Special and Digital Collections, Department Head

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Instructional, Research, and Clinical (IRC) Faculty
Working Title: Special and Digital Collections, Department Head
FTE: Full Time | Hybrid
Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000
Position #00350244- Requisition #37587

Join the University of Colorado Denver
About the University of Colorado - Denver
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The University of Colorado Denver is the state's premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
The Special and Digital Collections Department Head is responsible for the overseeing, managing, and outreach for Auraria Library's Special and Digital Collections. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing programming that aligns with recognized best practices related to campus outreach, donor relations, department advocacy, collection acquisitions (donated and purchased), designing programs for the creation and discovery of digital objects and data sets, digitization, preservation (both physical and digital), description, collection management, participating in writing grants in support of collection development and improving both physical and online spaces, evaluating, acquiring and managing software supporting the unit, the development and/or updating of documentation. In alignment with the Universities and Auraria Library's goals, set the mission and vision for the special and digital collections.

As a library faculty member, the Access and User Services, Department Head participates on Library and campus-wide committees and in CU Denver faculty governance.

Special and Digital Collections Department Head
What you will do:

• In alignment with the institutions' and Auraria Library's goals, selecting, arranging, describing, preserving, and digitizing items in the Special and Digital Collections, including the institutional repository.
• Making these collections accessible to patrons through crafting and implementing appropriate systems, processes, and procedures.
• Instructing students and other patrons on how to effectively use these collections
• Promoting the use of the Special and Digital Collections.
• Soliciting digital and physical donations relevant to Special and Digital Collections from faculty, staff, students, and departments, from all three institutions and the wider community; participating in donor relations.
• Participating in the pursuance of grants to support the acquisition and maintenance of the collection and spaces within Special and Digital Collections.
• Supporting library communications efforts and creating physical and digital displays to highlight items from the archives and special collections.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Master's degree in library and/or information science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited or equivalent accrediting body program, or a degree in a related field from an accredited college or university at time of hire.
• Experience supervising full-time employees and/or student employees.
• Previous experience working in an archive, special collections, museum, cultural heritage organization, or similar institution.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience working with community partners and/or managing donor relations.
• Experience designing and delivering library and/or special collections instruction.
• Understanding of preservation for books, archival materials, and/or digital objects.
• Understanding of software systems used to create, house, preserve, and provide access to digital objects.
• Knowledge of or background in critical archival studies, critical pedagogy, or similar theories or practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to create an responsive, future-oriented library Special and Digital Collections areas in the library.
• Ability to lead staff and workflows/processes in support of strategic goals.
• Ability to manage projects, including event planning.
• Ability to participate and cultivate relations with potential donors and others outside of the Auraria library.
• Knowledge of current and emerging technologies as applied to special collections and library digital initatives.
• Knowledge and understand of how to integrate software and hardware systems supporting department.
• Excellent project management, time management, and prioritization skills with proven ability to handle complex projects and multiple deadlines.
• Exemplary interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills plus a demonstrated commitment to professional development/achievement.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a collaborative environment and to contribute to professional service.
• Knowledge and understanding of key issues and trends that affect academic libraries or higher education.
• Ability to write and evaluate policies and exercise good judgment in the application, interpretation, and communication of policies procedures, rules, and guidelines.
• Ability to engage collaboratively, creatively, effectively and to provide innovative and exceptional service to a diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including international scholars, faculty, and students.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks requiring high collaboration.

Visa Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Physical . Mental, and/or Enviornmental Requirements

• Ability to lift and handle archival boxes or materials up to 25 pounds.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read and work with both print and digital materials.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during research, instruction, or meetings.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to manage staff and collaborate across departments.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic academic environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in collections, services, and instruction.
• Work primarily in a quiet, climate-controlled library setting with occasional exposure to dust or mold from archival materials.
• Frequent use of computers and digital tools for instruction, collection management, and communication.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $ $75,000 - $80,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by Sep 12, 2025, 11:59:00 PM. Those who do not apply by this date ma or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).
• Three professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. (We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references).

Questions should be directed to Kali Draper, KALI.DRAPER@UCDENVER.EDU.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.