Strategic Leader, Special Collections & Exhibitions

Code4lib; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University Library seeks an accomplished, visionary leader for the John T. Maltsberger III ’55 Associate University Librarian for Special Collections.

The AUL SC provides strategic leadership for Special & Distinctive Collections, exhibitions, and public programming, guiding 60 staff across four units. The role requires scholarly distinction, strong administrative acumen, and experience leading organizational change.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in library science or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in a research library, cultural institution, or similar organization.
• Strong record of scholarly achievement, including publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizational and workflow change.
• Deep knowledge of special collections practices, including acquisitions, preservation, access, and digital initiatives.
• Experience leading institutional decision-making related to cultural heritage stewardship and provenance research.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, staff, and large-scale programs.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and broad access to collections.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and lead through ambiguity.
• Reading knowledge of relevant research languages.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a compelling vision and strategy for Princeton’s special and distinctive collections.
• Oversee collection development, stewardship, access, and instruction for rare and unique materials in both physical and digital formats.
• Lead approximately 60 staff across four major units.
• Serve as a key member of the Library Strategy Council.
• Lead strategic portfolios for Special & Distinctive Collections and Exhibitions & Public Programming.
• Sponsor and guide cross-divisional initiatives aligned with library priorities.
• Provide end-to-end leadership of the Library’s exhibitions program, including strategy, curation, scheduling, and budget.
• Deliver a dynamic, high-impact public programming portfolio that connects collections to teaching, research, and contemporary discourse.
• Expand the reach of collections through digital platforms and partnerships.
• Build strong partnerships with faculty to support research and teaching.
• Engage with campus partners, including research centers, the Princeton University Art Museum, and digital humanities initiatives.
• Represent Princeton nationally and internationally within the special collections community.
• Lead workflow modernization efforts to improve efficiency, access, and integration across the Library.
• Advance digitization, metadata, and preservation practices in partnership with IT and digital scholarship teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Staff Leadership

Change Management

Scholarly Achievement

Cultural Heritage Knowledge

Budget Management

Communication Skills

Diversity & Inclusion

Research Languages

Education

Doctorate in library science

MLS from an ALA-accredited program

Job description

Princeton University Library seeks an accomplished, visionary leader for the John T. Maltsberger III ’55 Associate University Librarian for Special Collections.

The AUL SC provides strategic leadership for Special & Distinctive Collections, exhibitions, and public programming, guiding 60 staff across four units. The role requires scholarly distinction, strong administrative acumen, and experience leading organizational change.