Interim Director of Jannes Library & Archives at Kansas City Art Institute

Kansas City, Missouri, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Aug, 26

Salary

70000.0

Posted On

04 May, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Library Management, Archival Strategy, Budget Management, Personnel Supervision, Strategic Planning, Collection Development, Academic Liaison, Instructional Support, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Digital Repositories, Metadata Management, Special Collections, Inclusive Practices, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Project Management

Industry

Description

POSITION TITLE: Interim Director of Jannes Library & Archives (1-year Appointment) DIVISION: Academic Affairs DEPARTMENT: Academic Affairs REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs PAY TYPE: Exempt WORKER TYPE: Full-Time UPDATED: April 2026 Salary Range: $70,000 The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) seeks a thoughtful, collaborative, and forward-looking leader to serve as Interim Director of the Jannes Library & Archives. This is an opportunity to guide the evolution of the library as a central intellectual and creative engine of the college—one that sustains rigorous scholarly research while advancing new forms of inquiry across studio practice, critical studies, and interdisciplinary exploration. The Interim Director will lead the library as both a steward of collections and an active site of engagement, where research, making, and critique intersect. Working in close partnership with faculty, students, and staff, the Interim Director will expand how the library supports creative work, academic research, and public dialogue, while ensuring that core operations, systems, and services function with excellence and reliability. This role calls for a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational execution and who is committed to inclusive access, student success, and the evolving role of the library in an art and design environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES STRATEGIC AND CONCEPTUAL LEADERSHIP * Lead the development of the library as a dynamic environment for research, creative practice, and interdisciplinary exchange * Strengthen connections between collections, archives, and studio-based pedagogy, supporting critique, experimentation, and process-driven learning * Partner with faculty to embed library resources and expertise into curriculum, studio courses, and critiques * Support material- and object-based learning through access to physical collections, artist books, and interdisciplinary resource environments * Position the library as a hub for collaboration, community engagement, and shared intellectual life * Cultivate partnerships with cultural institutions, public libraries, and industry partners OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION * Oversee library operations, including collections, services, personnel, budget, and facilities * Supervise staff and foster a collaborative, high-functioning team * Manage the annual budget using data to guide planning and resource allocation * Ensure equitable access to services through effective staffing and delivery * Collaborate with campus technology partners to maintain digital systems and tools COLLECTIONS, ARCHIVES, AND ACCESS * Guide development and accessibility of collections and archives aligned with curricular and research priorities * Implement an archival strategy including student work, faculty activity, exhibitions, and institutional history * Establish practices for managing born-digital and media-rich materials * Oversee acquisitions, licensing, cataloging, metadata, and shared collection strategies * Steward special collections and artist books, balancing preservation with active use * Advance inclusive and representative collection practices TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND ENGAGEMENT * Support instruction that reflects research as a creative, iterative process * Provide research support through course integration, embedded engagement, and consultation * Develop engagement through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects * Support student research, documentation, and professional practices ASSESSMENT, STUDENT SUCCESS, AND EQUITY * Use data and engagement metrics to assess effectiveness and guide improvement * Identify and address gaps in access and student success * Contribute to institutional planning, accreditation, and effectiveness efforts * Promote equitable access to resources and services INSTITUTIONAL AND EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT * Serve as liaison to academic departments, administrative units, and committees * Build cross-department collaborations supporting shared collections and research practices * Represent KCAI in professional and cultural sectors * Develop partnerships that expand access, visibility, and resources SUPERVISES THE FOLLOWING: * Assistant Library Director * Visual and Archival Resources Assistant * Library Assistant * Workstudy Students REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION * Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) * Experience managing personnel, budgets, and operations * Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs or services that support research, collections, or creative practice * Strong collaboration and communication skills across diverse constituencies * Working knowledge of core library operations, systems, and access services PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION * Experience with special collections, archives, or material-based research environments * Background in art and design education or creative practice * Experience with exhibitions, public programming, or research initiatives * Experience with digital repositories, media collections, or consortium-based resource sharing * Commitment to inclusive and equitable practices in collections and services Statement Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute’s mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of creativity, care and belonging—a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and individuals are seen, valued, and encouraged to achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things. KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI’s Human Resource Administrator. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Responsibilities

The Interim Director will lead the library's strategic evolution, overseeing operations, collections, and archives while fostering collaboration with faculty and students. They are responsible for managing the library budget, supervising staff, and ensuring equitable access to resources that support creative and academic inquiry.