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Curator, Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery - Schomburg Center

Schomburg CenterOn-siteFull-time

AI Summary

The Curator manages the Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery, overseeing collections, fellowships, exhibitions, and scholarly programs while serving as a public advocate and spokesperson for the Center.

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

Key Responsibilities

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

Benefits

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
  • Fully onsite
  • Core work will take place in the Schomburg Center but will require travel within NYC
  • Public research library setting
Physical Duties
  • Daily use of a computer
  • Lifting and moving of archival boxes and materials up to 40 lb
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non-Union

FLSA Status
Exempt

Schedule
  • 35 hours per week onsite to be scheduled during regular building hours (M-F anytime between 9 am and 6 pm)
  • Some evenings and weekends
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

Skills

Africana StudiesBudget OversightCollection CurationDonor CultivationExhibition DevelopmentFellowship ManagementGrant WritingPublic ProgrammingScholarly ResearchTransatlantic Slavery Studies

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