Director of Special Collections & Senior Archivist

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Libraries seeks a Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist for the Benson Latin American Collection on the UT Austin campus. This senior leadership role directs acquisition, stewardship, processing, preservation, and accessibility of rare books and manuscripts documenting Latin America, Latina/o communities in the United States, and the Black diaspora in the Americas.

You will lead operations, supervise staff, manage budgets, and collaborate with donors and

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the Benson's Special Collections program, including the security, preservation, and accessibility of rare books, archival collections, audiovisual materials, and other collection materials.
• Oversee archival processing activities, including accessioning, arrangement, description, and preservation of collections in a variety of formats.
• Coordinate management of collections housed onsite and in remote storage facilities.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Benson Special Collections staff and student employees and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Contribute to planning, assessment, and operational initiatives as a member of the Benson Leadership Team.
• Partner with colleagues within the Benson Latin American Collection staff and across UT Libraries to support the preservation, digitization, description, discovery, and responsible use of special collections materials.
• Collaborate on collection development activities related to rare books and manuscripts.
• Coordinate with Benson Collection and UT Libraries staff on exhibition and collection material loans to external institutions.
• Manage budgets and resources supporting collections preservation activities. Ensure compliance with established practices related to acquisitions, accessioning, and rights management.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, collection creators, and other stakeholders in support of collection stewardship and development.
• Contribute to archival processing, cataloging, and special projects as needed.
• Provide leadership for public service in Special Collections. Provide research assistance in person and remotely to faculty, students and other researchers. Serve as lead administrator for Rare Books Room public service point.
• Develop and deliver instructional sessions, workshops, presentations, and tours that promote the use of special collections

Job description

The University of Texas Libraries seeks a Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist for the Benson Latin American Collection on the UT Austin campus. This senior leadership role directs acquisition, stewardship, processing, preservation, and accessibility of rare books and manuscripts documenting Latin America, Latina/o communities in the United States, and the Black diaspora in the Americas.

You will lead operations, supervise staff, manage budgets, and collaborate with donors and