Associate Director, Collections - Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture

Location: New York, NY
Salary:  $130,000-$140,000
Employment Term: Full-time
Employer Contact: tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com

The Organization:

Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

A research library of the New York Public Library, one of the largest public library systems in the world, the Schomburg Center features diverse programming and collections spanning over 10 million items, and has illuminated the richness of black history, arts, and experience worldwide for nearly a century.

The Center is committed to maximizing free and public access to its one-of-a-kind collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and much of its programming. 

Position Summary:

The Associate Director (AD) of Collections is a key member of the Schomburg Center’s senior leadership team and will provide leadership and vision for its four curatorial divisions, playing a critical role in shaping the future of Schomburg’s significant and historic collections, ensuring that it remains a leader in the field.

The successful candidate will be an engaged, collaborative, and experienced leader who can provide dynamic vision and mentorship to a stellar team of curators and curatorial staff while stewarding this singular collection and providing greater access to diverse audiences.

Reporting to the Center’s Director, the Associate Director Collections will be responsible for managing the regular and successful operations of special collection divisions – Art and Artifacts; Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books; Moving Image and Recorded Sound; and Photographs and Prints - establishing collecting priorities and processes, and engaging new ways of sharing the institution’s rich collection.

The AD regularly collaborates with the Associate Director of Research Services and other members of the senior leadership team, external stakeholders, and other departments and colleagues within the Schomburg Center and across The New York Public Library to ensure that system-wide goals are accomplished.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Schomburg Center Director, the Associate Director of Collections will: 

• Provide leadership in developing and shaping a vision for the future of collecting at the Schomburg, in collaboration with the Director, the curatorial team, and other stakeholders.
• With other members of the senior leadership team, help set, articulate and ensure delivery of institutional priorities.
• Oversee the daily management of special collections operations, including creating new processes and procedures where needed.
• Lead a team of experienced professionals, and identify professional development and training needs for all curatorial and related staff at all career levels.
• Collaborate with NYPL’s departments on matters relating to preservation, access, description, digitization, policy and stewardship of the collection, in its multiplicity of formats.
• Understand copyright and intellectual property issues relating to archives and special collections and answering complex reference questions regarding collection access, permissions, and copyright.
• With curatorial staff identify, learn and innovate around new methods for sharing and expanding the use of the Schomburg’s collections.
• Work with curatorial staff and other Schomburg leaders to consider and develop fresh and innovative approaches to shaping curatorial projects, particularly in regard to collaboration around interpretive projects, exhibitions and other public uses that showcase Schomburg’s rich collections.
• Identify and assist with grants and other funding opportunities related to capacity building and special Schomburg projects related to collections.
• Follow emerging trends and innovations to stay updated with the latest developments in library science, public service methodologies, and digital tools.
• Manage and/or collaborate on legacy initiatives and provide oversight on new projects.
• Regularly represent the Schomburg at conferences, symposia, and other public events.
• Regularly engage with diverse stakeholders, including funders, scholars, and visitors about Schomburg collections and research resources.
• Serve as a regular spokesperson for the collection and institution to the media.
• Collaborate and develop effective relationships with members of NYPL senior management in all aspects of Schomburg special collections operations; serve on NYPL-wide teams and committees.
•  Other related duties and special projects assigned by the Director.

Priorities for this leader in their first six months will include:

• Understand each collecting division’s operational structures and identify opportunities for growth and challenges within each.
• Learn from the experts in each collecting division in order to be able to speak about Schomburg collections to the public.
• Establish a regular cadence of meetings with direct reports (collectively and individually).
• Identify and begin to create new processes and procedures for Collections operations that address opportunities for growth and current challenges.
• Understand capacity needs within Collections; communicate those needs to, and advocate for the resource with, the Director.
• Develop a collaborative partnership with the leaders of Research Services, Public Programs, Education and other departments within the Center. 

Required Experience: 

• Commitment to, and passion for, the Schomburg Center’s mission and focus.
• Minimum 5 years curatorial experience in a collections environment with demonstrated acquisition and collection development experience.
• Broad knowledge of African American and African Diaspora history and culture required.
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience managing, mentoring, and leading complex teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively at all levels of an organization and with the public.
• Prior experience effectively collaborating across functions and departments to execute institutional priorities.
• Excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills with the ability to effectively execute multiple projects simultaneously. 

Required Skills:

• Highly-developed research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• The presence and credibility to serve as an effective spokesperson for Schomburg collections with visitors, outside communities, supporters and donors, and media
• Ability to manage and oversee departmental, grant and other support budgets
• Strong decision-making skills
• Ability to think and plan strategically
• Ability to apply judgment, discretion, professionalism and initiative
• Flexibility, reliability, punctuality and attention to detail
• Ability to foster and maintain collaborative and collegial relationships with a variety of stakeholders, constituents, and individuals across NYPL divisions and departments

Education:

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s degree or higher in Africana Studies, History, or related cultural studies field

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact: Tory Clarke Partner, Bridge Partners tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com