Associate Director and Head of Collections

Amherst College seeks an Associate Director & Head of Collections to join the Amherst Center for Russian Culture (ACRC). This is a full-time, year-round position with a salary range of $85,000 - $90,000 per year, commensurate with relevant education, training, and experience.

About the role

Reporting to the Director of the ACRC, the Associate Director & Head of Collections (AD) oversees the Center’s logistical operations, collection maintenance, and budgetary management. The AD advances the Center’s strategic goals in collaboration with the director and advisory board, develops communications and publicity, implements access policies for patrons and visitors, and supervises staff and student workers. The role also involves coordinating with Frost Library and the Mead Art Museum on collection management, exhibitions, and digital humanities initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily logistical operations of the Center and support long-term projects.
• Manage the Center’s budget in consultation with the director and advisory board.
• Supervise staff and student workers, including hiring, training, and evaluation.
• Maintain the physical safety of the collection and monitor its use.
• Implement best practices for patron access and coordinate with the Mead Art Museum and Frost Library on collection management and exhibitions.
• Develop and maintain the Center’s communications, publicity, and digital humanities projects.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support collection maintenance and donations.
• Collaborate with donor relations, support student projects, and ensure consistency of policies with Frost Library’s Archives & Special Collections.
• Occasionally engage in collection development, including identifying materials, managing correspondence, and negotiating contracts (in consultation with the College’s CFO and legal counsel).

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Russian or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced competency in English and Russian.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn technological platforms such as G-suite, Excel, and Archive Space.
• Basic web editing skills and ability to oversee projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks, including a criminal offender records information (CORI) check.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Slavic Languages or Literatures or a related field.
• Advanced competency in Russian.

Benefits

Amherst College offers a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package for staff and faculty and their families.

Pay

$85,000 - $90,000 per year, based on relevant education, training, and experience.