At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative collections strategies and enhance visibility of Special Collections.
- Company: Join a prestigious academic library shaping the future of research and student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on academic collections and drive digital transformation in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Degree or substantial senior management experience in libraries or cultural heritage.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 employer: Queens University
As a leading academic library, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to shape significant collections that impact research and education. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working with internationally significant collections while contributing to the future of academic excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Collections and Archives
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the library and archives sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your achievements in managing collections and leading teams. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your strategic vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your leadership style! Think about how you foster collaboration and inclusion within teams. We want to see how you inspire others and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our ambitious team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Collections and Archives
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant senior management experience in libraries or archives. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Specific About Your Skills:When discussing your skills, be specific about your budget management and stakeholder engagement experiences. We love details that show how you’ve influenced senior management and made an impact.
Align with Our Vision:Take a moment to connect your personal ambitions with our strategic goals. Show us how your vision for collections and archives aligns with our mission for research excellence and student success.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
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 digital innovations they've implemented. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can enhance their visibility and impact.
✨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, and be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and inclusion within your team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experiences with stakeholder engagement and partnership working. Be prepared to share stories that demonstrate your ability to influence senior management and work collaboratively across various departments. This will illustrate your strategic mindset and ability to align collections with academic priorities.
✨Align with University Ambitions
Research the university's ambitions for research excellence and student success. During the interview, articulate how your vision for the collections strategy aligns with these goals. This shows that you're not just thinking about the role, but also about how you can contribute to the broader mission of the institution.
