Hiring University Archivist (HR Title: Librarian 3 or 4) – (CEN00000059) at Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas

Salary Range:

Salary: $77,000 – $92,000 (Commensurate with the rank of Librarian 3 or 4)

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

Are you ready to take on a new role at a forward-thinking private institution in one of the most vibrant metroplexes in the country? SMU Libraries in Dallas, TX, is seeking a dynamic and innovative professional to serve as the University Archivist. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of SMU’s archival initiatives while preserving and promoting the rich history of the university.

The University Archivist, reporting to the Director of the DeGolyer Library, is responsible for all aspects of the SMU Archives, including collection development and management, digital preservation, community engagement, and the integration of emerging technologies. This position plays a key role in ensuring that SMU’s institutional history remains both well-preserved and widely accessible through creative and forward-looking strategies.

Why join SMU Libraries? SMU is a nationally ranked private research university in Dallas, Texas, with eight degree-granting schools and a vibrant campus community. SMU Libraries consists of six libraries on the main campus and one in Taos, NM, with the highly anticipated Rees-Jones Library of the American West set to open in 2027. Collaboration, innovation, and professional growth are at the heart of SMU Libraries, offering an engaging and supportive environment for library professionals to thrive.

Life in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex provides unparalleled opportunities, from a thriving arts and culture scene to world-class museums, professional sports, and a robust economy. With an exceptional quality of life and a welcoming community, DFW is an ideal place to live and work while making a lasting impact at SMU.

Essential Functions:

1. Collection Development and Digital Preservation

• Lead collection development strategies, incorporating born-digital and traditional materials
• Process collections, write and encode finding aids for inclusion in Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO)
• Works with colleagues and support staff on digital projects (digitization of materials, digital collections, digital exhibits, digital preservation, etc.)
• Supervise student worker, interns, and volunteers

2. Reference and Research Services

• Provide expert reference services to various user groups
• Lead instruction sessions for undergraduate and graduate students as needed and provide one-on-one consultations and reference interviews
• Create research guides and exhibits to improve discoverability

3. Community Engagement and Outreach

• Develop community-centered archiving initiatives to expand representation in SMU’s collections
• Promote and highlight SMU Archives through blog posts, newsletters, annual reports, digital projects, and social media
• Collaborate with underrepresented communities to preserve their histories
• Engage in efforts to decolonize archives and address biases in collections

4. Leadership and Innovation

• Demonstrate commitment to professional development and understanding of standards, best practices, key issues and trends in special collections
• Advocate for archives through various channels, including social media and public speaking
• Contribute to the profession through publications, presentations, and leadership in professional organizations
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that leverage archival resources
• Serve on various library and campus committees as needed
• Advise on campus-wide record retention policies

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. Applications submitted by March 17, 2025, will receive priority consideration.

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit:

1. A resume or CV,
2. A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU’s retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn’t just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related field
• A minimum of 5 years professional experience in academic archives or special collections commensurate with the rank of Librarian 3 or 7 years professional experience in academic archives or special collections commensurate with the rank of Librarian 4.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging archival practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to lead innovative projects and collaborate across disciplines
• A demonstrated commitment to scholarship and service in librarianship, as evidenced by scholarly publications, conference presentations, or professional committee service at the local, regional, or national level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists
• Experience with records management
• Experience with grant writing and project management
• Strong commitment to cultural intelligence in archival practice
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and strategies for collecting born-digital records

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Master’s Degree

Education

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