The Vice President and Arnold Thackray Director of the Othmer Library is a key member of the leadership team who is tasked with advancing the mission and goals of the organization by providing support and participation in programs and events to reach the Institute's multiple audiences. The Vice President and Arnold Thackray Director of the Othmer Library will also contribute to the organization's mission by providing thoughtful leadership and oversight to strategically lead the Othmer Library. This position is based at our headquarters in Old City Philadelphia.
Primary Responsibilities:- Provide executive leadership, strategic vision, and direct administrative responsibility for all functions of the Institute's Othmer Library and related collections
- Collaborate with staff to oversee collection acquisitions, processing, strategic deaccessioning, and preservation activities
- Lead strategic collections growth by efforts for space planning, collections shift, and curated displays
- Provide careful stewardship of existing endowments, gifts, and awards, including preparing reports for major donors, foundations, and government agencies
- Serve as the organization's representative for the Independent Research Library Association
- Collaborate with the President and CEO to shape the Institute's new Center for the History of Life Sciences
Qualifications:- Skilled and experienced professional with a minimum of seven years of experience within a special collections or research library, with increasing level of responsibility
- Demonstrated record of success in managing large teams with innovative leadership and strategic vision
- PhD in the history of science, technology, or medicine
- Strong body of knowledge of library and archival best practices, as well as collection management and DAMS software
- Collaborative management style, with demonstrated team-building skills
- Experience managing complex budgets and working with nonprofit governance bodies
- Demonstrated experience in successful donor cultivation
- Ability to participate in domestic and international travel (5-10%)
Additional Information:
- The starting annual salary for this position is $170,000; salary may be slightly higher based on candidate's experience
- This position is based in our Philadelphia office and will require in-person attendance; a relocation stipend is available
- The Science History Institute is unable to provide legal sponsorship to candidates
Benefits:The Science History Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package:
- Free medical and dental coverage for employees; medical and dental coverage for dependents is also available at a cost (the Institute pays 83% of dependent medical coverage)
- Retirement savings plan that offers a 6% employer match with immediate vesting in the employer match; eligibility to participate begins on date of hire
- Generous paid time off
- Commuter benefits, including monthly employer contribution
