Archivist (Hybrid)

Southwestern Law School Archivist – Where Law, History, and Art Deco Meet

Are you passionate about archives and fascinated by stories that live in buildings, fashion, and history? Southwestern Law School is seeking an engaged, service-oriented, and collaborative Archivist to steward and elevate our one-of-a-kind collections, including the iconic Bullocks Wilshire archives.

This opportunity offers more than a traditional archivist role — it’s an opportunity to preserve the rich legal and cultural history of Los Angeles while contributing to a nationally recognized academic institution. Southwestern’s Archivist will curate 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 Archivist will be 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 turned 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

  • 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:

Southwestern is looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

  • An MLS/MLIS (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited program (degree must be completed prior to start)
  • At least 2 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:

Candidates with the following will be prioritized:

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

How to Apply and Salary Information:

For full consideration, submit a cover letter, CV and three professional references to jobs6@swlaw.edu.  This position has a salary range of $75,000 to $80,000, depending on experience. 

Southwestern employees are generally able to WFH two days a week during the academic year, and three days during the (academic) summer.