Employment Opportunities

Chief Librarian/Director of Operations

Employment Opportunities

Chief Librarian/Director of Operations

Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries in the United States; it is also the largest membership library in North America. Today its collections comprise over half a million volumes, with particular strengths in Boston history, New England state and local history, biography, English and American literature, and the fine and decorative arts. The Athenæum supports a significant art collection and exhibition program, and sponsors a variety of events including lectures and concerts. It also serves as a stimulating center for discussions among scholars, bibliophiles, and a variety of community interest groups. 

The Athenæum seeks a dynamic and experienced manager to serve as Chief Librarian/Director of Operations. This new position is one of three senior administrators (also including the Director of Institutional Advancement and the Director of Finance) reporting to the Stanford Calderwood Director of the Boston Athenæum. This position was created as part of an intensive strategic-planning process. He or she will have chief administrative responsibility for the operation and management of all Athenæum programmatic activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide general day-to-day leadership for the following departments:
• Library
• Reader Services (Circulation, Reference and Children’s Library)
• Technical Services (Acquisitions, Special Collections and Cataloguing)
• Fine Arts and Prints
• Conservation
• Lectures and Concerts
• Calderwood Writing Initiative
• Establish priorities and allocate resources
• Develop and manage an overall programmatic budget of approximately $4 million (of a total Athenæum budget of approximately $7.5 million)
• Supervise 6 direct reports and an overall staff of 30 (26 fulltime equivalents)
• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of the strategic plan
• Work closely with the Director and members of the senior management team to coordinate the Athenæum’s programs and goals
• Oversee other programmatic initiatives, including:
• Digitization of collections
• Other technology initiatives
• Publications
• Education, docent program, volunteers, community affairs
• Space-planning

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be an adaptable, analytical, and strategically oriented individual who combines administrative skills, a strong management background, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of Athenæum users, visitors, scholars, and staff members.

Qualifications include: an ALA-accredited MLS degree or an MBA with an arts management concentration or the equivalent; substantial professional experience in the public, academic, or special library field or in museum or cultural institution management; at least five years of successful senior-level leadership in a major cultural setting; familiarity with best practices and emerging trends in information technology. 

Position available immediately.

E-mail résumé and cover letter to humanresources@bostonAthenæum.org. The Athenæum is an AA/EOE. More information at www.bostonathenaeum.org

 

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