Strategic Archival Processing & Collections Lead

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a Lead for Archival Processing and Collection Strategies within the Eberly Family Special Collections Library to drive the full lifecycle stewardship of rare materials.

The role leads processing, description, digitization coordination, and long-term preservation, while coordinating with PCD and the cataloging team to ensure standards and priorities are aligned with institutional goals.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library and information science or equivalent
• Demonstrated leadership in archival processing, arrangement and description, and collections management
• Knowledge of archival standards and technologies (DACS, EAD, ArchivesSpace)
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Evidence of potential to meet tenure‑line expectations in research and service

Responsibilities

• Leads collections services strategy for full lifecycle stewardship in SCL, including accessioning, processing, description, digitization coordination, and storage
• Supervises staff and builds a collaborative, accountable team culture
• Establishes policies and documentation standards to ensure consistency and best practices
• Sets processing priorities aligned with collection development, donor commitments, and teaching/research needs
• Oversees accessioning workflows, donor coordination, and integration into collection management systems
• Coordinates with Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization units to align conservation and digitization with access goals
• Develops access strategies that balance researcher needs with preservation and staffing resources
• Advises leadership on space planning, facilities, and staffing for processing/storage
• Contributes to inclusive, ethical stewardship and diversity commitments
• Participates in governance and service to the profession

Skills

Archival processing leadership

Collection stewardship

Project management

DACS/EAD/ArchivesSpace

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Education

Master's degree in library and information science

Job description

Penn State University seeks a Lead for Archival Processing and Collection Strategies within the Eberly Family Special Collections Library to drive the full lifecycle stewardship of rare materials.

The role leads processing, description, digitization coordination, and long-term preservation, while coordinating with PCD and the cataloging team to ensure standards and priorities are aligned with institutional goals.