SMU Libraries - Curator of Methodist-Wesleyan Collections and Head of the Center for World Methodism (Librarian 3)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

$68,000-$80,000 Commensurate with Experience.

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University's entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world - and work hard to bring their innovations to life. 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 our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

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

Bridwell Library (Perkins School of Theology and SMU Libraries) is seeking applicants for the position of Curator of Methodist-Wesleyan Collections and Head of the Center for World Methodism (non-faculty position). The occupant of the position will provide research and programming leadership in Methodist-Wesleyan Studies among a thoughtful, engaged, and diverse community of academic researchers, church congregations, and public visitors. The position will serve the university and greater research community by engaging the heritage, legacy, and future of worldwide Methodism, especially in relation to Bridwell's acquisition of the World Methodist Museum. Through thoughtful conservation, community relationship-building, studied exhibition curation, active archival processing, and reflective outreach and promotion, the position will provide leadership and direction on the cultural historical preservation of Bridwell's holdings and how that supports Methodist Studies at SMU with a priority on re-establishing the World Methodist Museum Collections at Bridwell in the next few years.

The successful candidate will represent and evaluate Methodist and Wesleyan historical studies in broad, considerate, and inclusive terms, recognizing its long and varied histories. Furthermore, the person in this position will also lead and plan initiatives in coordination with colleagues to facilitate Bridwell's standing as a leading library for Methodist collections and studies. SMU is a nationally ranked private research university in Dallas, TX, with eight degree-granting schools. SMU Libraries includes six libraries on the main campus and one library at our satellite location in Taos, NM.

SMU Libraries and the SMU campus is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. We seek to hire a person who shares our values of a diverse and equitable workplace based on teamwork with a proactive and positive approach in all that we do.

Essential Functions:

• Curator of Methodist-Wesleyan Collections: the primary duties of the curator will be to oversee, manage, and strategically evaluate, exhibit, and promote the Methodist and Wesleyan materials held in Bridwell. This includes, but is not limited to, organizing tours and events, presenting to visitors and classes, fielding reference requests, actively prioritizing and undertaking cataloguing and archival processing needs, and participating in student management; additionally, the Curator will strategically manage and consult with the Bridwell Director on the redevelopment of the World Methodist Museum collections; and work in coordination with other Bridwell staff, especially the rare books and manuscripts curator, conservator, digital projects librarian, and exhibitions designer.
• Head of Center for World Methodism: this position will incorporate the roles of Curator into a thoughtful and engaged place for cultivating discussion, studies, and broad research on Methodist and Wesleyan studies on an international scale; it also seeks to develop programs that elevate diversity, inclusion, and evaluation of what a future worldwide church looks like.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Required Qualifications:

• Masters of Library Science or Equivalent
• Record of academic, scholarly, library, or museum related experience with a demonstrable knowledge of special collections, archives, and exhibitions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies; Church History; Early Modern/Modern History of Christianity; Religious Studies; History; or equivalent.
• 5+ years of progressively accomplished experience in an academic library, museum, university, professional association, faith community, or cultural institution.
• Demonstrated experience in curating and leading exhibitions in a theological context, museum, academic library, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in curating, cataloguing, and/or arranging archival and special collections materials.
• Demonstrated understanding of museum-quality curation, including development protocols, best practices, and standards.
• MLS or equivalent advanced degree in archives management, curatorial studies, or cultural heritage.
• Distinguished publishing career in the relevant fields of Methodist-Wesleyan, church historical, or related areas.
• Successful history of staff or student management.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in church history or theology, especially related to Methodism.
• Distinguished cumulative record for appointment to the minimum of Librarian III in the university library system.

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. Applications submitted by December 8th, 2022 January 23, 2023 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, accessequity@smu.edu.

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.

This job has expired.