Stanford University Libraries seeks an accomplished conservator and proven team leader to serve as Head of Conservation Services. This is a role for a practicing conservator who leads from the bench: someone who sets the standard for treatment, develops a talented team, and partners with more than 80 curators, librarians, archivists, and specialists across one of the world's great research libraries. At Stanford, preservation is well supported and well respected, and the next Head will join a program that has the facilities, staff, and institutional commitment to do its best work.
Reporting to the Associate Director for Preservation, the Head of Conservation Services manages a well-established and dynamic conservation program for Stanford University Libraries’ special collections materials focused on the care of books, manuscripts, archival collections, maps, posters, photographs, and objects. This position is based at the state-of-the-art 3,000-square-foot conservation lab on the Stanford Redwood City campus that was built in 2019. Conservation Services directly supports the long-term preservation of analog library collections in 14 branch libraries and centers, as well as collections stored in cool and cold storage conditions at Stanford University Libraries high-density remote storage facility.
The ideal candidate understands the holistic intersection between conservation and the various functions of an academic research library from acquisition to use to storage of collections and has an awareness of the current professional landscape of conservation services, operations and techniques in cultural heritage institutions. They are also a seasoned, supportive leader who has navigated a large, complex organization, extends trust to an experienced team, and knows when to push and when to support. The minimum education and expertise requirements for this position include a Master’s degree or advanced certificate from a recognized conservation training program with demonstrated understanding of conservation in academic libraries or a combination of education and relevant experience. Five or more years of experience in an established conservation lab for a research library or other cultural heritage institution with evidence of capacity to work at a high level of responsibility is required for appointment at Librarian 3. For appointment at Librarian 4, ten or more years of experience managing an established conservation lab for a research library or other cultural heritage institution with evidence of capacity to work at a high level of responsibility is required.
This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in California. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. For appointment at Librarian 3, the maximum salary is $140,000; for appointment at Librarian 4, the maximum salary is $172,000. Stanford University offers a generous benefits package.
DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Matthew Bunting and Kamilah Allen. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile. Nominations can be submitted to [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.