SMU Libraries - Exhibitions Designer & Collections Manager, Bridwell (HR Title: Library Specialist 5)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

$50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience.

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. 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 global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

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

SMU Libraries is seeking a dynamic and flexible colleague to serve as the Exhibitions Designer and Collections Manager for Bridwell Library's Special Collections, capable of handling the specific needs of museum-grade collections. The candidate must be an inventive problem solver, with an intuitive imagination that facilitates innovative and effective designs for exhibitions of books and other cultural artifacts, in collaboration with exhibition curators. The candidate will also be detail-oriented and possess a strong understanding of museums and/or libraries, to undertake the responsibility and care for maintaining, storage, transfer, and stewardship of various collections and physical items at Bridwell Library.

Bridwell Special Collections-charged with being a premier rare book library-is ideal for the study of the book as art and artifact. Its collections encompass everything from ancient artifacts to modern and contemporary artists' books, including medieval manuscripts, over 1100 incunabula, livres d'artiste, fine press, and miniature books. Manuscript and rare book holdings support broad areas of study, including history, mythology, philosophy, parapsychology, literature, exploration, the abolitionist movement, art, the book arts, and more. Cornerstone collections include an extensive assortment of historic bibles, supported by numerous additional theological and ecclesiastical materials.

Bridwell Library is SMU's principal library location for the fields of theology and religious studies and serves Perkins School of Theology. Bridwell Library Special Collections is home to several premier collections related to church history, theology, biblical studies, and art, and serves as a major research institution for North Texas.

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:

• Exhibition Design and Installation.
  
• Manage and supervise loan agreements with external constituents.
  
• Special Collections Management and Maintenance.
  
• Special Collections Use Management and Student Supervision.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's is required.

A minimum of 1 year of experience in in museum, libraries, or related field is required.

Experience with general exhibition design (lighting, displays, adaptive spaces) is required.

Experience with woodworking, display/set design, relevant handcraft, special collections, archives, cultural artifacts, collections management and student supervision is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with woodworking, display/set design, relevant handcraft

Knowledge and experience with special collections, archives, cultural artifacts

Experience with collections management and student supervision

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift/carry up to 50lbs.
  
• Must be able to climb ladders 10-15 feet in height.
  
• This job involves reaching, stooping, and getting down on the floor.
  

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. Applications submitted by May 30, 2024 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, and

(3) An optional sample of exhibition work from a portfolio; while not required, demonstrated design experience will be preferred.

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.

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