About this role
Overview For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. At our world-class research centers–including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture–expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world. Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of materials focused on African American, African, and African Diaspora experiences. The Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the Schomburg Center generates and disseminates scholarly knowledge on the slave trade, slavery, and anti-slavery pertaining to the Atlantic World. The Center supports long-term and short term fellowships; engages the public with a variety of programs, an annual nonfiction prize, exhibitions and conferences; and partners with local, national, and international institutions. Funded by a generous gift from Ruth and Sid Lapidus, which included a collection of rare books and manuscripts, the Center is the only facility of its kind based in a public research library. The Curator supports the development and interpretation of the Lapidus collection and manages Lapidus Center affairs including new acquisitions, scholarly research and publications, engagement and outreach. In partnership with NYPL and Schomburg departments, the Curator participates in exhibitions, programming, and other opportunities that foster learning and collaboration. Some expectations for this role are that within: 1 month , this person will: Become oriented to the NYPL and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Develop a knowledge of Lapidus Center collections, legacy events, projects and key funders Meet key collaborators across the Schomburg Center and NYPL Research Libraries 3 months , this person will: Become familiar with abolition and slavery related collections in Schomburg and NYPL collections Re-establish existing and begin building key relationships with Lapidus Center communities of interest and support Manage upcoming legacy events, projects and activities 6 months and beyond , this person will: Develop an understanding of budget oversight, events, and fellowships Provide recommendations for the growth and strengthening of the Center, as it relates to new acquisitions, interpretation, and engagement Assist in outreach endeavors and promote the Center Keep abreast of current trends in scholarship and the field of Transatlantic Slavery Studies Responsibilities Serve as an advocate for the Lapidus Center collection, developing an in-depth knowledge of its holdings, gaps, and opportunities for growth Oversee and manage Lapidus Center activities including prizes, fellowships, conference and programs Participate in the selection of fellowship recipients and support fellows’ access to and engagement with the Lapidus Collection Work collaboratively with Schomburg Center’s Scholars in Residence program and the Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute Partner with NYPL Public Programs and Exhibitions, Research Libraries, as well as Schomburg divisions to develop and facilitate innovative exhibitions and programs Assist in the cultivation of prospective donors and identify grant opportunities and support for the Lapidus Center Provide oversight for the operational budget; inclusive of forecasting, reviewing and approving expenditures Coordinate and approve communication activities of the Lapidus Center both internally and externally in collaboration with Communications staff and other teams Build partnerships with local, national, and international institutions and organizations to further expand the reach of the Lapidus Center and keep abreast of current trends in scholarship and the field Serve as the public face of the Lapidus Center and Schomburg’s scholarship and research activities related to slavery in the Atlantic World, including interviews, public speaking, and coordinating promotional materials and correspondence Perform other related duties as assigned Required Education & Certifications Master’s Degree or higher in Africana Studies, Arts, or related field with a concentration in Transatlantic Slavery Studies Required Experience 7+ years of experience in either, or a combination of college level teaching, writing, research or program development related to the Atlantic Slave Trade and/or Abolition Strong knowledge and research skills demonstrated through scholarly accomplishments in African Slavery & the Atlantic Slave Trade Evidence of and original scholarship with a proven record of initiating, curating, and delivering well received presentations, exhibitions, publications, and/or public programs Required Skills Highly developed research, writing, and oral communication skills Ability to serve as an effective spokesperson with visitors, outside communities, supporters and donors Proven ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships Excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills with the ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, judgment, analytic and organizations Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a team environment Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities May supervise temporary grant funded staff