NKU Graduate Education · 3 months ago
Head of Special Collections and University Archives
Newport, KY
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveNorthern Kentucky University seeks a collaborative, visionary, and service-oriented individual to serve as University Archivist, who will lead the Special Collections and University Archives Department. This position is responsible for supervising staff, managing departmental budgets, overseeing archival functions, and advocating for the department's needs while contributing to the library's vision and goals.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Supervises and leads a team of librarians and staff in the Special Collections and University Archives Department, including special collections, university archives, and records management
Responsible for the security of the physical space dedicated to the department; the security and physical safety of the university records, historical collections and other materials constituting the department’s collections; and departmental equipment
Monitors budget allocations and ensures effective stewardship of funds
Oversees and supports all departmental assessment, using data to make informed decisions
Communicates with clarity and transparency to internal and external stakeholders
Actively promotes an environment of continual improvement by engaging in ongoing learning, information sharing, and professional development
Develops and manages the archival arrangement and description program for permanent university records and special (historical) collections in all formats
Sets policy for application of archival descriptive standards and best practices
Strives to make the materials as accessible as possible both on campus and remotely, using the most current technology available
Appraises potential new Special Collections donations and determines what to accept
Overall responsibility for the University Records and Information Management (RIM) Program, including representing, promoting, advocating for and developing the program at the university level; influencing university policies and practices to adopt, apply or reflect records and information management best practices; overseeing the Records Manager who manages the program on a daily basis
Serves as the University Records Officer
Works to develop a program for the management and preservation of the university’s permanent digital records; and to provide appropriate access to digital records managed by the Archives that complies with copyright, intellectual and other property rights
Provides specialized research assistance to on-site and distance researchers using materials in Special Collections and University Archives
Provides course-based archival instruction, collaborating with the Head of Education and Outreach Services to ensure instructional alignment and collaboration opportunities
Provides general weekly research help services, including reference desk hours, virtual chat, and consultations, to support in-person and virtual users
Supports fundraising and development efforts related to Special Collections and University Archives
Collaboratively identifies and pursues outreach opportunities for the NKU and wider regional community
Works in collaboration with the Associate Dean, who actualizes the outreach strategy in the library
Other duties as assigned
Participates in library and campus-wide committees
Qualification
Required
Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library or information science program or an ALA-approved foreign equivalent, or an equivalent advanced degree and relevant experience
Demonstrated experience with special collections and university archives in an academic or research library
Supervisory experience and/or evidence of the ability to be an effective team leader who fosters a welcoming, efficient, and collegial workplace
Knowledge of current and emerging trends and technologies related to special collections and university archives, library services, and higher education
Understanding of best practices in performing archival appraisal, accessioning, arrangement and description, research, and reference service; current archival descriptive standards (like DACS, EAD) as well as library standards like Dublin Core; and experience with ArchivesSpace or similar archival collection management software for accessioning and finding aid creation
Knowledge of applicable standards and experience working with digital files including strong file management skills, file transfer methods, recommended preservation file formats; experience scanning photographs and documents; knowledge of or experience managing server space
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative environment and to prioritize various projects and departmental initiatives
Demonstrated commitment to training and professional development/achievement of faculty and staff especially in the area of special collections and archives
Demonstrated commitment to creating a sense of belonging for all library users
Preferred
Experience with and/or knowledge of records management (including physical and electronic records)
Experience with and/or knowledge of how to develop and support instruction and/or outreach programs in special collections and university archives
Demonstrated experience with donor relations in special collections and university archives
Company
NKU Graduate Education
Award winning programs. Convenient online options. Small class and cohort sizes.
Founded in 1968Highland Heights , KY, US
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase