Library Division Chief, Archives and Special Collections Division, Chicago Public Library

Full time position; Salary $91,752

Job Description/Duties:

        Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner of Technology, Content and Innovation, provide leadership, strategic vision, and a unified voice for the Chicago Public Library archives, special collections, digital collections and exhibits which have recently joined to form a new library division. CPL's archives and special collections focus on Chicago culture and history, including the largest African American history and literature collection in the Midwest. These collections are distributed across the Special Collections and Preservation Division and the Exhibits unit at Harold Washington Library Center, the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Woodson Regional Library, and the Northside Neighborhood History Collection at Sulzer Regional Library. As a member of the senior leadership team, provide direction for system-wide initiatives that showcase special collections and exhibits across the community and beyond.

       Demonstrate commitment to inclusivity and user-centered service, ensuring that the acquisition, description, exhibit and digitization of archival materials and special collections reflect and support the diversity of library service populations. Position currently directly supervises 4 curators, archivists, and librarians, with a division total of over 15 staff, to foster a collaborative work environment that furthers the work of the division, promotes innovation, and creates and enables new initiatives and partnerships. Create a strong team and shared vision with staff across multiple physical locations. Standardize and maintain professional standards and local practices. Lead strategic planning for digitization program for special collections and archival materials.

       Lead strategic planning for collection management and processing archival materials. Lead strategic planning for outreach, programming and exhibits at library locations and facilitate traveling exhibits. Identify grant opportunities and work with the Chicago Public Library Foundation to develop, submit and implement proposals. Participate in local, regional, and national consortia and professional associations. Exhibit self-motivation with the ability to manage changing priorities and meet deadlines. Participate in planning and preparation of division budget. Perform related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited American Library Association college or university with a Master's degree in Library Science or an approved foreign credential evaluation plus five years of professional library experience of which three years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position.

 Preferred Qualifications: At least 5 years of experience in special collections and/ or archives. Demonstrated expertise in arrangement, processing and description of archival materials. Demonstrated expertise with professional standards, practices, and systems used for special collections and archives. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience managing large archival processing projects. Experience managing large grant funded projects. Experience supervising professional staff and creating a supportive work environment.

Residency Requirement:   All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

For more information and to apply: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/100/jobdetail.ftl?job=385614&lang=en

Deadline to apply: September 10, 2023