What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Collections Strategy and Development position at Inside Higher Ed?
The Texas A&M University Libraries are seeking a Director of Special Collections Strategy & Development to guide the growth of the department within the Special Collections and Archives Division (SCA). This role leads a team of specialized curators, oversees stewardship of key collections, including those not assigned to specific curators, and champions initiatives that expand access and engagement with SCA materials. The position also calls for a strong record of progressively responsible project leadership, including developing new programs, taking on emerging challenges, and managing complex initiatives that strengthen collection visibility and impact. The Librarian Director works closely with the Associate University Librarian and fellow division directors on division‑wide planning, resource allocation, fundraising, and program development, contributing to a collaborative leadership team dedicated to advancing the mission of the SCA Division.
Opportunities to Contribute
Director of Special Collections Strategies and Development
Leads strategic planning, daily operations, resource allocation, and personnel management for the Special Collections department.
Guides long‑term collection development and mentors a team of specialized curators.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Works closely with SCA leadership on division‑wide planning, donor cultivation, fundraising, and procedural development.
Collaborates across divisions to advance digital initiatives, enhance discovery and preservation, and expand the impact of collections through teaching, exhibitions, programming, and specialized reference services.
Curatorial Oversight
Provides primary curatorial stewardship for collections not assigned to specific curators.
Contributions to the Profession
Engages in scholarly and professional activities to integrate emerging ideas and technologies into library services.
Serves on committees and partners with campus units to advocate for the Libraries.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Master’s degree in library science or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ten years of related experience.
A Well-qualified Candidate Will Also Possess
Over 10 years experience in libraries, archives, museums, or public history settings.
Demonstrated record of progressively responsible experience with projects and/or services, such as taking on new challenges, developing programs to promote collection engagement, and project management.
Significant work with archival and special collections, including accessioning and preservation.
Strong knowledge of academic library functions, cataloging standards, and archival metadata (e.g., EAD, DACS).
Experience with collection management and library technology systems (AtoM, ArchivesSpace, Aeon).
Demonstrated leadership, including supervisory experience and progressively responsible project work.
Proven ability to manage projects and adapt to rapidly shifting priorities.
Experience with digital project lifecycles, including born‑digital and digitized materials.
Effective communication skills across all organizational levels.
Ability to multi‑task, collaborate, and resolve conflicts in team environments.
Reading knowledge of at least one non‑English language.
Opportunities to Contribute
Director of Special Collections Strategies and Development
Leads strategic planning, daily operations, resource allocation, and personnel management for the Special Collections department.
Guides long‑term collection development and mentors a team of specialized curators.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Works closely with SCA leadership on division‑wide planning, donor cultivation, fundraising, and procedural development.
Collaborates across divisions to advance digital initiatives, enhance discovery and preservation, and expand the impact of collections through teaching, exhibitions, programming, and specialized reference services.
Curatorial Oversight
Provides primary curatorial stewardship for collections not assigned to specific curators.
Contributions to the Profession
Engages in scholarly and professional activities to integrate emerging ideas and technologies into library services.
Serves on committees and partners with campus units to advocate for the Libraries.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Master’s degree in library science or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ten years of related experience.
A Well-qualified Candidate Will Also Possess
Over 10 years experience in libraries, archives, museums, or public history settings.
Demonstrated record of progressively responsible experience with projects and/or services, such as taking on new challenges, developing programs to promote collection engagement, and project management.
Significant work with archival and special collections, including accessioning and preservation.
Strong knowledge of academic library functions, cataloging standards, and archival metadata (e.g., EAD, DACS).
Experience with collection management and library technology systems (AtoM, ArchivesSpace, Aeon).
Demonstrated leadership, including supervisory experience and progressively responsible project work.
Proven ability to manage projects and adapt to rapidly shifting priorities.
Experience with digital project lifecycles, including born‑digital and digitized materials.
Effective communication skills across all organizational levels.
Ability to multi‑task, collaborate, and resolve conflicts in team environments.
Reading knowledge of at least one non‑English language.