Head Of Special Collections and University Archives

General Description / Primary Purpose

The Head of Special Collections and University Archives oversees and administers the development and management of the unit and is under the general supervision of the Dean of Library. The position supervises 2 paraprofessional positions, 1 librarian, and indirectly supervises 1 paraprofessional and 2 student positions in achieving the goals of the department. The Head of Special Collections and University Archives provides leadership for all functions and operations of the unit. They are responsible for creating policies and procedures for collecting, preserving, and promoting the distinctive history of the Northeast Florida Region through outreach, exhibits, and programming to support research and ensure student success. The Head of Special Collections and University Archives supports the Dean and the Director of Development in donor relations and community engagement. They work collaboratively within the library, the university, and the larger community to engage researchers with the unit's unique collections and encourage cooperative projects to provide students with life experiences.

Essential Job Functions:

Leads and manages the Special Collections and University Archives unit. Trains and supervises assigned staff. Assesses workflows within Special Collections and University Archives and in collaboration with other areas in the library with the purpose of continuously improving services. Oversees the operation of the Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History. Participates in the assessment of the services provided by the Special Collections and University Archives unit.

Develops policies, procedures, and other tools to ensure the unit follows best practices in the management of collection materials. Oversees all stages of accessioning, processing, describing, and preserving archival and special collections. Coordinates digitization of collections with Digital Strategies and Technology for creating online content and exhibitions.

Develops creative methods for providing instructional services to introduce students to archival and primary source materials. Gives guidance for staff providing individual instruction for students and researchers using collection materials.

Promotes Special Collections and University Archives collections and services to students, the UNF community, and the greater Jacksonville community through networking and collaborative projects. Plans programs, exhibitions, presentations, and receptions to showcase new resources and research efforts of UNF students and faculty. Works with the Systems Librarian to provide informative Lib Guides and web pages about using and accessing collection materials.

Works with the Dean of Library and Director of Development to seek grants for maintaining the materials in the collections and making them accessible, and engage with donors for resources to enhance and grow existing collections.

Serves as library liaison for assigned academic department(s). In collaboration with teaching and research faculty in the colleges, develops select areas of the library's subject resources by identifying and selecting new materials for the collection and by evaluating existing materials for possible withdrawal from the collection. Engages with departmental faculty to better understand and meet their library needs, develops collegial partnerships, and promotes library services and resources.

Contributes to overall collection development through participation in the evaluation and development of the collection and in the review and selection of research databases and other library resources as appropriate.

Other Job Accountabilities:

Participate in the planning and policy making bodies of the library and University as appropriate.

Serve on library, University, and statewide committees or project teams as appropriate.

Maintain awareness of current campus issues and developments in library and information science.

Participate in training and professional development activities.

Participate in library-wide activities and/or special projects as appropriate in consultation with supervisor.

Department Requirements:

Supervisory experience.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment.

Experience arranging and describing special collections and archival material.

Knowledge of special collections and archival best practices.

Ability to lift 15-35 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications / Skills:

Development experience and grant writing.

Knowledge of intellectual property rights and copyright law as it pertains to the collections.

Experience in community engagement, planning special events and presentations.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize, coordinate, and implement projects.

Anticipated Start Date: The position is expected to begin on May 25, 2026.

Working Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and special events will vary.

Supervision Exercised: Yes

About the Department: For more information about the department visit: https://www.unf.edu/library/index.html

Additional Application Materials Required:
Applicants should be prepared to provide the following required documents and
information:
• Cover letter
• Current curriculum vitae
• Unofficial transcripts
• Names, phone numbers, and email address of three professional references

Application Review Date: Initial review of applications will begin on February 17, 2026.

How to Apply:

All interested applicants are required to upload required to complete a University of North Florida application, at https://www.unf.edu/hr/employment-opportunities.html, and upload required documents listed on the recruitment posting, to be considered for the position.  Please contact Patricia Madrid at p.madrid@unf.edu for questions concerning the position.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.