Overview In this role you lead a high-impact User Services program within Special Collections, expanding access to physical and digital materials for internal and external users. You will shape services that support research, exhibitions, and partnerships with Disney and Cengage, while guiding rights management and public access strategies. The position anchors a long-term CHHC initiative to broaden inclusive storytelling and community engagement. You will collaborate across teams to build excellent user experiences and measurable impact.
Compensation / Benefits- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- retirement plan with matching contributions
- paid time off and holidays
- paid parental leave and family benefits
- learning and development opportunities
- Lifestyle Spending Account
Responsibilities- Develop and oversee a vibrant reference and research program that broadens access to collections and resources, including digital platforms and technologies.
- Present finding aids, digital collections, and access procedures clearly and accessibly.
- Support CHHC-related programs for storytelling and descendant community grantees with program officers.
- Oversee collection registration and align with exhibitions and events teams.
- Integrate rights management workflows with Legal teams and Disney partners; respond to rights and reproductions requests.
- Develop vision for services to partners at Disney, Cengage, and the Society's explorer community.
- Oversee refurbishment and operation of a public reading room in coordination with the CHHC project team.
- Cultivate relationships with underserved and historically marginalized communities for co-creating content and programs.
Key requirements- 10+ years in archives, special collections libraries, or museums with reference/research, outreach, or communications experience
- 3+ years of leadership and program management experience
- Experience leading a reference or client-focused program
- Strong understanding of restrictions on use and access to materials and copyright management
- Proven ability to develop and manage research guides, online learning materials, and training
- Experience gathering and reporting data to support data-driven decisions
- Knowledge of museum practices and National Geographic history/mission preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and cross-team collaboration
- customer service focus
- analytical and prioritization skills
- ability to work under pressure
- rights management workflows
- research tools and databases
- digital collections platforms
