Head of Collections Control
Yale University

Location: New Haven, CT
Compensation: 57,200


For more than 300 years, Yale University has inspired the minds that inspire the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale brings people and ideas together for positive impact around the globe. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines.

Position Focus:

Yale University Library seeks a Head of Collections Control within the Acquisitions and Collections Control unit (ACCU) at Special Collections Technical Services, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. ACCU is responsible for acquisitions, accessioning, and collections control for collections and items acquired by the Beinecke across all formats. The work of the unit is highly interdependent, and ACCU staff collaborate with colleagues across Yale University Library and work closely with external vendors.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Acquisitions and Collections Control, the Head of Collections Control manages the operations of the Collections Control team. The Collections Control sub-unit, one of three within ACCU, manages collections entering 344 Winchester, including receiving, materials processing, collections tracking, and coordinating transport of collections to permanent storage locations; the sub-unit is also responsible for supply ordering and management. The sub-unit most closely collaborates with Library Collection Services and Preservation and Conservation Services, particularly on collections care and transfer, but also works with departments across the Beinecke and Library.

The Head of Collections Control develops and manages processes to improve tracking and control of materials to and within the department at 344 Winchester and to their permanent storage locations; collaborates cross-departmentally to establish policies and best practices for collections control; implements systems and tools for enhanced collections control; develops collection risk mitigation and storage improvement strategies for Special Collections Technical Services and collaborates with other units to ensure alignment on these strategies. Oversees the sub-unit's creation and management of processes and documentation.

Directly supervises staff devoted chiefly to collections control and materials movement. Responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of sub-unit staff. Fosters a team approach to the work. Establishes metrics, tracks progress, and regularly reports on the sub-unit's work. Plans, prioritizes, and directs work carried out by staff; ensures team's work and efforts achieve operational and strategic goals and aligns with department and special collections priorities and vision.

With the Head of Acquisitions and Head of Archival Accessioning, forms part of the leadership team assisting in the ongoing strategic planning and policy development within ACCU. Actively contributes to the development and implementation of department-wide goals and initiatives. Engages in cross-departmental activities and contributes to Yale University Library and university-wide initiatives.

Yale University Library serves a diverse staff, campus, local, and global community and is deeply committed to advancing its goals for equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is reflected in our mission, strategic directions, staff values, initiatives, and scholarly activity. To support our goals for staff recruitment, retention, and development, Yale Library invites applications from candidates who have a proven commitment or demonstrated success with supporting diversity and inclusion through their work, service, research, and/or teaching.

Essential Duties:

• Works closely with the Department Head and with a team of supervisors to ensure consistency in service quality, policy interpretation, training, procedures, etc. 
• Motivates and coaches staff, delivers and improves services, positively influences reader expectations of library services and access to collections. 
• Provides back up as needed to others in the supervisory team
• Recruits, hires, trains, and administers discipline as necessary.
• Manages all aspects of an operation with multiple services and processes. 
• Manages and supervises a team of clerical and technical employees and student assistants.
• Administers budget for hourly employees, sets priorities, plans workflows, resolves problems, interprets and monitors policies, and generates reports.
• Contributes to strategic planning for continuous improvement of department processes and functions.
• Contributes in library-wide committees as appropriate and consults and works with staff outside of the department.
• Develops relationships with vendors, monitors performance, and resolves issues.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Ability to identify problems, think creatively, and carry out solutions independently and as part of a group or team, particularly when several priorities arise at the same time. Ability to understand, evaluate, and implement new or evolved processes and tools that facilitate operational workflows.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts and systems to staff with differing levels of expertise.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Strong organizational skills to handle multiple priorities and maintain progress; evidence of being able to bring complex projects through to completion.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Demonstrated ability for supervising others. Aptitude for managing high-performing staff and the ability to lead within a complex and dynamic organization.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse groups of people; to productively handle relationships and conflict.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

• Working knowledge and/or experience in an academic or research library, specifically related to special collections. 
• Demonstrated experience working with the Aeon staff interface.
• Experience working with ArchivesSpace, integrated library systems, or other similar systems.

Additional Information    

Drug Screen: No
Health Screening: No

Background Check Requirements:

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here: https://covid19.yale.edu/health-guidelines

Posting Disclaimer:

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/4472036

Yale is a tobacco-free campus.

Application Deadline: September 9, 2023