James Madison University Libraries in Harrisonburg, Virginia is hiring for the position of Head of Research & Engagement.
Position Overview
Position title: Head of Research & Engagement
Position type/status: Full-time, Instructional/teaching faculty
Salary range: $78,000 - $80,000
Beginning application review date: 8/18/2025
Position Description
JMU Libraries seeks an enthusiastic and innovative leader for the new position of Head of Research & Engagement (R&E) in the Digital Scholarship & Distinctive Collections department (DSDC). This position is a full-time, twelve-month, tenure-track position with instructional faculty status at JMU. We anticipate hiring at the rank of Assistant Professor.
The position will join the collaborative DSDC leadership team and report to the DSDC director. DSDC stewards rare books, manuscripts, and archives; supports digital scholarship methods in teaching, learning, and research; and preserves general and distinctive collections at JMU.
The position will lead a team responsible for the department's research services, collection circulation, instruction, outreach, events, and physical exhibits. R&E responsibilities include managing a public service desk, reading room, and classroom in the renovated and expanded Carrier Library, opening Fall 2026. The Head of R&E will embrace exciting growth potential in DSDC's services, especially in the R&E portfolio.
In addition to supervising 2 full-time employees and shaping R&E's services, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage with JMU faculty, staff, students, and the local community. The Head of R&E will share responsibility with colleagues for designing and delivering instruction, developing public events, curating exhibits, providing reference services, and participating in outreach and communications.
Complete job posting.
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Tiffany Cole, MA, CA
Special Collections Archivist
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
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