Manager for Collections Processing and Digital Initiatives

Description

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which owns and operates Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello seeks a dynamic and highly motivated library professional to lead a team of dedicated staff as the Manager for Collections Processing and Digital Initiatives in Monticello’s Jefferson Library.  Reporting to the Fiske and Marie Kimball Librarian, this position manages and directs all collections processing, digitization, and metadata description activities that support the discovery of, access to, and preservation of the Foundation’s research collections and archives.

A strong candidate in this role will have a minimum of five years of experience managing teams and project workflows involved with cataloging, archives management, digital archiving, and leading digitization projects and initiatives.  A successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication, and editing skills, with a keen attention to detail.  Knowledge of and an interest in American history would be a plus.

To apply, complete the online application available here, with cover letter, resume with references, and salary expectations.  To be considered in the first round of selections, please apply by March 11, 2022.  Position open till filled.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manages all cataloging activities and workflows in accordance with prevailing bibliographic description and metadata standards to facilitate the discovery and accessibility of new scholarship, research, and relevant information in all formats.  Reviews and improves cataloging policies and procedures in response to research trends and changing needs, in accordance with best practices.  Trains and supervises the output of cataloging staff and volunteers to ensure that materials acquired by the library are processed and available for use on a timely basis.  Identifies relevant material for cataloging treatment and carries out specialized cataloging as the need arises.
• Advises on and manages archival description and processing workflows for the Foundation archives in accordance with best practices to facilitate discovery and access.  Manages processing teams, trains, and supervises volunteers processing and creating finding aids for newly acquired archival material.  Works collaboratively with staff from other departments on new digital and archiving initiatives.
• Manages and monitors monthly system improvements for the Thomas Jefferson Portal research gateway (built upon OCLC’s WorldShare Management System) and regular updates to ArchivesSpace to ensure that these library systems are kept current and functioning effectively.  Leads in the implementation of new library systems and stays abreast of innovations and trends in cloud-based library solutions and tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters in Library Science or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or comparable professional graduate degree
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of arts, humanities, or social sciences
• At least five years’ experience in cataloging, archives management, digital archiving, and leading digitization projects and initiatives, with a proven track record of effectiveness in training and managing staff and volunteers in a library, archive, museum, academic or cultural heritage institution
• Knowledge of and experience in implementing and adapting data standards and best practices related to library and archival management systems, and digital asset management systems
• Knowledge of and experience with prevailing and evolving bibliographic description, archival description and metadata standards
• Knowledge and experience with current information discovery tools and technologies, including discovery layer and multi-platform integration that improve accessibility to information and archival resources
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and editing skills, with a keen attention to detail
• Creative, critical thinker and solution-oriented problem-solver

Setting and Environment:

Dedicated on April 13, 2002, the Jefferson Library supports Monticello’s dual mission of education and preservation.  An integral part of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, the Library collects and makes available a wide range of material and resources on all aspects of Thomas Jefferson’s life, times, and legacy, and serves the research needs of Monticello staff, research fellows, and the general public.  Monticello’s staff and volunteers preserve the historic structures, landscape, viewshed, and diverse narratives of an iconic American and UNESCO World Heritage site, and engage the public in a dialogue with Thomas Jefferson’s ideas.  The Thomas Jefferson Foundation owns and manages over 2,500 acres of Thomas Jefferson’s original 5,000-acre plantation in central Virginia.

Expected Starting Date:

May 1, 2022 or earlier

Questions?  Contact:  Endrina Tay, Fiske and Marie Kimball Librarian, etay@monticello.org