Archives Collection Manager

Certifiedarchivists; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 64,780 - 75,580; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution in Denton, TX is seeking an Archives Collection Manager. This key supervisory role involves leading a team to manage archival collections effectively, ensuring adherence to standards and fostering collaboration across departments. Candidates should possess a Master's degree and supervisory experience. Competitive salary based on qualifications. Applications accepted until September 26, 2025.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science or related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships.
• Proven ability to manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience supervising full-time staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of processing staff.
• Mentor and coach direct reports to develop their skills.
• Establish processing priorities for collections.
• Collaborate with colleagues within Special Collections.
• Maintain documentation for processing and description activities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Supervisory skills

Education

Master's degree in Library Science

Certification through the Academy of Certified Archivists

Tools

ArchivesSpace

Job description

Overview

Archives Collection Manager
University of North Texas System — Denton, TX

Type: Full-Time | Salary: Salary depending on qualifications and rank with a minimum of $64,780.20 (Assistant), $69,280.20 (Associate), and $75,580.20 (Librarian)

FTE: 1.00

Department: UNT-University Library; Special Collections

Campus: University of North Texas

Position Overview

The Special Collections Department at the University of North Texas Library is seeking to hire an Archives Collection Manager. The Collection Manager is a key supervisory role within Special Collections that provides leadership and expertise in developing and maintaining a comprehensive program for processing and physically managing archival collections. This position oversees a team of two full-time processing archivists and is directly responsible for managing appraisal, processing, arrangement, and description of analog manuscript and archival materials. Additionally, the Collection Manager will collaborate with the Digital Archivist to guide the appraisal and processing of born-digital archival materials, and collaborate effectively with other units within Special Collections to support the needs of collection users.

As a manager within the Special Collections department, and the site supervisor for Special Collections at the Research Collections Library (a remote facility located about one mile north of campus), the Collection Manager plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. This is achieved through open communication and by providing regular feedback, guidance, coaching, and mentorship to staff members. In this highly collaborative role, the Collection Manager works closely with other unit heads in Special Collections (Public Services, Digital Archives, University Archives, and Preservation) and UNT Libraries to solve challenges and pursue innovative solutions that maximize the impact of archival resources in an academic context, in alignment with the library's goals.

The Collection Manager will be responsible for overseeing the use of ArchivesSpace, maintaining documentation of local descriptive standards within Special Collections, and managing the submission of finding aids to the state consortium, Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO). The Collection Manager will have opportunities to participate in a variety of departmental outreach activities and has a key role in the annual Archives Institute, a six-week program designed for graduate students pursuing archival careers.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of processing staff; review completed finding aids for adherence to standards and edit them as needed prior to publication.
• Mentor and coach direct reports to develop their skills in both library operations and specialized areas, fostering their growth in a positive and proactive environment.
• Establish processing priorities and determine appropriate levels of processing for collections, provide project management for processing activities, and set realistic goals and timelines for project completion.
• Develop, refine, and enhance workflows and procedures for processing and managing collections in various formats, ensuring adherence to accepted archival standards and the unique needs of UNT Libraries.
• Collaborate and frequently communicate with colleagues within Special Collections to ensure processing practices support related functions such as acquisitions, preservation, digitization, metadata creation, public services, outreach, and instruction.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation related to processing and description activities, including the departmental Processing Handbook, local descriptive standards, and any other relevant resources.
• Facilitate outgoing loans of Special Collections materials.
• Supervise the use of ArchivesSpace within Special Collections, ensuring its effective application in managing archival materials.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO) and ensure the regular updating and submission of finding aids to the consortium.
• Contribute to departmental outreach initiatives.
• Participate in the annual Archives Institute.
• Identify funding and partnership opportunities; write grants and proposals, and assist in the development of funding initiatives.
• Perform other duties in support of Special Collections' core functions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science, Archival Science, History, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain effective relationships with library staff, faculty, and students.
• Proven ability to manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating full-time staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification through the Academy of Certified Archivists.
• Two or more years experience supervising full time employees.
• Experience working in an academic archive or special collections department.
• Experience processing archival collections.
• Experience working with photographic archives.
• Familiarity with ArchivesSpace and/or experience creating and maintaining documentation of local descriptive practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks within budget and scope.
• Knowledge of descriptive and metadata standards such as EAD, DACS, and Dublin Core.
• Experience securing external funding for processing projects.
• Demonstrated contributions to scholarly activity and professional service.

Work Schedule

Varies based on assignment.

Licenses, Certifications, and Special Conditions

Driving University Vehicle: No

Security Sensitive: This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Applications must include a minimum of two professional references, a CV, a cover letter, and a list of three professional references. Applications received on or before September 26, 2025 will receive first consideration.

EEO Statement: The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its employment practices and programs. The UNT System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate.

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