American Philosophical Society

Director of Library & Museum (Librarian)

DIRECTOR OF THE LIBRARY & MUSEUM (LIBRARIAN)

“Promoting useful knowledge since 1743”

The APS is seeking a vibrant, enthusiastic, inspirational, and energetic scholar to lead its Library & Museum as they sustain historic strengths while embracing an increasingly digital future.

The American Philosophical Society (APS), founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, is America’s oldest and most distinguished learned society. It is a major center for research and scholarship, continuing Franklin’s original mission of promoting useful knowledge. The Library & Museum, situated in four buildings adjacent to Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, includes some 300,000 books and bound periodicals, 14 million manuscripts, hundreds of thousands of images, and thousands of portraits, artifacts, and sound recordings. Its collections center on American history before 1860; history of science, technology and medicine; and Native American languages and cultures. Three library centers – the David Center for the American Revolution, the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, and the Center for Digital Scholarship support research, fellowships, seminars, conferences, and public outreach. The museum’s annual exhibitions attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. The library’s conferences, often keyed to the themes of museum exhibitions, support innovative scholarship and publication through the APS Press.

The American Philosophical Society’s current activities reflect the founder’s spirit of inquiry, provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas, and convey its conviction that intellectual inquiry and critical thought are inherently in the best interest of the public.

The APS is an elected body of scholars and leaders from all disciplines and professions. Today, the Society has approximately 1,000 elected members, about 840 of whom are resident members (are citizens of or live and work in the United States), and about 160 of whom are international members from more than two dozen countries. Election to membership honors those who have made exceptionally significant contributions to science, the arts and humanities, and public life. Fewer than 5,900 members have been elected since 1743. Since 1900, more than 260 members have received a Nobel Prize. With a $12 million budget, an endowment of $264 million, and a staff of 50, the APS is supported by endowment income, public funds, private donations, and foundation grants.

THE POSITION

As Director of the Library & Museum, the Librarian will be a learned scholar and experienced manager active in all aspects of the Library & Museum and an integral member of the team and culture. The Librarian will ensure that a global and diverse community is aware of and able to access the Library & Museum’s collections. They will be an energetic and enthusiastic representative of the library, museum, and Society, and committed to its constituencies and intellectual vibrancy. Reporting directly to the Executive Officer, the Librarian will steward the Society’s collections and the many scholarly activities connected with them. This includes collection development and care; oversight of research centers, conferences, fellowships, museum exhibitions, and scholarly programs; management of staff and budget; and raising funds for library and museum activities.

The Librarian has a senior team of four direct reports, a staff of 35, and an operating budget of approximately $6 million.

Additional details on the positions may be found in the full position description here: https://www.amphilsoc.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/attachments/APS%20Librarian%20Job%20Announcement_080423a.pdf

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is estimated at $250,000 to $300,000.

The APS is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, religion, or national origin. The APS values diversity and inclusion and encourages diverse applicants to apply.

Applications, including cover letters and resumes, or nominations should be sent to Susan Meade and Addie Jones at APS@PhillipsOppenheim.com.