"Librarian & Executive Director of the Lewis Walpole Library"

Librarian & Executive Director of the Lewis Walpole Library

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Overview

The Lewis Walpole Library is a Yale Library research center for the study of eighteenth-century Britain. Its collections are centered around Horace Walpole, the eighteenth-century English politician, writer, and historian, and his times with strong collections of books, manuscripts and prints. Reporting to the Director of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the Executive Director is responsible for establishing a vision and setting priorities for the Lewis Walpole Library (the "Library") that will enhance research and scholarship about the eighteenth-century British world in alignment with Yale Library's strategic directions and Yale University's teaching and research mission.

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the Library, including public services, collection development, digital collections, technical services, personnel management, facilities management, and budgeting. The Executive Director is also responsible for extensive outreach and academic programs that include active research fellowship and publication programs, exhibitions, and master classes. The Library employs 10 FTE who acquire, describe, preserve, and make accessible the Library's collections as well as maintain the Library's facilities, which include eighteenth-century buildings and a modern library located on a 14-acre property in Farmington, Connecticut. The Library is supported by a generous endowment.

The Executive Director is also a key leader in Yale Library's special collections community. The Executive Director participates in developing and implementing Yale Library-wide goals and initiatives; contributes to the harmonization of goals, policies, and practices across Yale Library's special collections repositories; fosters accountability to Yale Library's sustainable stewardship principles for special collections; and contributes to the development of an organizational culture that promotes inclusion, collaboration, transparency, continuous learning, and productivity.

In addition, the Executive Director develops and maintains strong ties with the Yale Center for British Art, Yale University Art Gallery, faculty at Yale University, the Farmington community, and international scholarly communities focused on eighteenth-century studies. The Executive Director works closely with the Lewis Walpole Library Board of Managers, an advisory group established by the will of Wilmarth S. Lewis.

While the position is located in Farmington, Connecticut, the Executive Director will regularly attend meetings on the Yale University campus in New Haven. The individual hired must have a car available for regular travel.

The budgeted salary for this position is $120,000-$160,000.

This search is being managed by Claremont Search Advisors.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated problem solving skills, experience coordinating projects, and the ability to bring projects to fruition.
2. Excellent analytical and communication skills in both writing and public speaking.
3. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, positive outlook, flexibility, and intellectual rigor.
4. Proficiency in the stewardship of rare and fragile primary research material.
5. Exceptional judgment in managing risk and resources.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Master's or Ph.D. in British literature, history, or art history, with a strong focus on the eighteenth century. Demonstrated understanding of current trends in scholarship in eighteenth century British studies. Experience managing historic properties. A valid driver's license is required.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Provides leadership and vision for the Lewis Walpole Library.
2. Sets priorities and leads multiple projects while meeting deadlines and budget targets.
3. Manages staff including hiring, setting priorities, and staff development.
4. Manages the library's budget, including funds for collection development.
5. Builds strong partnerships with Yale librarians, faculty, students, staff, and donors.
6. Promotes the use of current and emerging technologies.
7. Works independently with varied user groups in a complex organization and functions collaboratively in a team environment.
8. Manages the Board of Trustees for the Lewis Walpole Library.
9. Serves on Yale Library and Yale University committees.
10. Participates in professional activities outside of Yale and monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to encourage innovation and ensure the excellence of the Library
11. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts. May be assigned to work at any Yale University location. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

1. Master's degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited library school or a post-graduate degree in a related field.
2. Demonstrated understanding of current trends in special collections librarianship. Familiarity with best practices and ethical standards in special collections acquisitions, research services, collection management, conservation and preservation, cataloging, exhibitions, digital collections, and outreach programs.
3. Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in a research library or similar type of cultural heritage institution.
4. Strong leadership experience with demonstrated success in setting vision and direction and working collaboratively with other leaders.
5. Strong managerial experience with demonstrated success in change management, coaching, and performance management.