Head of Archives & Special Collections

JOB SUMMARY

The UConn Library seeks an innovative and knowledgeable Head of Archives & Special Collections to support and advance research, teaching, and learning through the development and stewardship of the Library’s unique and distinct collections.

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Collections & Discovery, the Head of Archives & Special Collections provides direction and leadership for the unit and develops cooperative and collaborative partnerships across the libraries, University, and external organizations that work to extend the reach of our collections and address the major issues facing archives & special collections in the current era. The successful candidate will create and promote innovation and change while respecting the principles and best practices of the profession, articulating this vision to internal and external stakeholders. 

As an active member of the Library’s Collections & Discovery area and guided by our Strategic Framework of Connect, Empower, and Engage the successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of the Library through collaboration and relationship-building and demonstrate excellent leadership, communication, professional judgment, and decision-making practices while clearly demonstrating the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice in daily responsibilities. Along with all UConn Library personnel, the Head of Archives & Special Collections will demonstrate respect in all interactions within the Library and across the University and will exemplify the UConn Library values of kindness and trust, curiosity and inquiry, equity and inclusion, and having fun.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provides leadership, vision, and innovation for Archives & Special Collections, actively advancing progress toward the Area’s and Library’s strategic and operational goals.
• Directs, plans, and communicates Archives & Special Collections efforts with a focus on:
  • Innovative public outreach and services to students, scholars, and community members
  • Technical and operational workflows designed to increase efficiency in processing unique collections in all formats
  • Developing and stewarding existing collections and identifying and pursuing new collections that reflect and support the institutional mission
  • Pursuing funds necessary to support programs and collections through donor cultivation and support, grant writing, and collaborative projects
• Reinforces the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) working collaboratively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in advancing DEIJ efforts across spaces, collections, and services.
• Determines Unit priorities and directs annual goal setting for Archives & Special Collections; ensures coordination and alignment of individual and Unit goals to Area, Library, and University priorities, services, and initiatives.
• Serves as the primary resource for other Library units, University offices, academic departments, and outside agencies regarding Archives & Special Collections' services and procedures and provides leadership in the role of developing and implementing Library policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Collaborates with Digital Imaging and Conservation Unit specialists on digitization, collections care, and disaster response.
• Maintains active engagement and creates significant contributions to professional activities at a statewide, regional, and/or national level.

Shared Expectations for Supervisors

• Assigns, oversees, reviews, and evaluates the work of direct reports. Establishes work schedule(s) and approves timesheets(s).  Maintains supervisory files.
• Promotes collegiality and inclusivity and is communicative about priorities, opportunities, and challenges. Encourages new thinking and ideas and actively fosters open communication.
• Creates a positive workplace culture through the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice.
• Follows the Performance Management Guidelines as outlined by the Library, Human Resources, and the staff member’s contractually specified evaluation process.
• Provides training and assistance to each direct report. Supports involvement in professional development activities and provides internal development opportunities as appropriate to each position.

Shared Expectations for All Staff

• Applies the principles of the Library’s Strategic Framework and core values through active contribution and cooperation in achieving Library, Area, and Unit priorities and operational goals.
• Demonstrates reliable and effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to provide excellent professional service and collaborate with other departments and divisions within the Library and across the University.
• Demonstrates active learning in and communication of ongoing trends and developments related to professional and positional responsibilities. 
• Works effectively in current office applications, software, and communication tools as employed by the UConn Library and the University of Connecticut.
• Exhibits appreciation of, sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse and inclusive working environment.
• Performs duties parallel to position responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

For Appointment as a Librarian 3 – Manager

1. A graduate degree in library and information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association or international equivalent or a graduate degree in a research-intensive discipline relevant to the position.
2. Minimum of six years of related professional experience.
3. Minimum of two years of supervisory experience with proven knowledge of and commitment to inclusive management best practices.
4. Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice.
5. Proven ability to actively maintain engagement with stakeholder communities in support of archival collection development, promotion, and accessibility.
6. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically and embrace and promote change management strategies.
7. Demonstrated expertise in current archival management practices, policies, and procedures.
8. Advanced interpersonal and communication skills.
9. Evidence of active engagement in professional activities at the state, regional, or national level.

Additional Minimum Qualifications for Appointment as a Librarian 4 - Manager

• Minimum of nine years of related professional experience.
• Expert-level knowledge of current archival management best practices and procedures.
• Expert-level ability to align current resources and opportunities in support of learning, research, and scholarship.
• Evidence of leadership and/or creating significant contributions in professional activities at a statewide, regional, and/or national level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

For Both Levels 

1. Demonstrated success in reinforcing and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice.
2. Demonstrated success in donor relations, collection solicitation, fundraising, and gift management.
3. Experience in budget management.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time position based on UConn’s main campus in Storrs, Connecticut. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary and rank are dependent upon education, qualifications, and experience. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497486 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on June 18, 2023. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.