Senior Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts

The Washington University Libraries seeks dynamic and creative candidates with strong leadership skills for the position of Senior Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senior Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts has primary responsibility for stewardship and promotion of the Libraries’ rare book and manuscript collections. This position takes a leadership role in the operations of the unit, and, under the direction of the Head of Special Collections, engages in all areas of strategic planning for the Rare Book and Manuscript Unit, including staff management, collections curation, and research use. Works in an open and collaborative environment with related Libraries’ departments to facilitate digitization and cataloging of collections, as well as organization of exhibitions and events in support of collections outreach. Aligns unit activities with faculty teaching and research needs, and provides consultation and assistance in incorporating primary source materials into curriculum. Supervises the Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts and research fellows.

QUALIFICATIONS:Required:MLS from an ALA accredited school, or Master’s degree in the humanities; 3-5 years experience leading a nationally recognized rare book department in a major research library; subject expertise in the history of the book; familiarity with rare book and manuscript trade; demonstrated experience serving as a reference librarian and subject matter specialist in areas relating to rare books and manuscripts scholarship; demonstrated experience integrating rare books and manuscripts collections into formal curriculum and informal learning opportunities; experience working effectively and collaboratively with donors, collectors and scholars.

Preferred: Prefer both degrees: MLS from an ALA accredited school, and Master’s degree in the humanities; ability to work with non-English languages and non-Roman alphabets preferred; knowledge of preservation procedures desirable; demonstrated experience in multiple facets of grant funded research, including leadership roles in projects that advance the field of rare books and manuscripts scholarship, as well as partnership roles in faculty and campus projects requiring collections access; grant writing experience. Familiarity with DACS, EAD, XML, MARC, and other standards and formats desirable.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Washington University, located at the western edge of the city of St. Louis, is a medium-sized, independent, research university founded in 1853, and is internationally known for excellence in teaching and research and for the quality of its faculty and student body. The University libraries play an essential role in providing the support for these areas to the Washington University community. For more information, please visit the Washington University/Libraries’ web sites at www.wustl.edu and http://library.wustl.edu.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS PACKAGE: 22 VACATION DAYS, TIAA-CREF, etc.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.wustl.edu. Reference job #27157. For full consideration, attach a letter of application, resume, and the names of three references (including e-mail & phone number). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Employment eligibility verification required upon hire. Washington University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.