Ball State University

Institution/Company Organization Type - Academic
Position Title - Director of Archives and Special Collections
Position Type - Full-Time, Permanent
Benefits - Yes
Salary Range - $66,000-$75,000
Is ACA Certification required or preferred? - Preferred
Able to apply if a provisional CA or agree to take CA exam within 1 year of hire? - No

University Libraries
Director of Archives and Special Collections
Ball State University

The Ball State University Libraries is looking for a talented collaborator and experienced manager to join our committed and highly-engaged team as Director of Archives and Special Collections. The unique holdings of the Archives include rich local history, cultural, and civic collections, including the Middletown Studies Collection, which documents the history of Muncie as Middletown, the subject of a bestselling study of the ordinary American city. Other collections include the Andrew Seager Archives of the Built Environment, documenting the architectural and design heritage of Indiana, and the Special Collections, which include special formats, first editions, fine printing and bindings, and other rare published works. Signature collections related to American author John Steinbeck, Congressman Phil Sharp, and others attract a breadth of researchers from across the US and beyond. The Director will be a highly-motivated expert who amplifies the essential role of archives and special collections for teaching, research, and community engagement. If you are committed to a culture of innovation and inclusion and are ready to join an exciting team focused on advancing the Libraries’ mission to create transformative experiences for diverse communities of learners, we invite you to consider applying today!

At Ball State University, inclusiveness is one of the enduring values and informs all of our work. We define ‘inclusiveness’ as a commitment ‘to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.’ As such, this value incorporates a commitment to inclusive excellence and freedom of expression.

Position Function: In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Research, Access, and Scholarly Communications, provide direct leadership to Archives and Special Collections, including responsive, strategic development, implementation, promotion, and assessment of high-quality archival and special collections, programs, and customer services to advance student success, faculty research and teaching excellence, and community engagement initiatives; oversee planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing, and problem-solving for Archives and Special Collections; work with Director of Research and Branch Services to collaboratively develop integrated approaches to instruction and research services, facilitating cross-unit communities of practice to fully leverage collections, unit expertise, and other library resources; support an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative work environment and service culture to advance the strategic direction of the University Libraries.

Minimum Education: MLS/MLIS/MIS degree from an ALA accredited program or master’s degree with an emphasis on archival management.

Minimum Experience: At least 3 years of supervisory experience; at least 3 years of increasingly responsible experience in special collections or archives; demonstrated experience managing complex digital projects and repository services; demonstrated skills in collaborative development, promotion, and assessment of library services; experience with and strong commitment to reference services and library instruction.

Minimum Other: Working knowledge of basic Microsoft Office applications; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to work some evenings and/or weekends; ability to lift archival boxes weighing up to 35 pounds and push a loaded cart up to 150 pounds.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Education: Additional advanced degrees.

Preferred Experience: Successful record of donor engagement, including gift acquisitions and fundraising; demonstrated record of successful grant writing experience; supervisor experience of professional and classified staff.

Preferred Other: Knowledge of rare books and book trade.

Apply online at: https://bsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/40910 Include the following documents with your application: resume, and in support of your application for this position, please prepare and submit a cover letter that describes how your qualifications and experiences align with the elements of the position description (or leadership profile). In your cover letter, please also describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to our University’s enduring values, including inclusiveness, which we define as a commitment to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions. The option to upload transcripts is available. Original, official transcripts showing the highest related degree earned is required at the time of hire (even if obtained at BSU). Degree verification will be conducted. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted through February 19, 2024. 

Pay Range: The minimum salary for this position is $75,000.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. Ball State aspires to be the model of the most student-centered and community-engaged of the 21st century public research universities, transforming entrepreneurial learners into impactful leaders – committed to improving the quality of life for all.

The Ball State way is rooted in the Beneficence Pledge – a commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, honesty and integrity, social responsibility, gratitude, and valuing the intrinsic worth of each member of our community. Ball State students, faculty, and staff are empowered in a culture that believes in them and demands they believe in themselves. They are partners in an innovative, immersive approach to education. They are supported by living and learning facilities that enable intellectual curiosity. We graduate scholars who are changing the world, and we’ve dedicated our University to do the same.

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.
 https://bsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/40910