Director of Technical Services & Metadata

Black Caucus of the American Library Association; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Schlesinger Library invites applications for the newly created Head of Technical Services, a visionary leader responsible for integrating archival processing, cataloging, acquisitions, and metadata management across all formats. The role shapes a cohesive program, fostering collaboration, streamlined workflows, and user-centered access to diverse holdings.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head will guide strategic direction, champion innovative technologies, and build a culture that

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited program.
• At least six years of progressively responsible professional experience in a large academic or special collections library.
• Minimum of four years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive experience with archival/special collections cataloging standards and systems (cataloging, discovery, access).
• Expertise with metadata standards across formats (MARC, DACS, EAD, Dublin Core, PBCore, VRA Core).
• Experience with ArchivesSpace, metadata standardization, and staff training.
• Demonstrated project management and change-management experience.
• Ability to implement innovative technologies, design workflows, and improve access.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management for archival processing, cataloging, acquisitions, and metadata across formats.
• Lead the development of an integrated, end-to-end technical services approach to reduce silos and complexity.
• Develop scalable workflows balancing description, preservation, and user access across diverse formats.
• Oversee department-wide policies and procedures for metadata creation and processing.
• Refine organizational structure and role design to adapt to evolving priorities.
• Champion experimentation, continuous improvement, and adoption of new methods.
• Coordinate metadata workflows with colleagues using Aeon, ArchivesSpace, Alma, Connexion, JSTOR Forum, and FileMaker.
• Lead cross-departmental projects with planning, resource allocation, and timely delivery.
• Engage in professional development and contribute to the field.

Skills

Archival processing

Metadata standards

ArchivesSpace

Project management

Change management

Workflow optimization

Staff leadership

Education

Master’s degree in library/information science (ALA-accredited)

Tools

Aviary

JSTOR Forum

Ex Libris Alma

ArchivesSpace

Job description

The Schlesinger Library invites applications for the newly created Head of Technical Services, a visionary leader responsible for integrating archival processing, cataloging, acquisitions, and metadata management across all formats. The role shapes a cohesive program, fostering collaboration, streamlined workflows, and user-centered access to diverse holdings.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head will guide strategic direction, champion innovative technologies, and build a culture that