Head of Special Collections & University Archivist

Description

The Head of Special Collections and University Archivist is responsible for providing leadership for special collections long-range and strategic planning development and promotion of special collections, particularly materials relating to social justice organization serving Boston’s African-American, Chinese, Latino and gay and lesbian communities; development and promotion of archival and records management policies, resources and services;coordination with the Library’s digital strategy leadership to ensure that appropriate digital library technologies, including those to provide access to and ensure preservation of Northeastern’s unique digital resources, are effectively and imaginatively applied; budget and personnel administration.

The Head of Special Collections and University Archivist is a key leadership position. As curator of Special Collections, the challenges are formidable: to develop, primarily through gifts and grants, collections of rare books and manuscript collections appropriate to Northeastern. This requires a long-term commitment to building quality collections and the development and nurturing of ongoing relationships with members of Boston’s underrepresented communities and other potential donors.

Likewise, the challenges for the University Archivist that come with campus-wide responsibility for the management of the official records of the university are equally significant. This role requires developing relationships with administrators, faculty, and staff in every academic and administrative unit. The challenge is to ensure that the archival needs of the University are met and that an accurate and complete historical record is preserved. Selecting the appropriate historical records, organizing and providing access to them, and ensuring their security and longevity are all demands of the position. In addition, the Archivist serves as an important resource for the history of Northeastern University.

Providing access to and preserving the University’s unique digital assets also offers many challenges in light of the rapid and continuous development of computing technology and its application to electronic records. The Head of Special Collections will need to work closely with the Library’s digital technology leadership to ensure the most effective and imaginative development of digital collections deriving from the Special Collections.

Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLS degree with a concentration in archival management; additional advanced degree in history or related field. At least 5 years demonstrated successful experience in archival management and or special collections in an academic or research institution.
• Knowledge of archival principles and practices; special collections administration; records management principles and practices; access and preservation technologies; practices and issues related to management of electronic resources and digital archiving, higher education, and scholarly communication. Experience in integrating information technologies with traditional archival resources and services.
• Significant experience with donor and public relations, fund raising, and grant-funded projects. Evidence of professional and scholarly activity. Ability to work effectively with colleagues, donors, University administrators, senior faculty, students, and other constituents. Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent planning, analytical, and conceptual skills. Demonstrated commitment to excellence and staff development.