Esperanza Bravo de Varona Chair Cuban Heritage Collection University of Miami Libraries

• By: admin
• On: 01/08/2018 12:49:36
• In: Job & Internships

The University of Miami Libraries (UML) invites applications and nominations for the Esperanza Bravo de Varona Chair of the Cuban Heritage Collection (CHC). The UML is seeking a chair who will provide strategic vision, direction and administrative oversight for the CHC.  This position provides an inspirational, collaborative, and enthusiastic leader an excellent opportunity to work in an environment with a deep respect for scholarship and a vibrant vision of the academic special collections library in the 21^st century.  This is a rare opportunity to steward one of the world's great diasporic collections at an academic research library and contribute meaningfully to the preservation and study of Cuba and the Cuban diaspora.

Located in the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion in Richter Library in the heart of the University of Miami's Coral Gables campus, the CHC has been built over time to become known as the preeminent international resource for researchers in Cuban studies and the Cuban experience.  The CHC is also deeply involved with the Cuban community in the Miami area and values the long-standing, meaningful relationships that have made the breadth and depth of the collection possible.  The next Chair will continue to develop the research strength of the CHC and deepen its presence in this community.  In addition, the next Chair will take a leadership role in developing and implementing a strategy for increasing the CHC's national and international engagement.

The Esperanza Bravo de Varona Chair of the Cuban Heritage Collection will provide program direction and managerial oversight for the Collection's operations, activities, and services. The Chair will also be responsible for the development and achievement of CHC fundraising goals, promotional activities and all relevant advancement initiatives in partnership with the Libraries Administration and the University Advancement office. The CHC staff includes two faculty (a librarian and an archivist) and four paraprofessional staff, as well as student employees, interns and volunteers.

The successful candidate will have a deep interest in and passion for the CHC collection and the knowledge required to continue building distinctive collections documenting Cuba and the Cuban diaspora. The ideal candidate will have experience with academic research libraries within special collections, possessing an understanding of the key issues confronting special and area studies collecting in a large academic research university setting. The position requires the ability to work successfully in both academic and community settings to promote the CHC, fundraise, and develop appropriate innovative programming.  This person will be an excellent communicator and relationship-builder with a variety of constituents including faculty, researchers, staff, senior university administrators, donors, and the Cuban diaspora.  Supervision and mentorship of the CHC faculty and staff is also crucial to this role, along with the ability to oversee all administrative aspects of the CHC.

All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications, including a curriculum vitae and letter of interest that is responsive to the challenges above, should be sent electronically and in confidence to:

Beverly Brady
Michael O'Shea
Isaacson, Miller
263 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
www.imsearch.com/6259

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. The University has a strong commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of diverse cultural backgrounds.