IUPUI University Library, soon to be the IU Indianapolis University Library, seeks a qualified leader to direct its Distinctive Collections efforts. Distinctive Collections collects, arranges, preserves, and promotes the use of unique and rare materials and is comprised of the Herron Art Library, Special Collections and Archives, as well as University Library’s digital cultural heritage collections. The Director of Distinctive Collections is responsible for the overall management, supervision, and coordination of the Distinctive Collections division in alignment with University Library Strategic Priorities. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of special collections broadly speaking and experience seeking external funding for collections.
The Director of Distinctive Collections reports to the Senior Associate Dean for Scholarly Communication & Content Strategies and directly supervises the Distinctive Collections leadership team. This is a tenure-track position, with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2024. University Library is especially interested in centering diversity and excellence throughout the institution and welcomes candidates committed to fostering diverse and inclusive work and learning environments.
Ranked among the top 100 most innovative schools by U.S. News and World Report, IUPUI is an urban research and health sciences campus with 18 degree-granting schools and more than 450 academic programs. Located in downtown Indianapolis, a multicultural and affordable mid-sized city, the campus serves more than 29,000 students.
As the state’s premier urban research institution, IUPUI is committed to being a welcoming campus community that reflects and enacts the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that inform academic excellence.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision and guidance to the Distinctive Collections leadership team comprised of the four individuals responsible for the areas of Herron Art Library, Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives, and Digital Preservation & Digital Collections.
- Establish Distinctive Collections priorities in consultation with the Senior Associate Dean and Distinctive Collections leadership team.
- Recommend priorities, policies, and procedures related to the acquisition, processing, and management of distinctive collections that encourage the widest access to materials and promote the development of collections related to underrepresented communities.
- Lead the Digital Collections Advisory Group charged with evaluating potential digital collections projects, setting priorities, and establishing best practices for digital collection creation.
- Lead collaborative efforts across Distinctive Collections areas.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners as appropriate to advance strategic priorities, including development of the National Service Archives.
- Actively participate in fundraising and grant-seeking related to the Library’s Distinctive Collections including but not limited to the National Service Archives and the Artists’ Books Collection.
- In conjunction with the Herbert Simon Family Dean and Director of Development, build relationships and manage contacts with past, present, and future collection donors, including solicitation of collections, negotiations of deeds of gift, and solicitation of funds for collection development.
- Support and promote collection development strategies that identify and acquire collections from underrepresented artists, organizations, and groups in Central Indiana and beyond.
- Represent the library in university, local, state, and national venues as appropriate.
- Cultivate a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment.