Curator of the European Collection🔍Hoover Institution, Stanford, California, United States📁Library📅Feb 18, 2021 Post Date📅88512 Requisition #Are you interested in being part of a dynamic team that is growing? The Hoover Institution Library & Archives at Stanford University is seeking a knowledgeable, dynamic, innovative, and service oriented professional for the full-time Academic Staff (Career Track) position of Curator of the European Collection.

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application for full consideration. Provide writing samples upon request.

About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs.

Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.

With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity, while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Director of the Hoover Library & Archives, the Curator of the European Collection develops and pursues acquisition opportunities, formulates policies, and plans programs for the European Collection, and participates in related activities as described below.

The geopolitical focus is on collections aligned with our mission from the former Eastern Europe (excluding the former Soviet Union) the Baltic States, and on collections related to those regions elsewhere in the world.

CORE DUTIES*:

Collection development

• Assist the Director in long-term planning for the continued growth of the collection and in maintaining a high quality acquisitions strategy in line with the Hoover Institution’s mission and the Library & Archives’ strategic plan
• Assess needs and strengths of the collection and write collection policy statements for the collection; coordinate collection development with needs of Hoover fellows and researchers and Stanford faculty, students, and academic programs, and with Stanford University Libraries and other libraries
• Identify and contact potential donors of archival materials, focusing on unique original materials illuminating the careers of individuals or the workings of organizations; establish and maintain relations with donors and other sources of materials
• Evaluate historical importance and research potential of possible archival acquisitions
• Negotiate acquisitions with donors and finalize deeds of gift or bills of sale
• Appraise and determine disposition of books, newspapers, and other printed materials found among acquired archival collections
• Work with Hoover colleagues when evaluating digital acquisitions or planning digital projects
• Consult Hoover colleagues when considering acquisitions of audio and visual materials and of damaged materials to minimize harmful effects of mold, insect infestation, and other hazards
• Become rapidly familiar with the holdings of the Library & Archives in general and with the European Collection in particular
• Work with description staff to identify and prioritize collections for description and re-housing

Development/Exhibits/Publications

• Give lectures, presentations, and classes, in person and online, on the holdings and research potential of the European Collection
• Organize conferences, seminars, and talks by visitors and scholars
• Welcome and prepare presentations for European officials and other visitors and meet with faculty and students in European studies at Stanford and other universities
• Work with Hoover’s Development Office in contacting potential financial contributors and preparing descriptive materials, such as brochures, and content for the Hoover website
• Write grant proposals and other fundraising documents; develop innovative ways to promote the use of the collection
• Work with the Exhibits team to curate physical and virtual exhibitions on the European Collection
• Write articles (including for the Hoover Digest) and stories for the Hoover website publicizing new acquisitions, events, or topics of subject expertise
• Read manuscripts for the Hoover Institution Press when requested. Consult with the Press on marketing of European-related titles
• Contribute to the field of European studies and archival studies by publication and participation in professional organizations and activities

Research & Education

• Provide in-depth research assistance when needed; prepare research guides to the collection in the Library & Archives
• Support education programming by teaching and providing outreach to subject specific classes, events, and tours, online or in-person
• Establish and maintain relations with Hoover fellows and researchers; Stanford curators, faculty, and students; and other patrons of the Library & Archives

Administration

• Prepare budget requests and manage the European Collection annual acquisitions budget
• Prepare reports on the collection and contribute to annual and other Hoover reports
• Plan collecting trips for travel to Europe and prepare trip reports
• Develop and maintain acquisition case files
• Assist with the definition of rights for digital reformatting of collections
• Participate in monthly curators’ and acquisitions meetings and other meetings as required
• Train and supervise hourly and/or non-professional support staff

Special projects and other duties

• Propose, design, manage, and report on special acquisition projects for the collection
• Identify opportunities for cooperation with other archives, libraries, universities, and research centers throughout the world
• Assist the director with other special tasks, as requested

* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

PhD in history or related field strongly preferred, with strong knowledge of 20th and 21st century European history, politics, economics, and culture. Written and spoken fluency in Polish and additional language expertise related to East Central Europe.

Significant number of years of professional experience in scholarship and/or libraries and archives, with a proven record of accomplishment and publications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in addressing acquisition issues and ethics, particularly with ownership problems (provenance and cultural property) and appraisal
• Understanding of library and archival theory and practice, particularly the role and impact of acquisitions on library and archives activities
• A firm understanding of intellectual property, copyright, privacy, and other access issues strongly preferred
• Interest in collecting born-digital materials and willingness to work with other staff in exploring best practices in this area
• Ability to work collegially and to organize and manage team-based projects
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Administrative and managerial experience
• Proven record of sound judgment, initiative, and leadership
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adjust to changes and reprioritizations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Sit a great deal of the time; perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 15 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
• Occasionally use a telephone, operate hand controls.
• Must be able to push and maneuver a fully loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings and weekends.
• Regular and frequent travel required; a valid passport for international travel necessary.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 1783
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: I
• Department URL: http://www.hoover.org
• Requisition ID: 88512