Inside Higher Ed
DIRECTOR, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES, University Libraries
Inside Higher Ed, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Position Overview
Boston University Libraries seeks the next Director of Special Collections and Archives who will provide strategic and operational leadership of the library’s archival, rare book, and art holdings. The role focuses on planning, implementation, operations, and assessment of these collections to support research, engagement, instruction, and outreach programs. Key Responsibilities
Recruit, mentor, and support a team of librarians, archivists, graduate interns, and student employees who steward the University Archives, research services, processing and collection management, exhibitions, and engagement. Lead engagement programs including research services, the reading room, reference services, research fellowships, instruction, outreach, exhibitions, and public programs, aligning strategies with campus and external partners. Advance a collecting profile that matches the University’s research and teaching priorities, oversee acquisitions policies and priorities, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and stewardship capacity. Oversee preservation and collection stewardship activities of the repository, including university archives, rare books, manuscripts, and art collections, and manage long‑range planning and systems oversight for sustainable preservation, discovery, and digitization. Manage programmatic and collection-wide stewardship through fundraising, grant writing, and budget management. Participate in library and university‑wide activities and committees, collaborate on intramural events, and contribute to the profession through service, research, publishing, and/or teaching. Qualifications
Master’s degree in library or archival studies. 8+ years of relevant experience. Firm working knowledge of archival management and research support operations, across both print and digital formats, inclusive of requirements for the care of rare materials. Strong leadership and communication skills. Commitment to inclusive and accessible service practices. Additional Information
Location:
Boston, MA, United States Position Type:
Full-Time/Regular Salary Grade:
Grade 51 (Estimated range $120,400 – $145,000) Candidate applications will be reviewed starting October 20, 2025. The position remains open until filled. Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.
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Boston University Libraries seeks the next Director of Special Collections and Archives who will provide strategic and operational leadership of the library’s archival, rare book, and art holdings. The role focuses on planning, implementation, operations, and assessment of these collections to support research, engagement, instruction, and outreach programs. Key Responsibilities
Recruit, mentor, and support a team of librarians, archivists, graduate interns, and student employees who steward the University Archives, research services, processing and collection management, exhibitions, and engagement. Lead engagement programs including research services, the reading room, reference services, research fellowships, instruction, outreach, exhibitions, and public programs, aligning strategies with campus and external partners. Advance a collecting profile that matches the University’s research and teaching priorities, oversee acquisitions policies and priorities, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and stewardship capacity. Oversee preservation and collection stewardship activities of the repository, including university archives, rare books, manuscripts, and art collections, and manage long‑range planning and systems oversight for sustainable preservation, discovery, and digitization. Manage programmatic and collection-wide stewardship through fundraising, grant writing, and budget management. Participate in library and university‑wide activities and committees, collaborate on intramural events, and contribute to the profession through service, research, publishing, and/or teaching. Qualifications
Master’s degree in library or archival studies. 8+ years of relevant experience. Firm working knowledge of archival management and research support operations, across both print and digital formats, inclusive of requirements for the care of rare materials. Strong leadership and communication skills. Commitment to inclusive and accessible service practices. Additional Information
Location:
Boston, MA, United States Position Type:
Full-Time/Regular Salary Grade:
Grade 51 (Estimated range $120,400 – $145,000) Candidate applications will be reviewed starting October 20, 2025. The position remains open until filled. Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.
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