NY Public Library is hiring a Director for Collections and Services & Curator for Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division. The Director will manage the Schomburg Center’s collection development strategies, public services, policies and procedures, and special projects related to African American and African Diasporan material.
- Serve as the liaison between the Schomburg Center’s divisional Curators and the Directors in the day-to-day management of the collections and research and reference services.
- Supervise and work with Curators in the day-to-day management of their divisions to resolve issues at the executive level, including budget, preservation, acquisitions, staffing, special projects, cataloging/barcoding, etc.
- Assist in the allocation of funds to special collection units for overall acquisitions.
- Work closely with NYPL Development staff to identify and secure funding from grants and donors and prepare proposals, applications, and reports.
- Cultivate collectors and donors for new material.
- Provide administrative oversight to the Scholars-in-Residence Program.
- Provide senior leadership in the development, management, preservation, and interpretation of the manuscripts, archives and rare books (MARB) collection at the Schomburg Center.
- Conduct periodic reviews and assessments of the MARB collection to develop strategies for digital preservation and digital public access.
- Promote scholarly, educational, and general use of the collection in collaboration with other divisions, including Public Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, the Digital Humanities Curator, Public Relations, Communications, and general media inquiries.
- Actively engage researchers by helping them in their work, soliciting ideas for improved services, and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
- Administer and coordinate intellectual property rights and copyright for loan and usage of materials in documentaries, exhibitions, and programs.
- Regularly prepare and update finding aids, e-catalogs, and other research tools.
- Identify and build relationships with various communities, including academic, educational, community, and arts, among others.
- Represent the division and the Schomburg Center’s at various functions.
- Promote use of the collection by presenting at conferences, and publishing blogs and other open, online forums.
- Curate exhibitions and programming related to the collection.
- Hire and supervise staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
Key Competencies:
Key Competencies:
- Strategic thinking
- Results oriented
- Collaboration and influence
- Change Management
- Performace Coaching
Qualifications:
- Master’s in Library Science or higher degree with seven years of experience in manuscripts and rare books preservation and archiving.
- Subject area expertise or educational background in any of the following: African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, or cultural studies.
- Background in research libraries, archives, manuscripts and rare books collections, and preservation-oriented experience.
- Knowledge of digitization and metadata standards, technologies, and digital workflow.
- Successfully demonstrated experience managing and realizing projects.
- Knowledge of rights issues pertaining to archives, manuscripts, and rare books.
- Administrative, budgetary, and supervisory experience.
- Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills, including the ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and users. Experience or willingness to speak publicly required.
- Grant writing and/or proven ability to develop and foster relationships with collectors, donors, and other institutions.
- Ability to work well under pressure with judgment, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Work Environment:
Office setting
