Historical Manuscript Acquisitions and Cataloguing Specialist

For more than 40 years, The Raab Collection has been one of the leading dealers in rare and important historical documents, manuscripts, and autographs, serving collectors and institutions around the world, including some of the most prominent collecting libraries and universities.

Our inventory spans more than a millennium, from the 9th century to the present, with an emphasis on quality, not quantity. We specialize in American and European material, and we hold our client service to the highest standard. We are looking for an experienced and intellectually curious Historical Manuscript Acquisitions and Cataloguing Specialist who can help us serve our current buying and selling constituencies while helping to expand our brand and business in the coming years.

This is also an unusual opportunity to work in a collaborative environment alongside experts in the field, deepening advanced skills in the assessment, interpretation, description, and authentication of historical documents written in a variety of languages.

Responsibilities

Sourcing and Acquisitions

• Build and maintain relationships with collectors, dealers, auction houses, institutions, and other sources of important historical material.
• Identify, evaluate, research, and authenticate documents and manuscripts for potential acquisition.
• Seek out new sources of material and develop opportunities for purchases and consignments.
• Represent The Raab Collection at public sales and within the wider rare-document and manuscript community.

Authentication and Handling

• Authenticate manuscripts and historical documents and assess their provenance, condition, significance, and marketability.
• Handle rare and fragile material with appropriate care, from initial inspection through research, cataloguing, and preparation for sale.
• Assist in evaluating collections and individual items offered to the firm.

Cataloguing and Research

• Research newly acquired historical documents and manuscripts, placing them accurately within their historical context.
• Work with the team to craft accurate, scholarly, and engaging descriptions of new material.
• Assist in the care of individual items and collaborate on imaging, document photography, and presentation for print and digital formats.

Qualifications 

• A curious mind and a genuine passion for history and historical documents.
• Minimum Bachelors degree or equivalent
• 4+ years of demonstrated experience in the rare document, manuscript, or autograph trade, or in a closely related field such as special collections, archives, or auction-house work.
• Strong research and authentication skills, with the knowledge and judgment necessary to assess material independently.
• An existing network within the collecting, auction, institutional, or dealer community is a significant plus.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to explain historical material clearly and engagingly.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Professional, client-oriented demeanor, with care and discretion when dealing with clients, confidential information, and valuable inventory.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Strong multitasking and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize.
• Reading knowledge of one or more languages in addition to English is a plus.

Compensation, Benefits, and Schedule

The base salary for this position is $70,000+, with final compensation commensurate with experience. Health care included. In addition to base compensation, there will be opportunities for discretionary annual bonuses.  Liberal PTO. 

The position offers a flexible hybrid schedule, with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Ardmore, Pennsylvania (suburban Philadelphia) office and the remaining days generally worked remotely. The specific in-office days can be arranged with some flexibility, although additional time in the office may occasionally be required for meetings, handling or evaluating material, or other business needs. Candidates should therefore live within reasonable commuting distance of Ardmore. Office is in walking distance of the train station, 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. 

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to nathan@raabcollection.com.