Director, Special Collections & Archives

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Director, Special Collections & Archives, UNLV University Libraries [R0127133].  

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 31,000 students and more than 3,900 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 136,000 degrees, producing more than 120,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada. For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu 

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

PROFILE of the UNLV UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

As a strong partner in research and student learning, UNLV Libraries fosters critical thinking and lifelong learning at one of the nation's fastest growing universities. University Libraries comprises Lied Library and four branch libraries and we are a gateway to more than 80,000 electronic journals, 1.2 million volumes, and 1.4 million e-books. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our growing organization of over 130 experienced faculty librarians, professionals, and staff members. 

The primary mission of the Special Collections and Archives Division is to collect, preserve, provide discovery and access to, and promote, interpret, and instruct in the use of our materials. Special Collections and Archives documents the history, culture, and physical environment of the city of Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada region, the global gaming industry, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Our collections include manuscripts, books, photographs, periodicals, maps, architectural drawings, oral history interviews, media, the University archives, born-digital records, and other cultural artifacts. Significant collecting areas are: gaming and gambling (including an internationally recognized rare book collection of gaming history); regional community groups and organizations; the Nevada Women’s Archive; Las Vegas entertainment and the arts; Las Vegas and urban resort architecture; mining and railroads; the American West; the Hoover Dam; and the culinary arts (including an international menu collection). UNLV Special Collections and Archives was recently the recipient of a 5-million-dollar endowment that will fund a future position, the Beverly Rogers Rare Books Curator. The division is comprised of three departments: Special Collections Technical Services, Special Collections Public Services, and Digital Collections. It also includes the Libraries’ preservation unit and conservation lab, and two specialized academic research centers: the Center for Gaming Research and the Oral History Research Center. Staff includes 9 academic faculty positions, 2 administrative faculty positions, 4 classified positions, 10-15 student assistants, and grant-funded contract positions. 

The culture of the Division of Special Collections and Archives is deeply rooted in service to its users: in person, online, and through instruction and educational outreach. The Division accomplishes this mission through building and interpreting collections; creating, transforming, and sharing robust metadata; implementing and adapting technologies to improve collection management and discovery; preserving and providing access to physical and digital materials; partnering with faculty in classroom instruction in the use and analysis of primary sources; collaborating regionally and nationally; and through proactive community outreach that promotes the role of Special Collections and its research centers in documenting, preserving, and engaging the community in its history. 

The Division works closely with every library division/department to integrate special collections and archives into all library services and functions.  

UNLV UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as leading a respectful, positive work environment. The University Libraries values begin with our belief that everyone deserves a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment where they are treated with respect and dignity. The Libraries extends its commitment to diversity and equity in employment and especially welcomes applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who contribute to diversification.  

ROLE of the POSITION

Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, the Director is a member of the senior management team and shares responsibility for the overall management of the Libraries. A primary role of the Director will be in external relations, fund-raising, and community engagement: documenting and communicating to stakeholders the value of Special Collections and Archives to the university and to the community. The Director will work closely with the Dean, the Libraries Director of Development, and the Libraries Director of Communications in development and communications activities for the Libraries. The successful candidate will combine traditional archives and library experience and competencies with knowledge of current trends in Special Collections and Archives and will lead the staff in shaping and implementing a shared vision. 

As a tenure-track/tenured library faculty member, the incumbent will be expected to work collaboratively with others; engage in scholarly activities; and provide service to the university, the community, and the profession in accordance with Libraries and University standards for promotion and tenure. 

Library Faculty proactively build relationships with campus and community partners to develop and deliver value-added services as well as new methods of delivering existing services to support the University's research and teaching initiatives. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to work in a complex, changing environment with a positive, flexible, and innovative approach, and they will work effectively and collegially in teams with faculty and staff at all levels, as well as students. 

For more information, please visit http://www.library.unlv.edu/employment 

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a master's or doctorate degree from an ALA-accredited program; OR a doctorate degree in an appropriate discipline such as history, English, American Studies, public administration, or a related field; and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in an academic or research library, archives, or major historical society. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start of employment. 

Required

• Competence and sensitivity in working with individuals who are highly diverse regarding many facets of identity, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, income, level of educational attainment, and religion.
• 5 years supervision, managerial, or leadership experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Demonstrated success in project development, team building, and strategic planning
• Demonstrated expertise and success with fundraising and/or donor relations
• Understanding of the basic principles of the description, management, and preservation of archival records and book collections
• Demonstrated understanding of, and enthusiasm for the use of emerging technologies
• Demonstrated commitment to serving users through reference, instruction, and/or educational outreach
• Ability to work independently; and collegially as a member of a team
• Evidence of scholarly engagement, and active participation in professional organizations at a national level
• Strong commitment to fostering the growth and development of faculty and staff in the division

 Preferred

• Second graduate degree in a related area
• Experience with writing and administering grants
• Knowledge and familiarity with rare book collections
• Experience working with open-source technology platforms (ArchivesSpace, Fedora, Islandora)

SALARY RANGE

This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track/tenured faculty position at the rank of Assistant (Rank II, tenure-track) or Associate (Rank III, tenure-track/tenure). Minimum salary is $65,000. Salary is competitive with those at similarly situated institutions and dependent upon labor market. Position is contingent upon funding. In addition, University Libraries is committed to and helps fund professional development opportunities: each position receives annual allotment for professional development activities. Benefits information is available here: https://www.unlv.edu/hr/benefits

UNLV University Libraries provides generous support for individual professional development, and residents of Nevada enjoy no state income tax. Home to many major annual conventions, Las Vegas is one of the best-connected cities in America and the nearest major city to several of the nation’s richest natural treasures. In addition to the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip providing a variety of culinary and entertainment opportunities, Las Vegas is home to five professional athletic organizations and continues to expand local cultural opportunities, including the internationally recognized Smith Center for the Performing Arts. To learn more about living in Las Vegas visit our guide at https://guides.library.unlv.edu/lasvegas/welcome. 

APPLICATION DETAILS

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, emails, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. 

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on November 8, 2021 and best consideration will be gained for materials submitted prior to that date. Materials should be addressed to the Director, Special Collections & Archives Search Committee Chair, and are to be submitted online as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or UNLVJobs@unlv.edu.  

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the requisition number, “R0127133” in the search box. 

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online. 

EEO/AA STATEMENT

UNLV is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action educator and employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas employs only United States citizens and non-citizens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. 

TITLE IX STATEMENT

UNLV does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities, including admissions, on the basis of sex/gender pursuant to Title IX, or on the basis of age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, color or religion pursuant to Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13 of the NSHE Handbook. Reports of discriminatory misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and/or concerns about noncompliance with Title IX or any other anti-discrimination laws or policies should be directed to UNLV’s Title IX Coordinator Michelle Sposito. The Title IX Coordinator can be reached through the online reporting form, by email at titleixcoordinator@unlv.edu, by phone at (702) 895-4055, by mail at 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-1062, or in person at Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH), Room 555.

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