Associate Director, Collections - Schomburg Center - The New York Public Library
New York, NY 10037
About the Job
Description
To learn more about this opportunity and/or apply, please contact:
Tory Clarke
Partner, Bridge Partners
tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com
The Organization
Tory Clarke
Partner, Bridge Partners
tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com
The Organization
Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.
A research library of the New York Public Library, one of the largest public library systems in the world, the Schomburg Center features diverse programming and collections spanning over 10 million items, and has illuminated the richness of black history, arts, and experience worldwide for nearly a century.
The Center is committed to maximizing free and public access to its one-of-a-kind collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and much of its programming.
The Role
Location: New York City
Reports to: Director, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, NYPL
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities: The Associate Director manages medium-specific curators along with associated curatorial staff
Position Summary
The Associate Director (AD) of Collections is a key member of the Schomburg Center’s senior leadership team and will provide leadership and vision for its four curatorial divisions, playing a critical role in shaping the future of Schomburg’s significant and historic collections, ensuring that it remains a leader in the field.
The successful candidate will be an engaged, collaborative, and experienced leader who can provide dynamic vision and mentorship to a stellar team of curators and curatorial staff while stewarding this singular collection and providing greater access to diverse audiences.
Reporting to the Center’s Director, the Associate Director Collections will be responsible for managing the regular and successful operations of special collection divisions – Art and Artifacts; Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books; Moving Image and Recorded Sound; and Photographs and Prints - establishing collecting priorities and processes, and engaging new ways of sharing the institution’s rich collection.
The AD regularly collaborates with the Associate Director of Research Services and other members of the senior leadership team, external stakeholders, and other departments and colleagues within the Schomburg Center and across The New York Public Library to ensure that system-wide goals are accomplished.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Schomburg Center Director, the Associate Director of Collections will:
- Provide leadership in developing and shaping a vision for the future of collecting at the Schomburg, in collaboration with the Director, the curatorial team, and other stakeholders.
- With other members of the senior leadership team, help set, articulate and ensure delivery of institutional priorities.
- Oversee the daily management of special collections operations, including creating new processes and procedures where needed.
- Lead a team of experienced professionals, and identify professional development and training needs for all curatorial and related staff at all career levels.
- Collaborate with NYPL’s departments on matters relating to preservation, access, description, digitization, policy and stewardship of the collection, in its multiplicity of formats.
- Understand copyright and intellectual property issues relating to archives and special collections and answering complex reference questions regarding collection access, permissions, and copyright.
- With curatorial staff identify, learn and innovate around new methods for sharing and expanding the use of the Schomburg’s collections.
- Work with curatorial staff and other Schomburg leaders to consider and develop fresh and innovative approaches to shaping curatorial projects, particularly in regard to collaboration around interpretive projects, exhibitions and other public uses that showcase Schomburg’s rich collections.
- Identify and assist with grants and other funding opportunities related to capacity building and special Schomburg projects related to collections.
- Follow emerging trends and innovations to stay updated with the latest developments in library science, public service methodologies, and digital tools.
- Manage and/or collaborate on legacy initiatives and provide oversight on new projects. Regularly represent the Schomburg at conferences, symposia, and other public events.
- Regularly engage with diverse stakeholders, including funders, scholars, and visitors about Schomburg collections and research resources.
- Serve as a regular spokesperson for the collection and institution to the media.
- Collaborate and develop effective relationships with members of NYPL senior management in all aspects of Schomburg special collections operations; serve on NYPL-wide teams and committees.
- Other related duties and special projects assigned by the Director.
Priorities for this leader in their first six months will include:
- Understand each collecting division’s operational structures and identify opportunities for growth and challenges within each.
- Learn from the experts in each collecting division in order to be able to speak about Schomburg collections to the public.
- Establish a regular cadence of meetings with direct reports (collectively and individually).
- Identify and begin to create new processes and procedures for Collections operations that address opportunities for growth and current challenges.
- Understand capacity needs within Collections; communicate those needs to, and advocate for the resource with, the Director.
- Develop a collaborative partnership with the leaders of Research Services, Public Programs, Education and other departments within the Center.
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Experience:
- Commitment to, and passion for, the Schomburg Center’s mission and focus
- Minimum 5 years curatorial experience in a collections environment with demonstrated acquisition and collection development experience
- Broad knowledge of African American and African Diaspora history and culture required.
- 3-5 years of supervisory experience managing, mentoring, and leading complex teams.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively at all levels of an organization and with the public
- Prior experience effectively collaborating across functions and departments to execute institutional priorities
- Excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills with the ability to effectively execute multiple projects simultaneously
Required Skills:
- Highly-developed research, writing, and verbal communication skills
- The presence and credibility to serve as an effective spokesperson for Schomburg collections with visitors, outside communities, supporters and donors, and media
- Ability to manage and oversee departmental, grant and other support budgets
- Strong decision-making skills
- Ability to think and plan strategically
- Ability to apply judgment, discretion, professionalism and initiative
- Flexibility, reliability, punctuality and attention to detail
- Ability to foster and maintain collaborative and collegial relationships with a variety of stakeholders, constituents, and individuals across NYPL divisions and departments
Education:
- ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s degree or higher in Africana Studies, History, or related cultural studies field
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Research library setting
Physical Duties
- N/A
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Exempt
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Exempt
To learn more about this opportunity and/or apply, please contact:
Tory Clarke
Partner, Bridge Partners
tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Source : The New York Public Library