Curator, Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery - Schomburg CenterApplication Deadline: 11 October 2026
Department: Research Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Schomburg Center
Reporting To: Crystal Moten
Compensation: $113,000 - $118,000 / year
DescriptionOverviewThe Curator supports the development and interpretation of the Lapidus collection and manages Lapidus Center affairs including new acquisitions, scholarly research and publications, engagement and outreach. In partnership with NYPL and Schomburg departments, the Curator participates in exhibitions, programming, and other opportunities that foster learning and collaboration.
Some expectations for this role are that within:1 month, this person will:
- Become oriented to the NYPL and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
- Develop a knowledge of Lapidus Center collections, legacy events, projects and key funders
- Meet key collaborators across the Schomburg Center and NYPL Research Libraries
3 months, this person will:
- Become familiar with abolition and slavery related collections in Schomburg and NYPL collections
- Re-establish existing and begin building key relationships with Lapidus Center communities of interest and support
- Manage upcoming legacy events, projects and activities
6 months and beyond, this person will:
- Develop an understanding of budget oversight, events, and fellowships
- Provide recommendations for the growth and strengthening of the Center, as it relates to new acquisitions, interpretation, and engagement
- Assist in outreach endeavors and promote the Center
- Keep abreast of current trends in scholarship and the field of Transatlantic Slavery Studies
Responsibilities- Serve as an advocate for the Lapidus Center collection, developing an in-depth knowledge of its holdings, gaps, and opportunities for growth
- Oversee and manage Lapidus Center activities including prizes, fellowships, conference and programs
- Participate in the selection of fellowship recipients and support fellows' access to and engagement with the Lapidus Collection
- Work collaboratively with Schomburg Center's Scholars in Residence program and the Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute
- Partner with NYPL Public Programs and Exhibitions, Research Libraries, as well as Schomburg divisions to develop and facilitate innovative exhibitions and programs
- Assist in the cultivation of prospective donors and identify grant opportunities and support for the Lapidus Center
- Provide oversight for the operational budget; inclusive of forecasting, reviewing and approving expenditures
- Coordinate and approve communication activities of the Lapidus Center both internally and externally in collaboration with Communications staff and other teams
- Build partnerships with local, national, and international institutions and organizations to further expand the reach of the Lapidus Center and keep abreast of current trends in scholarship and the field
- Serve as the public face of the Lapidus Center and Schomburg's scholarship and research activities related to slavery in the Atlantic World, including interviews, public speaking, and coordinating promotional materials and correspondence
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Education, Experience & SkillsRequired Education & Certifications- Master's Degree or higher in Africana Studies, Arts, or related field with a concentration in Transatlantic Slavery Studies
Required Experience- 7+ years of experience in either, or a combination of college level teaching, writing, research or program development related to the Atlantic Slave Trade and/or Abolition
- Strong knowledge and research skills demonstrated through scholarly accomplishments in African Slavery & the Atlantic Slave Trade
- Evidence of and original scholarship with a proven record of initiating, curating, and delivering well received presentations, exhibitions, publications, and/or public programs
Required Skills- Highly developed research, writing, and oral communication skills
- Ability to serve as an effective spokesperson with visitors, outside communities, supporters and donors
- Proven ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships
- Excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills with the ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously
- Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, judgment, analytic and organizations
- Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities- May supervise temporary grant funded staff
More...Core ValuesAll team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment- Fully onsite
- Core work will take place in the Schomburg Center but will require travel within NYC
- Public research library setting
Physical Duties- Daily use of a computer
- Lifting and moving of archival boxes and materials up to 40 lb
Pre-PlacementPhysical Required?No
Union/Non Union Non-Union
FLSA StatusExempt
Schedule- 35 hours per week onsite to be scheduled during regular building hours (M-F anytime between 9 am and 6 pm)
- Some evenings and weekends
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
