Head Special Collections and University Archives

Title: Head Special Collections and University Archives

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Other Academic Units

Department: Library -Admin Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Provides leadership, vision and strategic direction for the Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center (SCUA) of the UMass Amherst Libraries. Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across all aspects of SCUA operations. Reports to the Dean of Libraries who reviews performance for effectiveness and conformance with established policies, rules, and regulations, but the Head has substantial independent responsibility without immediate supervision.

Essential Functions

Exercise full supervision over a team of professional and classified staff members, part-time staff, and student assistants engaged in the performance of assigned duties in the Special Collections and University Archives Department

Acquire, develop, manage, and preserve unique and distinctive collections, both physical and digital, including manuscripts, the records of the University of Massachusetts, and rare books. Develop policies and procedures for the acquisition, arrangement, and description of those collections in order to ensure their access.

In collaboration with the Dean of Libraries, provide leadership and strategic direction for SCUA's development activities, working closely with the Director of Development (Libraries) and Foundation Relations. Pursue grants and other funding opportunities to further SCUA's mission.

Maintain a regular and convenient service schedule for public access, in-person and online, to the collections.

Plan, coordinate, and direct staff activities and workflows in the Special Collections and University Archives Department.

Provide oversight for the University records management program, working with the University Archivist to promote fuller participation from University offices.

Oversee staff managing distinctive collections, research services, instruction, and digital technologies. Collaborate with SCUA staff to develop digital resources and metadata standards and support the integration of primary source material in course curricula.

Facilitate collaborative working relationships within the Libraries, across campus, with consortial partners, and with outside groups.

Participate as a member of the Department Heads Management Group, representing SCUA and identifying opportunities to collaborate across departments as appropriate.

Actively promote the use of SCUA's collections to the University community and to a national and international audience.

Organize and participate in colloquia, seminars, exhibits, and other public events to promote SCUA and its collections.

In collaboration with the Dean of Libraries, formulate, revise, implement, and interpret policies and procedures relevant to SCUA.

Represent the Libraries on University, Five College, Boston Library Consortium, and other committees. Attend relevant professional meetings and conferences.

Other Functions

Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited library and information studies program.

8-12 years of increasing responsibility working with special collections, such as rare books, archives, records management, and manuscripts.

Training in areas such as archives, manuscripts, rare books, and/or special collections librarianship.

Record of successful management experience, demonstrated commitment to staff development, and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

Proven record of accomplishment in collection development and donor relations

Experience in planning, organizing, and supervising the work of others and in project management.

Strong commitment to public service and proven ability to work effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, community members, and external researchers.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster a collegial work environment that encourages change and innovation; and the ability to interact effectively and work productively, cooperatively, and collaboratively with a variety of individuals and groups in a complex and rapidly changing environment.

Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly in presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in a relevant field.

Successful grant writing experience.

Experience implementing digital technology and tools related to special collections.

Ability to articulate a clear vision for the role of special collections and university archives in advancing learning, teaching, research, and community engagement.

Additional Details

MSP Librarian positions are eligible for promotion, defined as a change in rank as a librarian from one rank to the next higher rank. The bargaining unit member who gets a promotion shall receive the base salary increase in line with the MSP collective bargaining agreement. You can view the MSP Collective Bargaining Agreement, particularly, article 20, to learn more about MSP Librarian Personnel Actions, including promotion, appointment, reappointment, and continuing appointment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday through Friday

Work a schedule that may include some evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Salary Information

Level: Librarian IV/Librarian V

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $90,735 and $131,000. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Please note:

The low-end of the pay range in all faculty/librarian searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.

The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty/librarian experience.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.