Curator of Puzzles

Description

Manages all aspects pertaining to the puzzle collection of the Lilly Library. This encompasses maintenance, acquisition, exhibitions, donations, public relations, and research of puzzles. Supervises the organization, care, display, and maintenance of the puzzle collection, including the rotation of the objects in the permanent puzzle room. Determines the authenticity, technique, origin, dating, attribution and value of the objects in the puzzle collection; ensures accuracy of puzzle information entered in collections management system. Assigns and updates insurance values for puzzle collection. Advises the director regarding the acquisition through gift or purchase of puzzles. Makes puzzle collection available to public; assists students, professors, and visiting scholars with research inquiries; serves as liaison with puzzle dealers, private collectors, donors, curators, and other institutions with respect to purchase considerations, donations, loans and exhibitions enquiries.

Plans, researches organize and assemble special exhibitions primarily related to puzzles; serves as the organizing curator for traveling exhibitions. Presents lectures/tours to student classes, community organizations, and library docents about the library, puzzle collection, and individual research specialties; conceptualize, organize and implement special programs related to puzzles, such as lectures, gallery tours, and workshops. Documents, research, and publish information related to the puzzle collection. Supervises and instruct support personnel (clerical and graduate assistants, interns, practicum students, volunteers); monitors work performance for accuracy and completeness. Develops and submits annual budgets and write grant proposals for projects concerning puzzles, and handles commercial requests for use of materials. Seeks support of donors for gifts of puzzles; work with the Assistant Dean, Advancement, of the IU Libraries to facilitate communications with donors.

Qualifications: Review your qualifications prior to applying to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Resume and cover letter required.

REQUIRED: Master's degree, preferably with some graduate-level work in one of more of the following fields: mathematics, computer science, cognitive sciences, informatics, engineering, philosophy, history and philosophy of science, history, literature/theatre, fine arts and three years of experience in the field of puzzles and other special collections materials, either as a collector, dealer, researcher, curator, or in some other professional capacity.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact tactfully and courteously with library users; the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with supervisors and peers; and the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. Ability to establish priorities and excellent organizational skills. Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.

Preferred: Reading proficiency in French and/or German preferred.

Note: This position requires a high degree of mental concentration since much of the work involves actually handling mechanical puzzles. It may also involve moving or shifting puzzles housed in cartons, either within the building or at another storage site. Must be able to lift 30 pounds.

Applications accepted until July 4, 2013, or until position is filled.