The Medieval Academy Blog

Robert H. Taylor Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts

(Full-time)

Responsibilities: 

The Morgan Library & Museum seeks a senior curator to lead its Department of Literary and Historical Manuscripts. The Robert H. Taylor Curator and Department Head manages, interprets, and advances the Morgan’s notable collection of primarily handwritten documents spanning more than 500 years and including major collections of figures such as Voltaire, Austen, Byron, Dickens and Steinbeck as well as the Morgan’s archives.

He/she is responsible for the long-term growth, preservation, and documentation of collection; for developing sophisticated and lively exhibitions that take full advantage of both the Morgan’s own collection and its international network; for promoting awareness and understanding of the collection through public programs, publications, and digital projects; and for supporting the work of outside researchers. He/she will forge strong relationships with collectors and donors and serve as an articulate ambassador for the Morgan in a wide variety of setting. He/she oversees a staff of two curators and two project catalogers and is expected to work collaboratively across departments.

The Morgan Library & Museum is committed to diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications: 

• 7 to 10 years experience working with primary materials in a library, museum, or archive including exhibition and publication development as well as cataloging and processing.
• Strong liberal arts foundation, especially in Western European and American literature and history
• Superior writing and public speaking skills.
• Strong record of publication.
• Ability to interpret literary and historical scholarship for the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, researchers, students, and journalists.
• Demonstrable experience working with donors and identifying funding sources.
• An excellent track record of managing staff and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
• Current knowledge of the auction and dealers’ market for literary and historical manuscripts.
• Familiarity with the principles of the care and handling of rare books and manuscripts and of reference services.
• Graduate degree in relevant field and/or ALA-accredited Masters degree in Library and Information Science desirable, PhD preferred
• Strong reading knowledge of French or other European language desirable.
• Professional knowledge of cataloging standards and digitization of manuscript materials.
• Working knowledge of TMS and/or Voyager desirable.
• Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation, lift moderately heavy boxes and books and tolerate moderate levels of dust and odor generated during normal collection management activities and movement of objects. Travel as required.

Compensation: 

Minimum $110,000; excellent benefits.

To apply: Interested applicants should e-mail cover letter with salary requirements and resume to:  literaryhistoricalsearch@themorgan.org