Head of Special Collections/University Archivist

Portland State University seeks a knowledgeable, innovative individual to serve as Head of Special Collections/University Archivist to provide campus-wide leadership in the preservation and celebration of the university’s history, and to manage and develop the Library’s Special Collections. The position is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track appointment with the rank of Assistant Professor, reporting to the Assistant University Librarian for Public Services.

Special Collections include the corpus of Dark Horse Comics, the Gates Collection of African American Life, the papers of prominent Oregon public leaders, and Middle Eastern and Asian Studies Rare Book Collections. The University Archives hold Portland State historical papers, publications, photographs, tapes, photographic materials, and memorabilia dating from the inception of Vanport Extension Center in 1946.

Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for establishing, prioritizing, and implementing Special Collections and Archives policies, processes, standards, marketing, and strategic planning; and manages the selection, collection, preservation, organization, security, and use of Special Collections and Archives. Reference service and instruction, both in-person and electronically, and engagement with campus offices, faculty, students, and the external community are expected. The position also creates displays and exhibits; provides archival storage; arranges and describes archival materials, creating finding aids and working with Library Technical Services on the creation of MARC records and the EAD-encoding of finding aids; and oversees paraprofessional staff of .5FTE, as well as student workers and interns. Library faculty members contribute to the profession through professional service and scholarly activities, and participation in faculty governance within the Library and University.

Required Qualifications
• An ALA-accredited MLS or its equivalent
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• 3 years of experience working in archives administration including records appraisal, accessioning, arrangement, description, preservation, reference service, and public programs
• Work experience demonstrating excellent planning, budgeting, and organizational skills
• Experience with varied formats of records including manuscripts, printed materials, phonographs, audio-visual materials, and artifacts
• Knowledge of current trends and national standards for the creation of metadata and the description of archival, non-print and rare material
• Experience with database management software and the development of finding aids
• Working knowledge of digital and web-related technologies to enhance library services and collections
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in Archives and Special Collections
• Commitment to service
• Flexible and adaptable with ability to work in a dynamic, changing and diverse environment
• Excellent analytic, problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with library users and library, campus and consortial colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to work positively and productively with diverse constituencies in rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and staff development
• Potential to meet promotion and tenure requirements
· Transcripts and background checks will be required for finalists.

Preferred Qualifications
• Grant-writing and donor relations experience
• Supervisory experience
• Records Management experience

The Environment:
Portland State, a nationally recognized leader in community-based learning, is located on the tree-lined blocks of downtown Portland and offers its almost 25,000 students more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Salary and Benefits:
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, as well as an excellent benefits package including fully paid health care, reduced tuition rates, and a generous retirement and vacation package. Librarians are members of the Academic Faculty and participate in University-wide faculty governance.

Deadlines: Review of applicants will begin February 15th, 2008. The search will remain open until finalists are identified.

To Apply: Electronic application materials are strongly preferred (Word or .pdf documents). Send cover letter; resume; and names, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four references to: Karena Bayruns, Search Coordinator, kbayruns@pdx.edu; or to PO Box 1151, Portland, OR 97207-1151. Applications not containing all requested documents will not be considered. Transcripts and background checks will be required for finalists.

Online ad: http://library.pdx.edu/hscua_posting.html . In cover letter, address how your knowledge and experiences meet qualifications.

PSU is an AA/EO institution and, in keeping with the President’s diversity initiative, welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.