Assistant Director/Archivist, Associate - American Heritage Center

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director – Associate Archivist serves as a senior leader of the American Heritage Center (AHC), supporting the Director in strategic planning, policy development, and institutional decision-making while ensuring alignment with university priorities and archival best practices. This position oversees departmental operations, collections acquisition, facilities administration, compliance, and resource stewardship to ensure the preservation, protection, and accessibility of state, regional, and nationally significant collections. Acting with delegated authority, the Assistant Director assumes full administrative responsibility in the Director’s absence and represents the Center in executive-level meetings and committees. The role requires independent judgment, advanced archival expertise, and leadership in personnel management, donor relations, facilities planning, research development, and professional scholarship, including supporting and advancing the center’s research mission.

Requirements

• EDUCATION: Master’s degree in library and information sciences, e.g., MLIS, or master’s degree in a relevant field or closely related discipline.
• EXPERIENCE: 10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience, with at least 5 years of that in an archival or library setting.
• LICENSURES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS, OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of facilities management principles related to environmental controls, security, emergency preparedness, hazardous materials handling, and preservation-quality storage.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, coordinate departmental operations, set priorities, manage facilities initiatives, and assume full administrative authority in the Director’s absence.
• Expertise in donor relations and collection development, including consultation, negotiation, stewardship, and evaluation of acquisition proposals.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and compliance responsibilities simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director in leadership, strategic planning, and institutional decision-making for the American Heritage Center (AHC).
• Review and provide recommendations on short- and long-range plans, budgets, policies, and procedures.
• Advise the Director on the interpretation and application of university regulations, state and federal laws, contracts, deeds of gift, and financial account requirements; oversee related compliance and records management responsibilities.
• Coordinate and evaluate programs, services, and departmental operations to ensure alignment with institutional goals and archival best practices.
• Ensure the preservation, protection, and accessibility of state, regional, and nationally significant collections.
• Oversee daily operational decisions related to collection handling, processing priorities, space allocation, and service delivery.
• Assume full administrative authority for AHC personnel, facilities, and fiscal resources in the Director’s absence, and represent the Director at executive-level meetings and committees.
• Serve as primary administrator for AHC facilities, including building operations, security systems, environmental controls, refrigerated storage, chemical management, and emergency preparedness and response.
• Lead facilities planning, infrastructure improvements, renovations, and expansions, and provide training on proper facility use and safety.
• Oversee the full collections acquisition process—from donor consultation through contract negotiation and transfer of ownership, advise on collections policies and initiatives, support donor relations, and chair the Acquisitions Committee.
• Assist with personnel management, including recruitment, supervision, and required faculty and staff evaluations.
• Conduct research on archival practices or topics related to AHC collections, and disseminate findings through publications, presentations, exhibits, or other appropriate channels.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director