Senior Director, Library, Archives, & Collections

DESCRIPTION:  The Senior Director of Library, Archives, and Collections is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the comprehensive oversight, strategic direction, and operational management of the library, archives, digital preservation, and collection functions. This individual will champion the preservation, accessibility, and curation of our resources, ensuring they align with the organization's mission and serve the needs of our diverse stakeholders. The Senior Director will lead a dedicated team, foster innovation, and cultivate strong internal and external partnerships.

SUMMARY OF WORK:  1) Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the library; 2) Access, Outreach & Engagement: Collaborate with public programs, exhibitions, and education departments to enhance public access and develop policies for collection access and exhibitions that promote broader discovery and use of collections; 3) Collections Management & Stewardship: Oversee collection development, acquisitions, documentation, cataloging, conservation, and digitization and ensure compliance with professional standards and legal/regulatory requirements; 4) Team Leadership & Administration: Supervise, mentor, and support staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture; and 5) Fundraising & Development: Work with development teams to identify and secure funding for collections-based initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, library science, public history, or a related field OR equivalent on-the-job experience.

• Ten years of progressive experience working in a museum, with ample leadership and supervisory experience included.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities in formulating department objectives, setting priorities, and working to advance an organization’s strategic plan.

• Highly developed interpersonal skills to mediate, collaborate, and communicate with a wide variety of people with a diverse range of knowledge and skills and diverse backgrounds, education and interests.

• Fundamental knowledge and demonstrated application of legal and ethical museum standards in areas of museum operation, library operation, historical research and interpretation, NAGPRA, basic conservation principles, audience evaluation, collections care and management, and exhibit development.

• Broad knowledge of historical and museum trends, strategic planning, communication, marketing, program development/delivery, and non-profit administration.  

• Valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with the MNHS and its programs, including the MNHS charter, bylaws, mission statement and institutional goals.

• Knowledge of Minnesota’s native peoples’ history and culture.

• Experience working with Native Americans and Tribal Nations in Minnesota.

• Advanced degree.

Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.   

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.

Salary : $119,142 - $148,920