Description

***Priority consideration date extended to Sunday, July 27, 11:50 pm.*** 

The University of Missouri-Kansas City Libraries are seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Head of LaBudde Special Collections (LSC). Details are below. See the full job posting for more details and to apply. Applications received by Sunday, July 27, 2025, will be given priority consideration. 

The UMKC University Libraries are seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Head of LaBudde Special Collections (LSC). The Head of LaBudde Special Collections is responsible for the direction, administration, operations, and long-term planning for the Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections. The position provides guidance and support for print-based archival processing and collections management for the Special Collections and Archives (SCA) Division. The position facilitates access to archival and rare book collections by providing expertise on archival arrangement, description, bibliographic access, preservation, storage, and security of special collections materials held in the UMKC University Libraries. The position oversees collections management activities by overseeing departmental workflows and collaborating with fellow department heads on establishing SCA divisional priorities and policies. In addition to these responsibilities, the position monitors trends and developments in rare book and archives management and recommends appropriate adoption and implementation of new technologies and methods for access, organization, and preservation. This position is a 12-month, non-tenure track, ranked benefit-eligible faculty librarian appointment, has supervisory responsibilities, and reports to the Assistant Dean of Special Collections and Archives. 

Special Collections & Archives Division 

Due to recent transitions and strategic planning, the UMKC University Libraries are seeking to hire both anAssistant Dean of Special Collections & Archivesand a Head of LaBudde Special Collections at this time. Our intention is to recruit for, hire, and onboard these positions as a cohort. It is our hope that these positions can complement each other in skill sets and complete the team in the Special Collections & Archives (SCA) Division where levels of experience range from emerging professionals to well experienced librarians. 

The UMKC University Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives (SCA) division consists ofLaBuddeSpecial Collections, UMKC University Archives, Marr Sound Archives, UMKC Libraries Cataloging & Resource Management, and Digital Projects. SCA’s primary source materials are rich in the humanities, particularly in local performing arts, LGBTQ communities, social services organizations, and Kansas City jazz as well as Kansas-Missouri late 19th century Western Americana and national radio broadcasts from the 1930s-1960s. Prominent collections in LSC include theStarr Women’s Hall of Fameinductee collections,theGay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America, and theEdgar Snow Collections. SCA supports a major component of teaching and learning in the humanities, arts, and social sciencesusingprimary source materials; provides high impact learning experiences to a broad range of students including the development ofnational award-winning student-curated exhibits; and directly supports undergraduate research initiatives. 

UMKCis a Carnegie R1 university. 

Primary duties and responsibilities include 

• Provides leadership and oversight of LaBudde Special Collections, a department consisting of two academic appointments and a team of student employees at a variety of levels. 

• Establishes departmental goals that align with the Special Collections & Archives Division, Library and University goals and objectives. 

• Assists in implementing strategies for preserving the department’s physical and born-digital collections. 

• Partners with Special Collections & Archives Division and Library-wide departments to ensure consistency and continuity of service where appropriate. 

• Works with UMKC Libraries administration and divisional colleagues to pursue external grant funding or other fundraising opportunities. 

• Work with colleagues to evaluate and implement technological solutions and strategies for improving work processes and facilitating access to collection materials. 

• Develops and maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends impacting the Special Collections & Archives Division and collaborates with partners in the Libraries and elsewhere to support the exploration and implementation of new tools, services, and approaches. 

• Provides library instruction to support the UMKC curriculum, ensuring that students develop adequate library and information skills using manuscript collection resources and all available tools. 

• Provides in person, telephone, and electronic reference services and research consultations for users of LaBudde Special Collections and its associated collecting areas. 

• Serves as a member of the SCA Collections Team to identify and prioritize collection holdings for digitization; works closely with the Digital Projects department on planning for digitization, digital collection and digital exhibit projects. 

• Works closely with the Cataloging & Resource Management department to ensure timely intellectual and bibliographic access to collection materials is sustained, in coordination with the SCA Collections Team. 

• Provides leadership in print-based archival processing services for Special Collections & Archives Division. 

• In coordination with the Processing Associate and in collaboration with divisional colleagues, accessions and processes incoming archival and manuscript collections consisting of material in a variety of formats in accordance with professional standards and departmental priorities. 

• Primarily responsible for integrity, safety, and security of archival processing and storage spaces, including the Automated Storage and Retrieval System. Responsible for processing and storage facilities’ security policies and procedures. 

• In the absence of the Head of University Archives, is responsible for managing the safety and security of facilities, personnel, archival and rare materials, and visitors in the public reading room. 

Minimum Requirements 

• An American Library Association accredited master’s degree OR a graduate degree in another appropriate field in combination with libraries and/or archives administration related education and experience. 

• Experience in an archives and/or special collections setting with demonstrated knowledge of core functions and services, including archival processing practices and management systems and awareness of national issues and trends in archives and/or special collections. 

• Supervisory experience or experience leading a team. 

• Evidence of ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with campus and external communities. 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based, service-oriented environment. 

• Potential to meet promotion requirements in non-tenure track appointment, evidenced through service, research, leadership, innovation, and/or professional development. 

Salary 

Salary will be commensurate with rank and qualifications. It is anticipated that this position will be hired as a Librarian II, III, or IV, and the anticipated hiring range for this position is $57,500-$90,000. Minimum salaries for ranks are: Librarian I $50,000, Librarian II $55,000, Librarian III $62,500, and Librarian IV $72,500. UMKC offers an excellent retirement/benefits package. (See thePromotion and Appointments Criteriafor rank specifications and UM salaries arepublicly available.) 

UMKC offers full benefits that start day one, generous paid time off, paid winter break, and continuing education benefits. Visit ourTotal Rewardspage to learn more. 

Also, explore theTotal Rewardswebsiteto learn more about the rewards package we offer to acknowledge our employees as the university’s most important resource. 

Application Instructions 

Application materials must be submitted online atUMKC Human Resources. Click View Jobs and search forID 56066to apply. Though the system provides prompts for uploading application materials separately, we request that applicants combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document: 

• A personal letter of interest of up to 2 pages addressing each minimum requirement 

• Curriculum vitae (CV – as many pages as needed) 

• Current contact information for 3 references 

Upload this combined document when prompted to provide aresume attachment. Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). 

You may address your cover letter to: Lynn Gullickson Spencer and Nara Newcomer, Search Committee Chairs. 

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please emailumpshrsupport@umsystem.edu. 

• For all inquiries about the position, please contact 816-235-1531 orlibraryadmin@umkc.eduand provide the title of the position. 

• To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910. 

This position will remain open until filled, but applications received by 11:50pm on Sunday, July 27, 2025, will be given priority consideration. 

Community Information 

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.  
 
UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.  
 
UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The University of Missouri is anEqual Opportunity Employer. 
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.