Director Of Special Collections Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Princeton University Library (PUL) seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as the John T. Maltsberger III ’55 Associate University Librarian for Special Collections (AUL SC). This highly visible role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s premier special collections programs.

Reporting directly to the Dean of Libraries and serving on the Library Strategy Council, the AUL SC provides strategic and operational leadership for Princeton’s Special and Distinctive Collections, including exhibitions and public programming. The successful candidate will combine scholarly distinction with strong administrative acumen and a demonstrated ability to lead organizational change.

• Strategic Leadership & Collections Oversight
  • Define and implement a compelling vision and strategy for Princeton’s special and distinctive collections.
  • Oversee collection development, stewardship, access, and instruction for rare and unique materials in both physical and digital formats.
  • Lead approximately 60 staff across four major units
• Library-Wide Leadership
  • Serve as a key member of the Library Strategy Council.
  • Lead strategic portfolios for Special & Distinctive Collections and Exhibitions & Public Programming.
  • Sponsor and guide cross-divisional initiatives aligned with library priorities.
• Exhibitions & Public Engagement
  • Provide end-to-end leadership of the Library’s exhibitions program, including strategy, curation, scheduling, and budget.
  • Deliver a dynamic, high-impact public programming portfolio that connects collections to teaching, research, and contemporary discourse.
  • Expand the reach of collections through digital platforms and partnerships.
• Collaboration & External Relations
  • Build strong partnerships with faculty to support research and teaching.
  • Engage with campus partners, including research centers, the Princeton University Art Museum, and digital humanities initiatives.
  • Represent Princeton nationally and internationally within the special collections community.
• Operational Excellence & Change Leadership
  • Lead workflow modernization efforts to improve efficiency, access, and integration across the Library.
  • Advance digitization, metadata, and preservation practices in partnership with IT and digital scholarship teams.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Doctorate in library science or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in a research library, cultural institution, or similar organization.
• Strong record of scholarly achievement, including publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizational and workflow change.
• Deep knowledge of special collections practices, including acquisitions, preservation, access, and digital initiatives.
• Experience leading institutional decision-making related to cultural heritage stewardship and provenance research.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, staff, and large-scale programs.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and broad access to collections.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and lead through ambiguity.
• Reading knowledge of relevant research languages.

• MLS from an ALA-accredited program.
• Experience with born-digital archives and digital special collections.
• Knowledge of preservation standards for analog and digital materials.
• Active engagement in professional organizations (e.g., ARL, RBMS).
• Experience with capital projects or major space planning for special collections facilities.

The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University.

The successful candidate will be appointed to an appropriate Librarian rank depending upon qualifications and experience.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship that requires consular processing.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.