Librarian & Executive Director of the Lewis Walpole Library

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Overview

The Lewis Walpole Library is a Yale Library research center for the study of eighteenth-century Britain. Its collections are centered around Horace Walpole, the eighteenth-century English politician, writer, and historian, and his times with strong collections of books, manuscripts and prints. Reporting to the Director of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the Executive Director is responsible for establishing a vision and setting priorities for the Lewis Walpole Library (the “Library”) that will enhance research and scholarship about the eighteenth-century British world in alignment with Yale Library’s strategic directions and Yale University’s teaching and research mission.

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the Library, including public services, collection development, digital collections, technical services, personnel management, facilities management, and budgeting. The Executive Director is also responsible for extensive outreach and academic programs that include active research fellowship and publication programs, exhibitions, and master classes. The Library employs 10 FTE who acquire, describe, preserve, and make accessible the Library’s collections as well as maintain the Library’s facilities, which include eighteenth-century buildings and a modern library located on a 14-acre property in Farmington, Connecticut. The Library is supported by a generous endowment.

The Executive Director is also a key leader in Yale Library’s special collections community. The Executive Director participates in developing and implementing Yale Library-wide goals and initiatives; contributes to the harmonization of goals, policies, and practices across Yale Library’s special collections repositories; fosters accountability to Yale Library’s sustainable stewardship principles for special collections; and contributes to the development of an organizational culture that promotes inclusion, collaboration, transparency, continuous learning, and productivity.

In addition, the Executive Director develops and maintains strong ties with the Yale Center for British Art, Yale University Art Gallery, faculty at Yale University, the Farmington community, and international scholarly communities focused on eighteenth-century studies. The Executive Director works closely with the Lewis Walpole Library Board of Managers, an advisory group established by the will of Wilmarth S. Lewis.

While the position is located in Farmington, Connecticut, the Executive Director will regularly attend meetings on the Yale University campus in New Haven. The individual hired must have a car available for regular travel.

The budgeted salary for this position is $120,000-$160,000.

This search is being managed by Claremont Search Advisors.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated problem solving skills, experience coordinating projects, and the ability to bring projects to fruition.

2. Excellent analytical and communication skills in both writing and public speaking.

3. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, positive outlook, flexibility, and intellectual rigor.

4. Proficiency in the stewardship of rare and fragile primary research material.

5. Exceptional judgment in managing risk and resources.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Master’s or Ph.D. in British literature, history, or art history, with a strong focus on the eighteenth century. Demonstrated understanding of current trends in scholarship in eighteenth century British studies. Experience managing historic properties. A valid driver's license is required.

Principal Responsibilities

Job Posting Date

02/25/2026

Job Category

Manager

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Library

Compensation Grade Profile

(LIB)

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $145,250.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.