A dynamic organization devoted to library services for the East Asian studies communities in North America since 1958.

Mellon Fellowship for Diversity, Inclusion & Cultural Heritage: Program Manager

Position Summary: Rare Book School (RBS) seeks a motivated, collaborative individual to join its team as Program Manager for the School’s new Mellon Fellowship for Diversity, Inclusion & Cultural Heritage. The individual filling this position will manage and conduct the day-to-day work of the program. Ideally, the individual will have some knowledge of multicultural collections, and will also have some experience in facilitating or conducting education, outreach, and/or advocacy for issues pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The successful candidate should be fully conversant with cultural competencies. The position requires excellent communication skills and attention to detail, as well as experience with event planning and managing payments. The position entails the following tasks:

  • advise and provide guidance for applicants, fellows, and other possible participants regarding course selection, application procedures, orientation to the program, and other fellowship activities. Such guidance might take place through email or phone correspondence, informational webinars, or the preparation of written guidelines;
  • recruit applicants to and promote the fellowship program, through the production of a brochure, publication of fellowship information to a program web page, and the creation and distribution of recruitment letters to allied organizations and individuals;
  • create and update admissions materials and process applications;
  • coordinate local arrangements and help plan content for fellowship activities, including committee meetings, orientations, field schools, and conference workshops;
  • deploy, collect, analyze, and aggregate results of evaluation surveys (some training provided by assessment consultants);
  • track and initiate program-related payments and reimbursements, and monitor spending against budget; and
  • help with preparation of internal and external reporting.

This position requires a service-oriented person who is highly committed to the educational aims of the School and the Mellon Fellowship for Diversity, Inclusion & Cultural Heritage. The successful candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, superior written and oral communication skills, provide evidence of organizational acumen and exceptional attention to detail, and must exhibit initiative, optimism, and the ability to listen well. The candidate must be collegial and able to work as part of a team. Preferred candidates will have familiarity with and special collections librarianship and/or diversity initiatives in cultural heritage institutions. Other desirable qualifications include the ability to travel occasionally for fellowship activities, previous experience in successfully managing projects and managing or mentoring people, and an advanced degree (e.g., MLIS, MA).

This is a full-time, five-year position with a grant-funded starting annual salary of $50,000. Benefits include health insurance (including dental and vision); long-term disability; and 403b retirement plan, including employer’s matching contribution (after one year).

Application: To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and a short sample of professional writing to (rbs_hr@virginia.edu).

Closing date for applications: We welcome inquiries. Applications should be tendered before 15 July, if at all possible; thereafter, applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a successful applicant is found.

Rare Book School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.