Special Collections Director: Temple University

The Temple University Libraries seek a Director of Special Collections to lead the merger and ongoing operations of a new Special Collections division in a library in the midst of dynamic growth, located on the main campus of a vibrant, urban research university that is among the most diverse in the nation. For more information about Temple and Philadelphia, visit:
www.temple.edu.

Description:
Reporting to the Dean of University Libraries and serving as part of the Libraries’ senior executive team, the Director will merge the collections and staff currently within the Urban Archives and Special Collections operating units. The Urban Archives include the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, the Philadelphia Jewish Archives, a growing local television news archive, and organizational records from over 250 regional organizations. In addition to Rare Books, & Manuscripts, the current Special Collections department includes the Philadelphia Dance, Contemporary Culture, Artists’ Books, Science Fiction, and Conwellana-Templana collections.

Going forward, the Director will:
• establish divisional and functional priorities for processing, preservation, access, reference, instruction, and outreach;
• supervise 4 full-time direct reports and a total staff of 11 full-time employees;
• participate in library-wide executive leadership, strategic planning, and policy creation with the Dean, Associate University Librarians, and Directors;
• manage the budget for special collections acquisitions, student staffing, grant-funded projects, and other initiatives;
• work closely with the Libraries’ Digital Initiatives operations and other library units to accelerate ongoing digitization of the Libraries’ special collections and the creation of online discovery tools;
• participate in fundraising activities and collaborate, internally and with external partners, on grant-writing;
• plan and implement interpretive programs, exhibitions, publications, and other outreach efforts, working closely with the Director of Library External Affairs and others;
• collaborate as appropriate with the Curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, and with the regional and national library community.

Compensation:
Competitive salary and benefits package, including a relocation allowance. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required:
• MLS from an ALA accredited library school or graduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in managing or leading special collections or archival services and
operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of key issues and current trends in special collections.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the rare book trade.
• Demonstrated knowledge of visual resources and image collections.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and receptiveness to, the uses of emerging technologies in archival and special
collections.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to develop programs and exhibitions.
• Evidence of success in budget planning and allocation in an organization with multiple funding sources.
• Evidence of success in fundraising or obtaining grants.
• Evidence of active participation within the profession.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.

Preferred:
• Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists.
• Evidence of success in strategic planning and introducing and managing change in a complex environment.
• Experience in a research setting.

Application:
To apply for this position, please visit www.temple.edu, click on Jobs@Temple, and reference TU-13289. For full consideration, please submit your completed electronic application, along with a cover letter and resume, by July 20, 2010.

Temple University is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to cultural diversity.