Book Arts Program Director

UR University of Richmond; United States; On-site; USD 58,011 - 76,877; Full time

Job summary

University of Richmond is seeking a Book Arts Program Director to partner with faculty and library colleagues in expanding research through design thinking and outreach. The role oversees curricular and research support for Book Arts, studio projects, and the Book Arts Collection.

Responsibilities include leading the studio, managing staff and budget, and developing new programs while advancing professional development and cross-campus collaboration.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of hand bookbinding, letterpress printing, artist’s books, and/or the history of the book.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in bookmaking and book arts.
• Significant teaching and instructional experience, especially at the undergraduate level.
• Strong communication and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to develop and promote studio programs and curricula.

Responsibilities

• Provide collaborative support for faculty to integrate book arts into teaching; create instructional resources.
• Lead the Book Arts Studio, supervise staff, manage budget, and oversee programming and facilities.
• Engage in professional development and participate in library/university committees.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Project coordination

Education

MFA in book arts or related field

Experience in printing/binding/book arts

Undergraduate teaching experience

Job description

Overview

The Book Arts Program Director works in partnership with faculty and library colleagues to incorporate creative expressions of research and expand modes of book arts research through design thinking, reference, instruction, and outreach services to the campus community.

Responsible for curricular and research support for Book Arts study, overseeing creation and promotion of studio projects, and stewarding development of the Book Arts Collection.

Responsibilities

• Research and Instruction: Providing collaborative support for faculty to incorporate book arts content, methods, tools, and technologies into their teaching; creating instructional resources; offering research and consultation appointments; promoting individual book arts scholarship; assisting with collection development; developing studio curriculum, workshops, and programs.
• Studio Management: Leading the Book Arts Studio, supervising the Studio Manager, coordinating equipment maintenance, managing the studio budget, ordering supplies, collaborating on donor relations, researching new equipment, training staff and students, overseeing programming, open hours, and student employee training.
• Professional Development: Participating in professional development, serving on library and university committees, keeping abreast of emerging technologies related to book arts, production methods, library and instruction services.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated skills in hand bookbinding, letterpress printing, artist’s books, and/or the history of the book.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in bookmaking, letterpress, and book arts.
• Significant teaching and instructional experience, especially at the undergraduate level.
• Strong teaching and presentation skills and a dedication to student and faculty engagement.
• Interest in professional development that enhances value to the Libraries, the University, the profession, and the scholarly community.
• Basic knowledge of library organization, principles, and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Teamwork, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation skills.
• Ability to work independently and initiate procedures.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with ability to meet deadlines on multiple projects.
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, results‑oriented approach.
• Superior interpersonal skills, ability to work collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

Education & Experience

• MFA degree required, with emphasis/certificate in book arts, bookbinding, and/or letterpress printing.
• At least 5 years professional experience in printing, binding, and the book arts.
• At least 3 years instructional experience, preferably in an academic environment.
• At least 2 years professional experience in management of a studio, bindery, print shop, fine arts, museum, or academic environment.

Work Schedule

Full‑time; non‑exempt Monday‑Friday 8:30AM–5:00PM.

Salary Structure

Pay Grade7 ($58,011 to $76,877 annually).