Head of Special Collections and University Archives

Posting Details

Position Information

Working Title

Head of Special Collections and University Archives

Department

Steely Library

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Position Number

30027526

Purpose of Position

The W. Frank Steely Library at Northern Kentucky University seeks a collaborative, visionary, and service-oriented individual to serve as University Archivist. The University Archivist is the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, which also includes the University Records and Information Management program. This non-tenure-track renewable faculty position is responsible for department personnel, budgets, and financial expenses; all archival functions, including policy and procedure creation; management of the physical space and equipment assigned to the department; and security and physical safety of all department resources and collections. The University Archivist determines how the department directs its energy as it simultaneously supports the university strategic plan and library goals. The University Archivist advocates for department needs and promotes its expertise and resources internally, externally, and within the profession. As a faculty member, the University Archivist will be expected to participate on library and campus-wide committees. As a department head, this position serves on the Library's leadership team and will contribute to the development and implementation of the Library's vision and goals. This position leads the Special Collections and University Archives Department, and reports to the Dean of the Library. This is not a remote position.

NKU is a public comprehensive university located in the Northern Kentucky / Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area. The university delivers innovative, learner-centered education and engages in impactful scholarly and creative activities, all of which empower students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives while contributing to the social and economic vitality of the region. The W. Frank Steely Library provides a wide range of library services to support the University's commitment to its Forward Together strategic plan. NKU has almost 14,000 students, over 2,000 faculty and staff. It offers 79 undergraduate degree programs, master's degrees in 21 disciplines, graduate certificates in 15 areas, two doctoral programs, a law degree, and in a partnership with the University of Kentucky and St. Elizabeth Hospital opened a medical school in the fall of 2019.

Primary Responsibilities

Supervision and Leadership in Organizational Culture

• Supervises and leads a team of librarians and staff in the Special Collections and University Archives Department, including special collections, university archives, and records management.
• Responsible for the security of the physical space dedicated to the department; the security and physical safety of the university records, historical collections and other materials constituting the department's collections; and departmental equipment.
• Monitors budget allocations and ensures effective stewardship of funds.
• Oversees and supports all departmental assessment, using data to make informed decisions.
• Communicates with clarity and transparency to internal and external stakeholders.
• Actively promotes an environment of continual improvement by engaging in ongoing learning, information sharing, and professional development.

Archival Management

Records and Information Management

Research and Instructional Assistance

Other

Service

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Any candidate offered this position will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.

Minimum Education

Master's Degree

Preferred Education

Master's Degree

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number

2025F799

Job Open Date

09 / 22 / 2025

Job Close Date

Quick Link

https : / / jobs.nku.edu / postings / 15143