Archival Processing & Collection Strategy Lead

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount for employees and/or

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University’s Eberly Family Special Collections Library seeks a Lead for Archival Processing and Collection Strategies to provide strategic leadership for the full lifecycle of archival materials. The role coordinates accessioning, processing, description, and digitization, while aligning with institutional priorities and best practices.

The position oversees staff, collaborates with Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization, and supports teaching, research, and public engagement

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA‑accredited program or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading archival processing, arrangement and description, accessioning, collections management, or related stewardship functions.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervision, mentoring, project management, and fostering collaboration.
• Knowledge of archival standards and technologies (DACS, EAD, ArchivesSpace).
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Evidence of potential to meet tenure‑line expectations and scholarly contributions.

Responsibilities

• Leads strategy and operations for full cycle of collections management including accessioning, processing, description, digitization coordination, rehousing, and maintenance.
• Supervises and mentors collections services staff to build a collaborative team culture.
• Establishes policies and documentation standards to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Sets processing priorities aligned with collection development and institutional goals.
• Oversees accessioning workflows and donor coordination.
• Ensures compliance with archival standards and scalable processing models.
• Tracks access metrics, backlog reduction, and stewardship outcomes.
• Liaises between Special Collections and Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization units.

Skills

Leadership

Archival processing

Communication

Strategic planning

Staff mentorship

Education

Master’s degree in library and information science

Graduate degree in library or information studies or equivalent

Tools

ArchivesSpace

DACS/EAD standards

Aeon

Job description

Penn State University’s Eberly Family Special Collections Library seeks a Lead for Archival Processing and Collection Strategies to provide strategic leadership for the full lifecycle of archival materials. The role coordinates accessioning, processing, description, and digitization, while aligning with institutional priorities and best practices.

The position oversees staff, collaborates with Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization, and supports teaching, research, and public engagement