Associate Director for Global Studies

Organization Overview:

The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been one of the world's great public research libraries for more than 130 years. Its research centers provide opportunities for engagement with in-depth and unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. The Collections and Research Services division encompasses several departments focused on managing the ongoing development of our exceptional research collections, advancing unified discovery and expanded access to our collections, both in-person and online, and ensuring stewardship of the collections at every stage of the collections lifecycle.

NYPL's collections are truly international in scope, with historical and ongoing strengths in published materials from Western and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Through collaboration with ReCAP and MaRLI (Manhattan Research Library Initiative) partners, NYPL continues to develop comprehensive international collections that serve as a vital resource for advanced research in global studies for the consortium, the CUNY system, and scholars worldwide.

Position Overview:

NYPL seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to oversee the collection development, research, teaching, and learning efforts of the Global Studies curators, a team of language and subject experts that collaborate with staff across the Library to help build our international holdings and connect these collections to scholars, students, diaspora communities, and the general public. The Associate Director will also work with stakeholders across the Library and with external partners to advance strategic initiatives related to international collections.

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York, NY (Hybrid - 3 days onsite / 2 days offsite)
Employment Type: Full Time
Schedule: M-F, 9-5
Compensation: $130,000 - $145,000/year
Application Deadline: June 14, 2026
Department: Collections
FLSA Status: Exempt (Non-Union)

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage a growing team of area studies curators developing international collections in print, e-resources, and special collections
- Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues across the Library in public service and special collections departments to develop and promote international collections
- Collaborate with peers among the ReCAP partners (Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale) to advance the Library's strategic goals around coordinated collection development
- Manage approval plans and vendors for materials from Western Europe, China, and South Asia
- Establish vision, priorities, and guidelines for the ongoing work of the Global Studies team, including the transition from print to electronic
- Coordinate with education, public service, programming, and exhibitions departments on outreach and interpretation for international collections
- Collaborate with partners in the Special Collections Processing and BookOps Cataloging departments on approaches to processing materials in languages other than English
- Foster greater understanding of collection development tools and vendors to empower staff across the Library in building international collections
- Manage collections budgets and work closely with the Library's Development team, curators and other stakeholders on fundraising initiatives and managing grants
- Utilize data and assessment to support evidence-based changes to collections and services
- Develop and support staff, fostering inclusion, professional growth, and a collaborative culture
- Represent NYPL nationally and internationally in consortia and conferences
- Perform other related duties as required

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities:

- Manages a strong and growing team of five experienced area-studies curators
- Manages annual budget of approximately $4 million

Required Education & Experience:

- ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library or Information Science or an advanced degree and relevant and substantial research library experience
- 10+ years of professional and relevant library experience in area studies collection development
- 7+ years supervisory experience
- Experience in budget management
- Experience in donor relations and stewardship

Required Skills:

- Demonstrated expertise with collection development practices, especially for non-English language materials, in an academic or research library setting
- Reading and writing knowledge of additional languages relevant to the library's holdings
- Strong leadership skills, including negotiation and influencing skills
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus, resolve complex problems and promote productive teamwork
- Significant problem-solving, decision-making, analytical and creative thinking abilities
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Successfully demonstrated commitment to excellence in public service
- Capacity to thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment