The Papers of Abraham Lincoln seeks two assistant editors. The assistant editor performs editorial, technical, and administrative tasks related to the ongoing work of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln. The Papers of Abraham Lincoln is a documentary editing project dedicated to identifying, imaging, transcribing, annotating, and publishing online all documents written by or to Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime (1809-1865).

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Search for surviving documents within the project’s scope
• Scan documents using established technical specifications
• Create derivative images of scanned documents
• Create electronic records and accessioning documents into the project’s content management system
• Transcribe hand-written documents using an XML editor
• Tandem oral-proofing documents
• Compose identifications of events, organizations, persons, and places associated with pertinent documents
• Write accurate and complete contextual and textual annotations for select documents

SUPPLEMENTAL DUTIES:

• Oversee the work of the graduate public service interns (GPSIs), interns, and volunteers
• Assist the director in the preparation of grant proposals and reports
• Collaborate with other editors in establishing editorial guidelines
• Provide reference services for in-person, mail, email, and telephone inquiries
• Correspond with repositories and private collectors regarding new documents
• Engage in professional and scholarly activities, including research and public service
• Participate in the outreach activities of the project and the Research Division of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

You can view The Papers of Abraham Lincoln Digital Library at www.papersofabrahamlincoln.org.

Minimum Requirements:

Required specialized knowledge, skills, and/abilities:

• Master of Arts in History, with a concentration in American History
• Proficiency in historical research and writing
• Knowledge of and skill in utilizing print and electronic resources for historical research
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively on group tasks
• Attention to detail and precision in composing and editing manuscripts
• A working knowledge of computers, including word processing, database, graphics, and e-mail programs

Desired specialized knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

• A PhD in history
• Experience in documentary editing
• Knowledge and/or use of Omeka, Drupal, Islandora, and other content management systems
• Familiarity with the handwriting of nineteenth-century political, cultural, and intellectual figures
• Demonstrated ability to speak to public groups on historical topics
• Experience creating historical content on print, electronic, and social media platforms

Work Hours & Location/Agency Contact:

Work location:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
112 N. 6th Street
Springfield, IL 62701

Agency Contact:
Melissa Coultas, Chief of Staff
212 N. 6th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
217-557-5875

Hours: 37.5 hours/week (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM with a half hour lunch)
Salary: $43 / Hour

How to Apply:

This is a contractual position subject to annual renewal each Fiscal Year (July 1st) based upon funding. Contractual hires are not eligible for insurance benefits and do not accrue benefit time. Employer payroll taxes are paid by the agency.
Interested applicants must submit a CMS100 application directly to the ALPLM. The CMS100 application can be found on our website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/alplm/museum/Documents/app_cms100.pdf.
Applicants MAY also provide a resume and/or CV.

It is preferred that applications be sent via email, but will also be accepted via mail to the agency contact. Please email application materials to ALPLM.HR@illinois.gov. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted at this time.

Application deadline: August 13, 2020.