Curator of North Carolina Collection

Working at the University Libraries puts you at the very heart of the nation's oldest state university. With an enduring commitment to the people of North Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill is the number 4 ranked public university in the country and the 10th-ranked university for federal research funding.

At the University Libraries, you are part of a welcoming, inclusive, open library community that advances research, teaching, healing and creativity on campus and far beyond. Here, we strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration, where vision and innovation can flourish.

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As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.

The University Libraries serves campus and broader communities that reflect the socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of North Carolina, and we maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and open educational and workplace climate for all. We strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration where vision and innovation can flourish. Learn more about our Strategic Framework including our pillars, values, and priorities by visiting https://library.unc.edu/about/strategic-framework/.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement to include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections and in collaboration with other Special Collections colleagues, the Curator of the North Carolina Collection provides vision, leadership and advocacy for the operations of the North Carolina Collection ( NCC), a preeminent repository of materials reflecting the histories and cultures of North Carolina. The Curator engages closely with library colleagues, university and local communities, and trends and directions in relevant academic disciplines to ensure the development, management and ongoing relevance of the NCC's holdings, services and programs to their teaching, learning and research. They bring, and continue to develop, a strong subject expertise in North Carolina history, literature and culture to support this work. They are forward-thinking, team-oriented, and agile in a continuously evolving information environment.

The Curator fosters a respectful and inclusive work atmosphere in their overall supervision and support of 5 FTE. They develop and implement a strategic collection development and management program for a wide range of analog and digital formats including books, manuscripts, photographs and museum artifacts; and interpret the collections through exhibitions, public programming and community engagement. Throughout, they work in close collaboration with colleagues across Special Collections, including other curatorial departments, special collections technical services, preservation and conservation, exhibits coordination, and special collections research and instructional services, as well as other University Libraries stakeholders.

They work closely with the Associate University Librarian to manage funds allocated to the NCC and to support donor relations activities. They also collaborate on library- and university-wide development activities, when needed.

The Curator serves as a member of the Special Collections management team to participate in the analysis, planning and implementation of policies and procedures for Special Collections. They work collaboratively across Special Collections and the Libraries to integrate NCC into the broader strategic directions of Wilson and the Libraries.

The Curator monitors current and emerging trends and best practices in the field, upholds professional standards, and implements them locally as they evolve.

Requires the Masters in Library Science ( MLS) degree (or foreign degree equivalent). In specialized libraries, may substitute an advanced degree in the field of specialization (e.g., legal degree for a law library, or a history degree for a special historical collection within the library setting).

ALA-accredited master's degree in library or information science or equivalent relevant degree.
Minimum of three years' professional work experience in an academic research library, special library or museum.
Demonstrated strong knowledge of and interest in the histories and cultures of North Carolina.
Experience with collection development and management.
Public engagement experience, including but not limited to exhibitions and public programs and/or establishing and maintaining relationships with user communities.
Knowledge of current trends and best practices in special collections, archives, and/or museums.
Experience creating welcoming and inclusive learning and research environments
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various user communities, including students, faculty, researchers, colleagues, and community members.

Advanced degree in US history, American Studies, or other related discipline.
Experience with grant administration.
Experience with donor relations.
Minimum of one year's experience supervising full-time employees.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills through supervision of volunteers, students, interns or staff, and demonstrated success in promoting teamwork, recognition and support for professional growth.
Demonstrated consensus-building, communication and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and bringing them to successful conclusion.
Experience applying professional best practices for collection development and management in one or more of NCC's areas of focus or formats, with articulated interest in the other areas or formats.
Experience assessing and supporting the digital needs of collections.
Experience participating in strategic planning initiatives

Normal office environment.
Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible.
Regular weekday reference desk shifts required.
Occasional evenings and weekends required.
Occasional travel required

For a more detailed vacancy announcement, please visit:

A minimum of three references are required upon application submission.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.