At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative collections strategies and enhance visibility of Special Collections.
- Company: Join a leading academic library shaping the future of research and engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to inspire a high-performing team and shape the Library's future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on academic excellence and student success through strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree or substantial senior management experience in libraries or cultural heritage.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking to recruit an exceptional and forward-thinking leader to take on the role of Head of Collections and Archives, a key strategic position within the Library. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK and Ireland's leading academic library collections, bringing together responsibility for internationally significant Special Collections with oversight of dynamic physical and digital collections that support research, teaching, and engagement.
As Head of Collections and Archives, you will lead the development and delivery of an integrated collections strategy aligned with the University's ambitions for research excellence and student success, while shaping how collections are discovered, accessed, and used through digital innovation and transformation. You will provide strategic leadership for Special Collections, enhancing their visibility, impact, and reputation, and oversee significant collections investment to ensure alignment with academic priorities and maximum value. The role will also play a central part in shaping the Library's future spaces, balancing print, digital, and user needs in a rapidly evolving environment.
Working collaboratively across the University and external partners, you will represent Queen's at national and international levels, and lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. If you are someone who sets and achieves high standards and would like to be part of a collaborative and ambitious leadership team, we would welcome your application.
The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:
- A minimum of a degree (or equivalent qualification); OR Substantial relevant senior management experience.
- Significant senior leadership experience in a research library, archive, or cultural heritage environment.
- Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively.
- Strong track record of stakeholder engagement and partnership working.
- Experience of working with, and influencing, senior management.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.
Head of Collections and Archives JBLE1_NI in Belfast employer: Queens University
At Queen's University, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. As the Head of Collections and Archives, you will not only lead a dynamic team but also have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our prestigious library collections in a vibrant academic environment. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we offer a supportive workplace that values innovation and excellence, making it an ideal setting for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Collections and Archives JBLE1_NI in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
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✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its culture. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience, the better you'll perform in the real deal.
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Don't forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Collections and Archives JBLE1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for collections and archives shine through! We want to see how your vision aligns with our goals at the Library, so don’t hold back on sharing what excites you about this role.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in a clear and concise way. We’re looking for evidence of your leadership skills and how you've managed resources effectively, so use specific examples that demonstrate your achievements.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to the essential criteria listed in the job description. We want to see how you meet each requirement, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queens University
✨Know Your Collections
Dive deep into the library's collections and archives before your interview. Familiarise yourself with their Special Collections and any recent initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, especially in a research library or cultural heritage environment. Highlight how you've successfully managed teams, budgets, and resources, as well as any innovative strategies you've implemented to enhance collections.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership working. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with senior management and external partners, and how you can leverage these skills to represent the library at national and international levels.
✨Emphasise Digital Innovation
Given the focus on digital transformation, be prepared to discuss your ideas on how to enhance the visibility and accessibility of collections through technology. Share any relevant experiences where you've successfully integrated digital solutions in previous roles.
