Exhibitions, Programming, and Publications

• Propose and organize exhibitions that highlight the collection and tell stories that deepen engagement with the material in innovative ways.

• Secure loans or exhibitions organized by other institutions that help bring attention to the Morgan’s mission and collections.

• Develop public programs and events in collaboration with other Morgan staff to promote awareness and understanding of the collection and to bring attention to the contemporary relevance of the collection’s holdings in diverse ways.

• Develop publications and digital projects to accompany exhibitions and programs.

Collections Stewardship and Scholarly Access

• Identify and implement strategic acquisitions for the department.

• Oversee and prioritize departmental activities related to the collection, including research, care, storage and conservation initiatives.

• Build and maintain active relationships with booksellers and auction houses, staying abreast of acquisition opportunities for the collection.

• Build and extend networks with other museums, libraries and collections.

• Support the work of outside researchers.

Departmental Management

• Mentor and manage a professional departmental staff and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.

External Relations

• Cultivate and help secure external support for the department, in conjunction with the Director and the development staff.

• Serve as an ambassador for the Morgan’s Printed Books and Binding collection on- and off-site, and enthusiastically attend events at the Morgan and in the community with collectors, book dealers, scholars, professional colleagues, the press and members of the general public.

• Seven to ten years’ experience working with and cataloguing primary materials in libraries or other special collections.

• A notable record of exhibition and publication development; experience with exhibition loans and traveling shows desirable.

• Knowledge of the antiquarian book trade and experience with acquisitions and building special collections. Strong network and contacts with book dealers and auction houses preferred.

• Graduate degree in relevant field, PhD preferred.

• Strong liberal-arts foundation, especially in Western European and American literature and history. A broad generalist with primary expertise in the 16th – 18th centuries preferred.

• Knowledge of printing history and analytical bibliography. Familiarity with the care and handling of rare books.

• Demonstrable experience working with donors and identifying funding sources.

• Experience managing staff and a track record of mentorship, collaboration and teamwork.

• Ability to interpret literary, historical and bibliographical scholarship for the general public.

• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, researchers, students, and critics. Strong writing and public speaking skills.

• Experience with OCLC and online cataloging systems such as Voyager in a special collections environment.

• Reading knowledge of Latin and at least one other foreign language (French, German, Italian).

Personal Characteristics

• Dynamic leadership skills, a person who is confident and resourceful and able to inspire others.

• Has a collaborative work style, comfortable sharing credit and resources with peers and other staff to fulfill the Morgan’s mission; able and interested in mentoring staff.

• Passionate about the world of printed books and special collections and eager to foster broader interest in the field for museum visitors.

• Able to juggle many balls at once, concurrently setting priorities, meeting short-term deadlines, and pursuing long-term goals and initiatives.

• Comfortable at and enjoys social interactions with members, donors and collectors.