Director of University Archives and Special Collections - Librarian 3 Lead

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $65,780 and $83,212, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Collections, Research, and Engagement Services, the Director of University Archives and Special Collections (DUASC) provides leadership and direction for the CWRU University Archives and Special Collections which includes records management and the Special Collections portion of the KSL Collections Annex. The Director establishes priorities, operations, and services and implements assessment strategies to enable evidence-based planning and decision-making. The Director works collaboratively with all library teams and plays a leadership role in library-wide planning and decision-making as a member of the Kelvin Smith Library Leadership Team (LT). Expectations for Leadership Team members are outlined in the team charter.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides creative and innovative leadership to the University Archives and Special Collections team and collaborates across teams and externally. Communicates effectively and employs general management theories and practices. Plans for library or functional area(s), including the design and evaluation of policies, services and programs. Effectively implements relevant policies, operations, and services with a user-centered approach. Implements change management when needed, develops operational procedures and policies and advocates for all necessary staff and resources. Collects and analyzes data for evidence-based decision-making and planning. (25%)
• Articulate and implement strategies for the ongoing management, development, and maintenance of Case Western Reserve University¿s University Archives and Special Collections, working collaboratively with Kelvin Smith Library¿s leadership. Cultivate new collections, build and steward partnerships and donor relationships, and expand the teaching and research use of the collections with the academic and broader community. Reviews gift collections, explores grant opportunities, engages in development efforts to acquire collections and resources, and curates programming to bring visibility to the collections. (25%)
• Mentor, supervise, and develop library staff. Work with staff to set performance and development goals and objectives to encourage continuous improvement. Evaluate performance, recruit staff, and work to implement strategies for staff retention. (20%)
• As a member of the Kelvin Smith Library Leadership Team, actively contributes and engages in information sharing, ideation, library-wide planning, decision-making, and the development of Kelvin Smith Library's strategic framework. Implements all strategic objectives relevant to the position as a leader in the organization and the position's area of focus. Specific LT guidelines are outlined in the team charter. (15%)
• Contributes to the library, the institution, and the profession through sustained and progressive scholarship, creative expression, and service at the state, regional, national, or international level; contributions will support the advancement of librarianship and increase service to the University and community. (8%)
• Cultivates a work environment that promotes and maintains an environment and culture of empathy, collaboration, and respect. (6%)

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned, including maintaining authorization and certification to operate the Kelvin Smith Library University vehicle. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Work with KSL leadership on policy and planning of resources, services, and operations. Work with team members to ensure excellent service for the campus community. Frequently collaborate with staff at all levels of the organization to support the provision of library services (16-30%).

University: Consult regularly with faculty and university staff to ensure that client needs are considered and served, that services and planning are coordinated, and that those policies are applied and implemented consistently (31-45%).

External: Engage in regular contact with alumni, faculty and students from other universities, researchers, donors, and former employees to provide research service and to negotiate gifts of collection materials (31-45%). Maintain frequent contact with other archives records management programs to share practices and solutions (46-65%). Participate occasionally in local, regional and national organizations to maintain a network of information professionals which enhances our services and to stay abreast of trends and changes in the profession (6-15%).

Students: Regular communication with student assistants in the team to provide assistance and information resources to support their education and research needs (31-45%).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise exempt staff and non-exempt staff, student employees, and temporary full- or part-time workers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: A Master's degree in Library/Information Science or an advanced degree in a related discipline, plus 6 years of relevant library experience.

Directors must have sufficient experience and expertise in library leadership, management, and the work of a team/unit/department to serve as a supervisor, advisor and mentor.

Librarian level: Appointment to the level of Librarian 3 assumes that all requirements of the level will be met and sustained, that the individual will demonstrate continued and outstanding growth in the profession, and that they will perform existing duties and responsibilities at the highest level. Librarian levels are outlined in the librarian assembly handbook.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to make evidence-based decisions on a strategic basis; to engage in leadership activities in library, scholarly and professional organizations; to exercise the highest level of professional judgment and provide evidence of longstanding leadership. Able to apply best practices; can use advanced techniques and technology to innovate; ability to perform or administer most complex or most specialized duties; communicate effectively; and employ general management theories and practices
• Evidence of professional contributions publishing, creative contributions, presentations and/or professional service at the state, regional, national, or international level; notable contributions to advance librarianship and increase service to the University and community; keeps abreast of the role and application of trends for libraries in higher education
• Clear awareness of current relevant best practices and standards for the development of special collections and archival collections. Record of success in developing and promoting special collections and archives in instruction and programming to advance the success of faculty and students.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Demonstrable collaborative management style and a commitment to exceptional user services.
• Demonstrated successful experience with development, donor stewardship, and grant writing
• Experience deploying marketing strategies through a variety of formats and creative technologies to increase the use of special collections
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest
• Ability to meet consistent attendance
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face-to-face
• Ability to cultivate an environment of empathy, collaboration, and respect
• Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office/library environment.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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