New

Frary Curator of Rare Books & Manuscripts (Special Collections)

Johns Hopkins University
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
Aug 29, 2026
We are seeking a *Frary Curator of Rare Books & Manuscripts* to lead projects and initiatives related to the Irene and Richard Frary collections of rare books and manuscripts, which includes materials from the European Avant-Garde movement, particularly those published in Central and Eastern Europe. The Irene and Richard Frary Curator of Rare Books & Manuscripts will promote the collections and related materials through teaching materials-based classes, identifying additional materials for possible purchase or donation, conducting original research using the collection, and developing programming and exhibits featuring the collection. The curator works collaboratively with colleagues to provide expertise across related collection areas, including 19th and 20th century European rare books. They will also shape curatorial practices in line with evolving professional standards. Specific Duties & Responsibilities Perform assigned curatorial functions independently. Contribute to the daily work of Special Collections and recommend changes to processes and workflows as needed. Participate in continuous professional development in operational excellence. Participate in training/ professional development targeted to advanced expertise and/or leadership. Participate in, and may lead, Libraries and Museums committees and task forces. Lead the development of focused Special Collections teaching sessions, and may teach limited term classes, or co-teach semester long classes. Work with researchers on complex research inquiries in assigned areas. Lead the development and management of collections in assigned areas in a variety of formats. Collaborate with supervisor and colleagues in establishing workflows and priorities for assigned curatorial areas. Participate in local and regional professional organizations. Contribute to the development/design of expert tools/methods through campus or local collaborations/ partnerships. Collaborate with External Affairs to cultivate donors and contribute to grant applications. May be an independent operator or supervise a program, initiative, or functional area with staff. May develop exhibits. May supervise undergraduate and graduate fellows. Other duties as assigned. In addition to the duties described above Works with External Affairs staff to identify donors and collection creators to further collection goals and stewardship plans Shares the outcomes of collections' research through presentations, publications, and other channels Stewards the named collection donors through regular reporting and outreach Works with Technical Services to ensure appropriate description and discoverability of materials Minimum Qualifications Master's Degree in a related field. Five years of related experience. Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula. Preferred Qualifications Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of one Central European language. Technical Skills and Expected Level of Proficiency Curatorial Expertise - Advanced Curatorial Functions - Advanced Curatorial Training Development - Advanced Donor Relations and Stewardship - Advanced Exhibit Support - Advanced Interpersonal Skills - Advanced Process Improvement - Advanced Project Management - Advanced Stakeholder Engagement - Advanced The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs. Classified Title: Curator III Job Posting Title (Working Title):Frary Curator of Rare Books & Manuscripts (Special Collections) Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD Starting Salary Range: $64,470 - $112,850 Annually ($83,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: M-F, 8:30 am to 5 pm FLSA Status:Exempt Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus Department name: Special Collections Personnel area: Libraries >