The
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world's
leading research facilities devoted to the preservation of materials on
the global African and African diasporan experiences. A focal point of
Harlem's cultural life, the Center also functions as the national
research library in the field, providing free access to its wide-ranging
noncirculating collections. It also sponsors programs and events that
illuminate and illustrate the richness of black history and culture.
The
Public Affairs Unit is the Schomburg Center’s hub for all outreach and
interpretive resources, programs and materials. Educational and cultural
programs at the Schomburg complement its research services and help
users to interpret its collections. Seminars, forums, workshops, staged
readings, film screenings, performing arts programs, and special events
are presented on a year-round basis in its renowned Langston Hughes
Auditorium.
Serving
as the main source of information on the Schomburg’s services for the
public, the Public Affairs unit has four principal audiences or
stakeholders: researchers, educators, funders and the individuals or
institutions interested in African-American, African and African
Diasporan history and culture. Current primary Center resources include:
the research collections, spaces for exhibitions and public programs,
and Center-produced materials and resources.
The
Schomburg Center seeks an innovative experienced professional to lead
the Public Affairs Department and assist the Executive Director in:
enhancing the Center's ability to serve as an educational resource for the community at large;
increasing the Center's attendance and visibility through more contemporary/relevant programming; and
reimagining the Schomburg brand, both locally and nationally.
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Reporting to the Executive Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the qualified candidate will:
- Supervise and provide leadership for the staff of Public Affairs.
- Collect and analyze the appropriate data to inform the programmatic and operational decision making process.
- Work with the Schomburg management team on the administration and implementation of Library policies and protocols.
- Work
with the Public Affairs team to help develop and support our virtual
presence, digitization initiatives, and social media outreach.
- Work with staff to build and enhance relationships with local communities, elected officials, trustees and donors.
- Work in conjunction with the Executive Director of Schomburg to carry out the internal planning and reimagining of the Center.
- Strategize
for all levels of staffing, including identification and implementation
of staff development & coaching opportunities. Coordinate the
continued training and development of staff members. Evaluate the
performance of subordinates. Provides assistance to supervisory staff in
resolving daily problems, interpreting policies.
- Manage the
development of innovative communications and programmatic strategies and
activities that highlight and raise the profile of the Center’s
resources and exhibitions and increase/broaden the Center’s tour and
visitor audiences.
- In partnership with the Communications and
Marketing departments, establish and supervise processes that ensure
effective publicity and promotion of Schomburg activities.
- Partner
with the Director of Schomburg Public Education and Jr. Scholars
Program to strengthen educational activities for middle and high school
students and teachers.
- Serve as a member of the Schomburg’s senior management team.
- Report
to the Executive Director on the management of the fiscal operations of
the Center, including budget preparation and control.
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- Masters degree in African-American studies, arts administration, library science, management or humanities;
- Minimum of 7 years management experience, preferably in a large complex library operation or similar cultural institution;
- Substantial knowledge of African-American, African and African Diasporan history and culture;
- Proven
ability to lead and engage in strategic planning processes; able to
think critically, objectively, analytically, and strategically and to
set priorities;
- Successfully demonstrated experience in managing
and developing staff, including mentoring them to meet their goals
while growing skill sets to meet future Center needs;
- Demonstrated excellence in writing for a wide range of audiences, including grant proposals and promotional materials;
- Demonstrable ability to make good decisions consistently through a combination of analysis, experience, and judgment;
- An
ability to work independently, prioritizing workflow to meet critical
deadlines while paying exceptionally close attention to detail;
- Experience in developing and effectively managing budgets to meet the Center's objectives;
- Excellent public speaking, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills;
- Knowledge
of social media and digital communications technology and ability to
create and innovate outreach efforts through such technology;
- Ability to work in collaboration with a range of institutions: cultural, nonprofit, private, etc;
Preferred:
- Experience
fundraising from individuals, corporations and/or foundations;
knowledge of the relevant fundraising environment and donor base a
plus.
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