We’re looking for amazing and talented humanists. Join our team!
About the National Humanities Center
The National Humanities Center is a private, nonprofit organization and the only independent institute in the United States dedicated exclusively to advanced study in the humanities. We provide essential support for the humanities by encouraging excellence in scholarship and teaching while affirming the importance of the humanities in American life.
Our mission is accomplished through:
Residential Fellowship Program: Supporting scholars from around the world in their pursuit of significant research.
Educational Programming: Offering programs for teachers and students to deepen their engagement with the humanities.
Public Engagement: Making the humanities accessible to a wider audience through public lectures, exhibitions, and online resources.
The Center is supported by the generosity of individual donors, grants, corporate philanthropy, and institutional sponsors.
Our Work Environment
We foster a collegial and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages professional development and growth. Our warm and inviting community is comprised of a diverse staff and a vibrant cohort of scholars who share a rich history of meaningful contributions to human knowledge. We embrace a diversity of ideas, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities.
Equal-Opportunity Employer
The National Humanities Center is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Current Openings
President and Director
After nine years at the helm of the National Humanities Center, President and Director Robert D. Newman announced his retirement and stepped down as director effective July 1, 2024. A national search to hire his replacement is being handled by Spencer Stuart, a global leadership advisory firm. For further details, please read the position and candidate specifications. Interested parties should submit comments, nominations of others, or information in support of their own candidacy to the confidential email address of the Spencer Stuart team: NHCPresident@SpencerStuart.com.
Digital Services Librarian
The Knowledge Management and Digital Services (KMDS) team at the NHC provides technical, digital, and information support for the Center. Led by the Vice President for Knowledge Management and Digital Services (VPKMDS), the KMDS team manages the growth of the Center’s digital presence and modernization of internal processes for increased efficiency, accessibility, and collaboration. These tasks encompass all areas of information and knowledge management, including: records management, institutional archives, digital collections, metadata, organizational taxonomies, digital asset management, data management, and data portability and interoperability. It also includes critical IT and digital infrastructure that covers cybersecurity, platform management, software subscription management, disaster recovery, data storage/digital storage, and stewardship of the Center’s repository, which includes analog records, digital assets, and data.
An essential part of the KMDS team, the Digital Services Librarian is responsible for coordinating and managing high-quality data literacy support and research data services throughout the data lifecycle such as data creation, processing, storage, usage, and compliance. Daily responsibilities include providing instruction and outreach related to finding, accessing, creating, manipulating, managing, and visualizing data to meet the diverse needs of NHC staff. The Digital Services Librarian is responsible for facilitating data quality control, adhering to existing controlled vocabularies. This role will also assist Center departments with their programming needs regarding data and database administration. Additionally, the Digital Services Librarian will assist the VPKMDS and Digital Assets Manager with Center-wide digital workflow documentation and policies, fostering best practices of data management and providing insight on digital tools and resources.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain Airtable inventory and facilitate database infrastructure.
- Adhere to and standardize existing subject tags and controlled vocabularies.
- Apply controlled vocabulary and structural metadata to digital resources.
- Create and maintain departmental metadata workflows and implement metadata best practices.
- Support Center departments with data queries and database administration regarding Fellows, cyclical programs, and other events.
- Create information intake forms, automations, and different data views utilizing Airtable.
- Provide in-depth data and digital services consultations by locating existing datasets, creating original datasets, identifying data discrepancies, and assisting with data quality control.
- Work cooperatively with staff to promote the use of digital tools and resources.
- Be alert for emerging trends related to research data, records management, and data science.
- Assist the VPKMDS and Digital Assets Manager with digital services documentation and policies for the KMDS department and Center-wide practices.
- Assist the VPKMDS and Digital Assets Manager with institutional repository management and archival work as needed.
- Assist the VPKMS and Digital Assets Manager with other databases, such as CRM, as needed.
- Assist with other support tasks as needed.
Qualifications
- MLIS or MSIS degree or comparable experience and background.
- At least one year of work experience in database management and metadata application.
- Proficiency in metadata and controlled vocabularies such as Dublin Core and LSCH.
- Proficiency in database administration and design.
- Familiarity with a Google Workspace environment and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work independently, organize, and prioritize duties.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to pull and push a minimum of 10 lbs.
- Must be able to regularly lift 25 lbs.
- Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with archival records management and/or knowledge management best practices.
- Proficiency in a Google Workspace environment and Microsoft Office applications.
- Proficiency in Airtable.
- Familiarity with WordPress, HTML, and other web platforms and standards.
- Some knowledge of Asana or related project management tools.
- Some knowledge of programming languages such as Python and/or SQL.
Benefits
This position includes a competitive salary range of $50,000–$65,000 and a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; paid life insurance; a generous PTO/holiday policy; and an on-site dining facility. The Digital Services Librarian works 40 hours per week. The schedule for this position is 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, with the opportunity to work from home two days a week.
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, résumé, and a list of references to careers@nationalhumanitiescenter.org. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.