Arcadia Director of the Library and Archives

Philadelphia, PA
Full Time
Senior Manager/Supervisor
We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 


How You Will Contribute

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation, the Head of Library & Archives oversees the operations, collection development, and research services of the museum’s library and archives supporting the museum’s exhibitions, publications, and public programs. This role manages the library’s digital and analogue collections, and research services while fostering scholarship and accessibility. 


Specifically, you will:
 
  • Direct and oversee all library and archives operations, including collection development, conservation, and user access.
  • Oversee the development, organization, and preservation of rare books, archives, and special collections.
  • Develop institutional policies for library and archival holdings, including acquisitions and deaccessions.
  • Partner with museum leadership to integrate library services into institutional research and public engagement.
  • Collaborate with curatorial, education, and digital strategy teams to enhance museum-wide research efforts.
  • Lead strategic initiatives to enhance digital resources, data management, and open-access projects.
  • Work with Advancement to develop grant proposals and oversee fundraising efforts to support library initiatives.
  • Build relationships with academic institutions, scholars, and research networks.
  • Supervise and mentor a team of librarians, archivists, and researchers, and fellows promoting professional growth and collaboration.
  • Manage budgets, grants, and endowments supporting library operations.
  • Ensure compliance with copyright and intellectual property regulations.


Your background and experience include:
 
  • MLS/MLIS with a specialization in archives, special collections, or digital libraries; PhD in a relevant field preferred.
  • At least 7 years of experience in research libraries or archives, including leadership roles.
  • Expertise in digital humanities, metadata standards, and collection digitization.
  • Proven ability to secure funding and manage donor relationships.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with experience in cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Knowledge of museum environments and research needs in the arts and humanities.
  • Expertise in archival processing, digital preservation, and collection management systems.


Position and Compensation Details
 
  • The salary for this position is $94,700.
  • This position is Full-Time, Exempt and 35 hours per week.
  • This position reports to Deputy Director & Chief Curator.
  • This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Museum of Art locations.
  • Physical requirements:
    • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.


Institutional Requirements
 
  • Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
  • Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
  • Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.


Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.


What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
 
  • Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
  • Discounted guest tickets for admission
  • Discounts on gift memberships
  • Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
  • Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:
 
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Health savings or flexible spending account program
  • Retirement savings program with museum match
  • Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.
 
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