Head, Special Collections and University Archives, UMass Amherst

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

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