Curator of Collections/Library Administrator

The Walden Woods Project seeks a qualified and energetic individual who possesses the experience and enthusiasm to oversee, promote and further develop the collections, exhibits and programs of The Walden Woods Project Library,

This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven, vibrant group of dedicated and long-tenured staff members who work collaboratively to guide and support a successful organization with local roots and a global brand. The Walden Woods Project is a mid-sized nonprofit organization with 8 full time employees. The importance of full integration as a key member of a team cannot be overstated.

The primary responsibility of the Curator/Library Administrator involves overseeing and expanding the use (on site and virtually) of the collections housed in our library; ensuring that such collections are fully accessible (through digitization and other means); furthering research involving Thoreau, the Transcendentalists and contemporary writers with similar focuses; collaborating with our education director on developing and delivering programs that have special relevance to Thoreau vis-à-vis the challenges of the 21st century, and further public engagement in contemporary issues, such as climate change and human rights; using the philosophy of Thoreau as a building block; and developing related special exhibits and other outreach initiatives for the library.

EDUCATIONAL/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Hold an MLIS from an ALA-accredited program with an emphasis in archival studies. 3-5 years’ work experience in libraries, archives, special collections, records management, and/or historical collections. Expert level analytical and critical thinking, written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to coordinate and administer programs, project activities and protocols. Solid technical, computer, and software skills.
• While not a specific requirement, an educational background or independent research/interest in 19th century literature and specifically in Thoreau and/or The Transcendentalists, is a plus;
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in collection management, preservation standards and practices, digital projects, and archival practices and descriptive standards;
• Knowledge of copyright, privacy, and confidentiality in relation to library work;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong organizational and project management skills;
• Effective and creative management of others;
• Ability to perform well in a collaborative environment;
• Ability to work effectively with scholars and donors;
• Ability to work independently.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages all operations of The Walden Woods Project Library, including collection development, technical services and automation, reference services, library security, preservation, stack maintenance, bibliographic computer services, budget preparation and management, web site content for collections area, and long- and short-term planning;
• Works in collaboration with the Executive Director to establish and execute library policies;
• Works a 40 hour work week on site; has full access to a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license (no public transportation available). Trips to offsite meetings, storage units, etc. are frequent.
• Collaborates with the Director of Education in developing new exhibits and exhibit presentations, writing workshops, etc.;
• Works with the Executive Director and the Directors of Education and Development to identify and pursue sources of foundation, governmental and independent support to further the mission-driven goals of The Walden Woods Project library;
• Promotes The Walden Woods Project Library to visitors and outside groups; Works in close collaboration with the Director of Communications on website content, social media and emails promoting the library;
• Collaborates with community groups, educators and scholars, including The Thoreau Society, to ensure that The Walden Woods Project maintains a high visibility and positive local presence;
• Works in close collaboration with the Facilities Director to maintain suitable physical conditions for the Library and is present to monitor required onsite repairs or maintenance (e.g., weekly cleaning; contractors, etc.). Responsible for admitting authorized personnel to the library and assist the facilities management team with routine maintenance.
• Hires and manages library staff, interns and volunteers;
• Develops and implements procedures and policies for acquisition, processing, digitization and preservation of materials;
• Develops, arranges, and describes archival collections in accordance with accepted standards and practices;
• Creates finding aids using contemporary tools in accordance with national standards and ensures the quality of finding aids created by other Library staff;
• Provides support in use of library materials by students, researchers, and other users, both on site and virtually;
• Identifies and cultivates potential donors; maintains regular contacts with established donors;
• Acts as liaison to the Thoreau Society, the Emerson Society, and other current or future owning organizations of collections housed in the Library;
• Manages exhibition requests from other organizations;
• Monitors the use of library materials to ensure their security;
• Must be able to sustain extended periods of time at a computer workstation
• Must be able to move about the Library, The WWP campus, and off-site storage with the capability of lifting, pushing, shelving, and transporting objects and boxes up to and sometimes over 30 lbs.
• This position requires working with (and in the vicinity of) materials that may contain or produce dust, molds, and other allergens
• Prepares reports as needed
• Other related duties as needed

APPLICATION PROCESS:

DEADLINE: JULY 3, 2025

Please submit cover letter and resume to: wwproject@walden.org with CURATOR in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

Salary range: $75,000-$80,000 with competitive benefit package.