabbis and Jewish professionals. You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven community dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and strengthening Jewish life throughout North America. Hebrew Union College is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.