"Director of Library"

Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Seminary Librarian

The Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) has the most prominent collection of Judaica in the Western Hemisphere. It houses one of the largest collections, spanning from early Hebrew manuscripts and printed books through contemporary sources, and including ephemera, art, music, and archives.

Researchers from across the globe rely on the collection at JTS to produce the highest level of scholarly output. The Library’s mission is to collect and preserve the literary and cultural heritage of the Jewish people of all eras, making it available to scholars world-wide. Over the past decades, the Library has received prestigious grants from public and private sources to enrich and enhance its efforts in fulfillment of the Library’s mission.

JTS is seeking a Seminary Librarian to lead the Library’s staff and to chart an inspirational course that will make the breadth of the collection known to new audiences both within the JTS community and beyond. The Librarian will be a visionary leader with a deep appreciation for the importance of our cultural heritage and of the importance of rare materials in telling the story of the Jewish people. The successful candidate will represent JTS and the Library to other institutions and communities, in the U.S., Israel, and the world over, and ensure the continued strength and growth of the collection.

The Seminary Librarian will be considered a member of the JTS Faculty Assembly, rank and status to be determined.

Responsibilities

• Develop a vision for the Library as it enters the second quarter of the 21st century and work with the Director of Library Services to implement this vision.
• Work in partnership with the Director of Library Services on tasks including annual budgeting, management of staff, applying for grants, formulating policies of service, and other tasks.
• Work in partnership with the Department of Institutional Advancement to fundraise for the Library and JTS, including travel to present Library materials to potential donors across North America.
• Oversee in-person and online programming, including the planning, design, publicity, and production of exhibits and other events.
• Oversee the Library’s online presence.
• Teach about the collection including collaboration with faculty and academic departments to integrate Library resources into course curricula.
• Teach courses in their area of expertise (course load to be determined).
• Work collaboratively with the lay Library Advisor Board.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated effectiveness as a leader, scholar, and presenter.
• Record of success as fundraiser and grant recipient.
• Expertise in the digital humanities and AI.
• Experience with the workings of an academic research library.
• Ability to develop relationships with potential donors.
• Demonstrate and/or acquire expertise in the library's special collections.
• Ability to work well with team members, institutional staff and management, and lay leadership.
• Outstanding educator and communicator, both orally and in writing.
• Work productively with feedback from both professional and lay sources.
• Doctorate or equivalent in a field of Jewish Studies or Library Sciences.
• Languages: English, Hebrew Fluency required.

Salary range: $160,000-180,000

Applicants should send a CV and a cover letter explaining their interest in the position and providing a brief overview of their vision for the Library. These materials should be sent to jtsaresumes@jtsa.edu with the job title in the subject line. Applications received by March 16, 2026 will be given priority consideration.