Special Collections Reference and Outreach Manager

POSTING INFORMATION

Internal Title

Special Collections Reference and Outreach Manager

Position Type

Classified

Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration

Non-Faculty

Pay Band

5

Level

4

Department

Library

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Director of Special Collections, the Reference and Outreach Manager serves as a forward-facing team member in the Special Collections unit within the College Libraries. This position is responsible for providing Special Collections reference services to researchers using archival collections, rare books, and other related material. They will assist with patron requests at the reference desk as well as remote reference queries. The Reference and Outreach Manager will assist with Special Collections outreach efforts, and is responsible for writing content for publication on the Special Collections website, social media platforms, and broader College publications in support of the Libraries’ mission and vision, as well as selecting and interpreting materials for Special Collections exhibits. This position also digitizes and describes Special Collections materials to increase visibility and accessibility.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 1-3 years of experience in a library, archives, historical society, or museum. 
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and information science, public history, or related field.
• Familiarity with local, regional, and South Carolina state history.
• Experience curating and interpreting cultural, historical, and/or artistic objects.
• Experience providing reference services in a library or archives.
• Experience digitizing and/or creating metadata for archival materials.
• Familiarity with archival collection management systems (e.g. ArchivesSpace).
• Familiarity with the Springshare platform.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, relevant content management systems, and current major social media platforms.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and customer service skills.
• Ability to analyze patron requests and select best reference sources.
• Ability to work with a diverse audience including students, scholars, and other community members.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and demonstrate initiative and accuracy.
• Must be able stand and sit for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.

Additional Comments Regarding Position

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu. 

Salary

*$44,833 - $55,000

Posting Date

05/29/2025

Closing Date

06/16/2025

Benefits

• Insurance:  Health/Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave:  Sick/Annual/Parental
• Retirement
• Long Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Free CARTA Bus Service
• Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Full Benefits Package – Click Here

Open Until Filled

No

Posting Number

2025066

EEO Statement

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.

Quicklink for Posting

https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/16713

Job Duties

Activity

Research Services:

• Responsible for working regular Special Collections Reference Desk shifts. Provide access to collection materials while also maintaining their security and preservation.
• Conducts reference interviews to navigate and direct patron research needs.
• Advises students, faculty, and other researchers, both in-person and remotely, and provides direction and support in the use of Special Collections resources and services.
• Provides access to materials by fulfilling reproduction requests.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

50

Activity

Digitization and Description Services:

• Prepares, handles, and digitizes fragile and rare archival materials from Special Collections’ holdings.
• Creates metadata to describe digitized materials following standards and best practices established by Special Collections’ digital access partner, the Lowcountry Digital Library.
• Submits digitized and described materials to Lowcountry Digital Library for review and publication.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

30

Activity

Outreach and Exhibition Services:

• Manages all Special Collections social media platforms.
• Administers collections loan program for incoming and outgoing loans in consultation with the Director of Special Collections.
• Designs, curates, interprets, installs, and promotes Special Collections physical and digital exhibits.
• Develops and publishes content spotlighting the materials, exhibits, and activities of Special Collections for internal and external audiences via social media, College publications, and regional and national publications.
• Serves as the Special Collections representative for university-wide marketing and communication initiatives, including writing pieces for The College Today, The College of Charleston Magazine, and the Libraries’ Discovery Magazine.
• Supports outreach efforts via Special Collections website maintenance.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

20