Manuscript Section Head

cander; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural heritage organization in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Manuscript Section Head to lead the preservation, acquisition, and management of manuscript collections. The role involves developing strategies for digitization and collaboration with local and international institutions. Candidates should have expertise in manuscript management and strong leadership skills. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in manuscript acquisition, cataloguing, preservation, and donor engagement.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and operations of the Manuscripts Section in line with DCT’s strategic goals.
• Oversee acquisition processes, liaising with donors, vendors, and researchers to expand and enrich the manuscript collection.
• Ensure proper cataloguing, storage, archiving, and digitization of manuscripts.
• Develop and maintain donor programs and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including libraries, academic institutions, and international partners.
• Supervise day-to-day operations of the Manuscripts Section, ensuring efficiency and adherence to policies.
• Lead and motivate staff, ensuring professional growth and high performance.
• Oversee adherence to environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Promote innovation, change management, and continuous improvement in manuscript management practices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Arts, Heritage, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Overview

cander Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Manuscript Section Head

The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) – Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Manuscript Section Head to lead and oversee the preservation, acquisition, and management of the emirate’s manuscript collections. This role is central to safeguarding cultural heritage while ensuring accessibility through digitization, archiving, and conservation aligned with international best practices.

Role Purpose

The Manuscript Manager will be responsible for developing and managing strategies for the acquisition, preservation, cataloguing, and digitization of manuscripts. The role also involves establishing donor programs, managing procurement, ensuring conservation, and driving collaborations with local and international institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and operations of the Manuscripts Section in line with DCT’s strategic goals.
• Oversee acquisition processes, liaising with donors, vendors, and researchers to expand and enrich the manuscript collection.
• Ensure proper cataloguing, storage, archiving, and digitization of manuscripts.
• Develop and maintain donor programs and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including libraries, academic institutions, and international partners.
• Supervise day-to-day operations of the Manuscripts Section, ensuring efficiency and adherence to policies.
• Lead and motivate staff, ensuring professional growth and high performance.
• Oversee adherence to environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Promote innovation, change management, and continuous improvement in manuscript management practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Arts, Heritage, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven expertise in manuscript acquisition, cataloguing, preservation, and donor engagement.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and project management skills.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time