The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of Head, Preservation in the Hoover Institution Library & Archives. To ensure your application information is captured in our official files for immediate access to your resume, you must apply to http://stanfordcareers.stanford.edu and in the key word search box, indicate Requisition #106911
A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.
About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs.
Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.
With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.
About the Hoover Institution Library & Archives at Stanford University:
The Hoover Institution Library & Archives serves as a platform for a vibrant community of scholars and a broad public interested in the meaning and role of history. Located in the heart of the Stanford University campus, the Library & Archives is home to more than 6,600 manuscript collections and one million library volumes containing the most important materials on war, revolution, and peace, and social, political, and economic change from the late 19th century to the present day. Its mission to collect, preserve, describe and make available for research and discovery records of enduring value continues to this day through proactive care, conservation, and description practices. Access to its collections is free and open to the public in its reading room and new strategic digital initiatives are actively ensuring global access to key collections anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
Visit www.hoover.org/library-archives to learn more.
A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Head of Preservation in the Library & Archives provides strategic leadership and vision for preserving original-format library materials and archival collections across four facilities, ensuring their long-term accessibility for current and future generations of students and scholars. This role directs both Preservation Management and Conservation programs, which include environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, disaster preparedness and response, preventive collections care, and exhibition preparation—in coordination with the Engagement unit. The position also serves as the primary contact with Stanford University Libraries facilities and management staff in addition to working closely with Hoover Institution Facilities staff to maintain optimal storage conditions.
Reporting to the Assistant Director, the Head of Preservation plays a key role in the lifecycle management of collections, from acquisition through storage and use. The position is responsible for identifying, assessing, and addressing preservation and conservation needs in alignment with priorities set by the Director. As a strong advocate for preservation values, the Head works to integrate these principles into institutional planning and decision-making, while actively removing barriers to access for researchers.
This role also represents the institution in national and international preservation communities, helping to shape and advance best practices and emerging strategies in the field. With a focus on innovation, the Head explores new technologies and methods to address evolving preservation challenges, balancing the adoption of new approaches with responsible use of available staff and budget resources.
The Head of Preservation is also a team leader, clearly communicating goals, expectations, and performance standards. They provide regular feedback and support staff development through both informal coaching and the formal goal setting and performance review process, fostering professional growth and success.
CORE DUTIES*:
- Develop, implement and lead a cohesive vision for the preservation of collections that supports Preservation unit priorities established by the Library & Archives while exploring and evaluating technologies and methodologies to address preservation challenges.
- Evaluate programs or functions, policies and procedures. Identify issues and develop alternative solutions which may include changes to programs, policies and procedures.
- Review and analyze trends to advise and develop recommendations to achieve or modify the goals of the program or function.
- Represent the program or function within the department, unit or school by committing resources and providing information and/or training. Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
- Manage and contribute to the development of outreach strategies that may include relationship development, communications and compliance.
- May develop and/or oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting.
- Assess training needs and develop any necessary training.
- Supervise and support staff.
- The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficiency in basic business applications, such as Microsoft Office; user knowledge of Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
- Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
- Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and, decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
- Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
- Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.
Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Experience managing preservation programs across multiple facilities.
- Advanced degree in Library and Information Science, Conservation, or a related field.
- Substantial experience in library or archival preservation and conservation programs.
- Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including staff supervision.
- Strong knowledge of preservation standards, technologies, and best practices.
- Experience collaborating with facilities and operations teams on environmental and space issues.
- Excellent communication, project management, and organizational skills.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
- Occasionally use a telephone.
- Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
- - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
The expected pay range for this position is $120,038 - $153,486 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients as well as with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
