F/T Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Job ID:  2012-6928 # of Openings Remaining:  1 Location:  US-NY-Manhattan Type:  Full-Time Regular Department:  SCE, Sch - Public Affairs & Develop

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Position Description:

External Overview:

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world's leading research facilities devoted to the preservation of materials on the global African and African diasporan experiences. A focal point of Harlem's cultural life, the Center also functions as the national research library in the field, providing free access to its wide-ranging noncirculating collections. It also sponsors programs and events that illuminate and illustrate the richness of black history and culture.  The Public Affairs Unit is the Schomburg Center’s hub for all outreach and interpretive resources, programs and materials. Educational and cultural programs at the Schomburg complement its research services and help users to interpret its collections. Seminars, forums, workshops, staged readings, film screenings, performing arts programs, and special events are presented on a year-round basis in its renowned Langston Hughes Auditorium. Serving as the main source of information on the Schomburg’s services for the public, the Public Affairs unit has four principal audiences or stakeholders: researchers, educators, funders and the individuals or institutions interested in African-American, African and African Diasporan history and culture. Current primary Center resources include: the research collections, spaces for exhibitions and public programs, and Center-produced materials and resources. The Schomburg Center seeks an innovative experienced professional to lead the Public Affairs Department and assist the Executive Director in: enhancing the Center's ability to serve as an educational resource for the community at large; increasing the Center's attendance and visibility through more contemporary/relevant programming; and reimagining the Schomburg brand, both locally and nationally.

External Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the qualified candidate will: Supervise and provide leadership for the staff of Public Affairs. Collect and analyze the appropriate data to inform the programmatic and operational decision making process. Work with the Schomburg management team on the administration and implementation of Library policies and protocols. Work with the Public Affairs team to help develop and support our virtual presence, digitization initiatives, and social media outreach. Work with staff to build and enhance relationships with local communities, elected officials, trustees and donors. Work in conjunction with the Executive Director of Schomburg to carry out the internal planning and reimagining of the Center. Strategize for all levels of staffing, including identification and implementation of staff development & coaching opportunities. Coordinate the continued training and development of staff members. Evaluate the performance of subordinates. Provides assistance to supervisory staff in resolving daily problems, interpreting policies. Manage the development of innovative communications and programmatic strategies and activities that highlight and raise the profile of the Center’s resources and exhibitions and increase/broaden the Center’s tour and visitor audiences. In partnership with the Communications and Marketing departments, establish and supervise processes that ensure effective publicity and promotion of Schomburg activities. Partner with the Director of Schomburg Public Education and Jr. Scholars Program to strengthen educational activities for middle and high school students and teachers. Serve as a member of the Schomburg’s senior management team. Report to the Executive Director on the management of the fiscal operations of the Center, including budget preparation and control.

External Qualifications:

Masters degree in African-American studies, arts administration, library science, management or humanities; Minimum of 7 years management experience, preferably in a large complex library operation or similar cultural institution; Substantial knowledge of African-American, African and African Diasporan history and culture; Proven ability to lead and engage in strategic planning processes; able to think critically, objectively, analytically, and strategically and to set priorities; Successfully demonstrated experience in managing and developing staff, including mentoring them to meet their goals while growing skill sets to meet future Center needs; Demonstrated excellence in writing for a wide range of audiences, including grant proposals and promotional materials; Demonstrable ability to make good decisions consistently through a combination of analysis, experience, and judgment; An ability to work independently, prioritizing workflow to meet critical deadlines while paying exceptionally close attention to detail; Experience in developing and effectively managing budgets to meet the Center's objectives; Excellent public speaking, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills; Knowledge of social media and digital communications technology and ability to create and innovate outreach efforts through such technology; Ability to work in collaboration with a range of institutions: cultural, nonprofit, private, etc; Preferred: Experience fundraising from individuals, corporations and/or foundations; knowledge of the relevant fundraising environment and donor base a plus.