Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist, Benson Latin American Collection, UT Libraries

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

26d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist for the Benson Latin American Collection provides senior leadership for the acquisition, stewardship, preservation, processing, and accessibility of rare books and manuscripts. The role fosters the care, management, and use of collections documenting Latin America, Latina/o communities in the United States, and the Black diaspora in the Americas. The position manages the daily operations of the Benson’s Special Collections program, including security, preservation, access, archival processing, and coordination of onsite and remote storage. It supervises and develops staff and student employees and contributes to planning and operational initiatives as a member of the Benson Leadership Team. The role works across the Benson and UT Libraries to support preservation, digitization, description, discovery, collection development, exhibitions, loans, rights management, donor relationships, and collections-related budgets. The Head provides leadership for public services, including research assistance, administration of the Rare Books Room service point, and instruction, workshops, presentations, and tours. The position also represents the collection professionally, contributes through scholarship and service, and partners with development and stewardship colleagues on donor engagement and collection advancement. Other related functions may be assigned. The position is based at UT’s main campus in Austin, Texas, and requires regular onsite work. After training and onboarding, a flexible arrangement with a mix of remote and in-person work may be available. International travel is required. The work takes place in typical office and library conditions and includes lifting and moving up to 25 pounds. Hours are arranged with the supervisor, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; occasional evening or weekend work is required. The position is expected to continue, with an earliest start date of January 1, 2027. Salary is $70,000 and up, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Master’s degree in library and information science or a related field; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
At least four years of relevant experience, such as work in an archive repository or other rare materials setting.
Experience providing library and/or special collections public service.
Understanding of and experience with archival processing, rare book librarianship, and related practices.
Knowledge of professional standards and practices related to archival management and preservation.
Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff.
Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese.
Knowledge of the history and culture of Latin America.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Ability to organize short- and long-term priorities and projects and work with multiple deadlines.
Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and engage thoughtfully with the communities served.
Flexibility and willingness to take on new responsibilities.
Ability to travel internationally.
Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

More than four years of professional experience in archives, special collections, or manuscript repositories.
Experience in an academic research library, special collections environment, or other research-intensive organization.
Knowledge of digitization standards, workflows, and digital preservation practices.
Knowledge of rare books cataloging.
Experience with curation and preservation of rare books.
Experience providing instruction, outreach, or research support using archival or special collections materials.
Experience working with international populations.
Experience with and commitment to digital initiatives.
Experience managing budgets.
Experience with ArchivesSpace.
Experience supporting donor relations, fundraising, or community partnerships.

Responsibilities

Manage daily operations of the Benson Special Collections program, including the security, preservation, and accessibility of rare books, archival collections, audiovisual materials, and other collection materials.
Oversee archival processing, including accessioning, arrangement, description, and preservation across a variety of formats.
Coordinate management of collections housed onsite and in remote storage facilities.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Special Collections staff and student employees, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Contribute to planning, assessment, and operational initiatives as a member of the Benson Leadership Team.
Partner with Benson and UT Libraries colleagues to support preservation, digitization, description, discovery, and responsible use of special collections materials.
Collaborate on collection development activities related to rare books and manuscripts.
Coordinate exhibitions and collection-material loans to external institutions with Benson and UT Libraries staff.
Manage budgets and resources supporting collections preservation activities.
Ensure compliance with established practices related to acquisitions, accessioning, and rights management.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, collection creators, and other stakeholders in support of collection stewardship and development.
Contribute to archival processing, cataloging, and special projects as needed.
Provide leadership for public service in Special Collections and research assistance in person and remotely to faculty, students, and other researchers.
Serve as lead administrator for the Rare Books Room public service point.
Develop and deliver instructional sessions, workshops, presentations, and tours promoting use of special collections in research and teaching.
Represent the Benson Latin American Collection at meetings and conferences related to special collections, archives, and Latin American librarianship.
Contribute to the profession through presentations, publications, service, and other scholarly and professional activities.
Partner with UT Libraries development and stewardship colleagues to support donor engagement, fundraising, and collection advancement activities.
Perform other related functions as assigned.