Director, Special Collections & Archives, Baker Library

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Job Summary:

Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Special Collections and Archives (SCA) at Baker Library. Reporting to the Executive Director of Baker Library, this role provides strategic leadership for one of the world’s most significant collections of business literature and archives, advancing the mission of Baker Library and HBS. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of business scholarship, preserve critical historical records, and expand global access to transformative collections.

The Director leads the stewardship, growth, and global impact of Baker Library’s Special Collections and Archives. This position plays a central role in integrating archival resources into research, teaching, and case development, while shaping the future of business history scholarship and access to historical collections. Overseeing a 12-member team, this role is responsible for strategic planning, policy development, collection growth, preservation, and innovative access to archival materials. As a member of the Library’s senior leadership team, the Director collaborates across HBS, Harvard University, and the broader scholarly community.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Set vision, priorities, and policies for special collections and archives in alignment with institutional goals.
• Research & Curriculum Integration: Partner with faculty and researchers to support case writing, scholarship, and curricular innovation across MBA, Executive Education, doctoral, and online programs.
• Collection Development: Lead acquisition, curation, and preservation of both historical and contemporary business archives, including complex digital collections.
• Outreach & Engagement: Promote collections globally through exhibitions, publications, digital initiatives, and public programs.
• Donor & External Relations: Collaborate with External Relations to cultivate and steward donor relationships and secure collection-building opportunities.
• Technology & Innovation: Advance digital access, data preservation, and the use of emerging technologies, including AI-driven approaches to archival discovery and use.
• Team Leadership: Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of archivists, librarians, and curators; foster a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Governance & Operations: Oversee budget, ensure preservation and security of collections, and manage records and metadata programs.
• Art & Artifacts Oversight: Provide leadership for the HBS Art & Artifacts collection and contribute to institutional art initiatives.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• One of the following: Master’s degree in library and information science (ALA-accredited) with significant leadership experience in archives or special collections; or PhD in business history, history, or a related field, with demonstrated experience managing research collections.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership in archives, special collections, or academic research l environments.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Experience collaborating with faculty and supporting scholarly research
• Knowledge of digital technologies, data stewardship, and evolving practices in archives
• Demonstrated innovation, initiative, and adaptability in a dynamic environment
• Scholarly contributions such as publications, teaching, or curatorial work (for academic candidates)

Working Conditions

• This position requires project-based domestic and/or international travel.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate: $150,000 - $180,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
• • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Baker Library’s core, working hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. 
  • Please note that candidates advancing to final interviews will be asked to make a presentation to a group related to subject expertise required for the role.
  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

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Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.