JOB SUMMARY

Job Title: Director of the Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives
Reports to: Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access
Department: Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives

Position Summary:

Northwestern University Libraries is seeking an innovative and collaborative Director for the Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access, the Director will offer visionary leadership for the McCormick Library’s programs, services, and collections. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking professional committed to advancing research, teaching, learning, and scholarship through access to special collections and archival materials. This role involves the stewardship of diverse research collections while fostering collaboration within the university and beyond, ensuring that the McCormick Library remains a dynamic partner in education and knowledge creation.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage a progressive Special Collections and Archives program that aligns with library strategic directions.
Develop a compelling vision for the McCormick Library’s role in supporting research, teaching, and community engagement.
Oversee the development and stewardship of special and archival collections, setting priorities and policies for their growth.
Create user-centered services and programs that offer exceptional experiences for the Northwestern community, aiding in their research, teaching, and learning with special collections and archives.
Guide the development of initiatives that enhance the McCormick Library as an innovative resource for teaching and learning at Northwestern.
Supervise a team of approximately 17 FTE, including curators and heads of public services and collections services, fostering staff mentorship and professional development.
Build and maintain partnerships within the library, across academic departments, and with the broader university community to strengthen the role of special collections and archives.
Participate in fundraising and development efforts, cultivating donor relationships and contributing to material donations.
Collaborate with library departments to advance the library’s digital transformation, enhancing the access, discovery, and preservation of primary source materials.
Represent the library in relevant professional initiatives, contributing to scholarly projects, presentations, and engagement in academic organizations.
Required Qualifications:

A master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent education and experience.
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in special collections or archives within a research library.
Proven leadership and management experience.
In-depth knowledge of managing, collecting, preserving, and providing access to archival and special collections, with an awareness of emerging trends in the field.
Experience developing programs that highlight the value of special collections and archives in research, teaching, and community engagement.
Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a track record of building partnerships with faculty, departments, and the broader university community.
A history of professional engagement, including publications, research, and participation in scholarly organizations.
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the management of collections and engagement.
Experience or strong interest in using emerging technologies in special collections and archives, including digital humanities and digital scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

An additional graduate degree in a relevant field.
Experience working with donors and managing donor relations for material donations.
Application Instructions:
Northwestern University Libraries has partnered exclusively with Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the ideal candidate. Interested candidates should submit a CV and a two-page cover letter to Jack Farrell at jack@jackfarrell.com. The cover letter should address the following:

Why are you interested in this position?
How are you qualified for this role?
How do you envision the McCormick Library evolving under your leadership, aligned with the library’s strategic goals?
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, faculty librarian position. The anticipated salary range is $105,000 – $130,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This role is also eligible for visa sponsorship.

About Northwestern University Libraries:

Northwestern University is a leading private research university with campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Doha, Qatar. As one of the premier research libraries in the U.S., the Northwestern University Library serves both the university community and scholars worldwide. With a collection of over 7 million volumes, digital resources, and notable collections in African Studies, transportation, and 20th-century music, Northwestern is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). More information about the University Libraries can be found at www.library.northwestern.edu.

Northwestern University is located on the traditional lands of the Council of Three Fires—Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa—as well as the Menominee, Miami, and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land and their descendants.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please follow the application instructions carefully. Applications can only be submitted online.