Archivist IV – African American History Research Center Manager – City of Houston/African American Research Center, the Gregory School (AAHRC)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
PN# 34368
Division: Customer Experience
Reporting Location: African American Research Center, the Gregory School (AAHRC)
Workdays & Hours: Monday- Saturday, 8am - 8pm* (varies)
* Subject to change 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS \

The Houston Public Library (HPL) seeks a passionate, experienced library professional with proven leadership skills and strong family history experience to serve as a Librarian IV, Manager of the African American Research Center at the Gregory School (AAHRC). The successful candidate will work closely with the community to build on the existing partnerships, communicate effectively, provide exceptional customer service, and enjoy interacting with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
 
The African American Research Center at the Gregory School (AAHRC), located in historic Freedmen’s Town and housed in the Edgar M. Gregory School, the first African American school in Houston and an archeological landmark in Texas, houses a variety of primary resource materials that documents and focuses on the experience of African American residents, families, businesses, institutions and neighborhoods throughout Houston and the surrounding region. The growing collection includes books, pamphlets, periodicals, photographs, oral histories manuscripts, newspapers, personal family archives and ephemera documenting Houston's African American history and culture.

Essential job duties and responsibilities for the Archivist III (Hispanic Collections Lead Archivist) include:

• Managing day-to-day operations of the unit.
• Lead and direct AAHRC Team including hiring, training, and supervising staff.
• Participates in planning, policy formation, workflow improvement, and decision-making relating to library services, collections, and technologies.
• Advocates for the needs of the AAHRC branch while establishing our value to the institution to other departments, including: 
• Managing the budget and ensuring all funds are spent in a timely manner.
• Facilitating communication between all internal departments.
• Answering queries from the Mayor’s Office, Library Director’s Office, and other City Departments.  
• Assist with planning and implementing programs and publications that promote and interpret the collections, such as exhibits, conferences, guest lectures, public speaking, and other active forms of outreach.
• Assists with collection development and material acquisition for the unit.
• Responsible for the strategic planning, budgeting, and administrative tasks for the unit.
• Assists in grant writing and participates in grant-funded projects as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships and liaison with partners, community groups, and donors.
• Provide specialized reference services and research assistance to the general public in-person and remotely.
• Other administrative duties as assigned. 

Applicants are required to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying.  

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires stooping and bending; lifting of library materials up to 20 pounds. Must be able to move freely throughout the library to file/retrieve library materials. Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
Requires an ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science or a Master’s degree in History or a related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
Four (4) years of experience in archival processing, collecting, or research, historical research, library systems, or a closely related field are required.
 

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS   
A valid driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates with:
 

• Supervisory experience
• Experience managing a library branch or research center, with strong supervisory skills. 
• Project management experience especially in the areas of library collection management and library budget management. 
• Experience researching or working in a genealogy/family history research center or branch, special collections, or archives. Familiarity with current research topics and issues related to genealogy and family history research. 
• Strong interpersonal political skills, with experience in stakeholder management.
• Strong problem solving and organization skills, with experience in records or documents management, creating and enforcing policies and procedures, and/or strategic planning and succession planning.  
• Effective written and oral communication skills, with experience reporting and presenting to a variety of audiences and leadership levels. 

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED - None
 Department may administer skills assessment test
 
 SAFETY IMPACT POSITION  - YES
 If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
 SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
 
 PAY GRADE: 25

 APPLICATION PROCEDURES
 Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
  
 To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-1472.
  
 If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-1472 (TTY 7-1-1).
  
 If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
  
 Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
  
 All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. 
  
 EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
 The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.