Cornell University Library is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative leader to serve as Head of the KHEAL Center for Labor Management Documentation and Archives (Killhead). This is a unique opportunity to direct one of the nation’s leading archives on the history of labor and the workplace, and to develop special collections in support of Cornell’s mission of research, teaching, and public engagement.

background: The Kheel Center for Labor Administration Documentation and Archives collects, preserves and makes available special collections related to the history of the workplace and labor relations. Housed within the Martin P. Catherwood Library, the Khel Center collects unique and rare materials in the field of industrial and labor relations, including records of labor unions as well as personnel managers, government agencies, advocacy groups, and labor researchers. The records support study of a wide range of topics, including workers’ efforts to improve conditions in the workplace, management strategies to manage employees efficiently and productively, government initiatives to survey working conditions and mediate labor disputes, and advocates’ campaigns to strengthen protective labor legislation. Child labor, the effects of the Cold War on unions, workers’ struggles against sweatshops, and scientific management are just a few examples of the many topics and events that scholars will be able to explore in our broad and rich collections.

As an essential part of the Cornell University Library, the Khel Center ensures its collections are accessible and connected to Cornell’s mission through activities such as expert instruction, a strong digital presence, and outreach to faculty, students, external researchers, and communities. The Library is committed to supporting Cornell University’s core mission of “Anyone, Any Study.” These values ​​are embedded in daily activities from acquisition and description to exhibitions and stakeholder engagement.

The incumbent shapes equine culture and aligns activities and practices with emerging trends, in support of Cornell’s mission of research, teaching, and community engagement. At Cornell University Library, the One Library approach ensures equity and coordination across the diverse academic library functions.

Duties and responsibilities: The incumbent reports to the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections, and provides leadership to the KHEAL Center for Labor Department Documentation and Archives. In this role, she will work closely with AUL Special Collections, Catherwood Library Director Harriet Muriel Oxman, and library leaders to develop horse engagement within the library, across Cornell, and for the public good. Kheel is a highly collaborative partner with library colleagues, faculty and students in the ILR School and across Cornell, and researchers, alumni, and others in Ithaca and beyond.

She will oversee collections acquisition and stewardship, staff professional development, financial resources, and Keil’s contributions to library activities. You will direct activities that provide access to holdings and staff expertise, optimally balancing priorities. You will work to promote high-quality services for access, discovery, education, outreach, exhibitions and programmes, in collaboration with colleagues at Catherwood Library, Kheel and across the library, with ongoing review and evaluation. These responsibilities include expanding access to research and teaching collections, addressing backlogs and metadata processing, and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in special collections and higher education.

You will support a work culture that enables employees, groups and services to evolve using automated technologies with a focus on humanity that is fundamental to a productive workplace, cultural heritage activities and user experiences. With the guidance of AUL and the support of Director Harriet Morel Oxman, you will foster a collaborative and intelligent work environment in which talented employees of all ranks and job types are mentored and can develop professionally. As a member of the research, teaching, and extension faculty at Cornell University, you will make professional contributions to archives and library management that strengthen the standing of Cornell University Library and models long-term, sustainable commitment to diversifying the collections, staff, and services of academic and research libraries.

The incumbent works as directed by and with the Director of Library Development, Director of Library Communications, and other Library Directors to assist in cultivating external support, stewarding donors, and enhancing the Library’s collections and services.

Required qualifications:

• At least 5 years of successful professional experience in a special collections, archive, or research center housing historical or permanent collections.
• Graduate degree in a related discipline such as library and information science, archival studies, or a related subject discipline and training in special collections or archival practices, with a record of continuing learning.
• Coursework in American history or labor relations with experience in primary source research.
• Knowledge of cultural heritage standards, ethical stewardship, and key issues and trends in academic libraries and research universities.
• Commitment to promoting an open and inclusive learning environment and workplace, and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of faculty and students to support “any person, any study.”
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Successful supervisory experience within an academic or research library.
• Specialization in labor history or labor relations through archival experience, coursework, or a combination of experience and training.
• -Proven experience in participating teaching, outreach, or collection programs.
• A strong professional reputation related to leadership of special collections, as measured by service to the profession, scholarship, or awards received.

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The selected candidate will work on the Ithaca University campus at least 4 days per week, with the ability to enter into flexible work arrangements to allow for remote work of up to 1 day per week. The University reserves the right to modify, suspend, cancel or terminate hybrid working arrangements at any time.

New York Suitability Employer Guidelines require individual New York State tax reporting and deductions for this position. You may also be required to file additional individual state income tax returns if you are temporarily working outside of New York State.

benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes 22 vacation days, 13 paid vacations, health and life insurance, college retirement contributions, child care and adoption assistance, and child tuition reimbursement. Funding is available to support professional training and research. The expected academic rank for this position is Archival Assistant, with an expected salary range of $78,000 – $110,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Relocation assistance may be provided.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to apply: All candidates must apply online through the Cornell Careers website: Search for Business Day Order WDR-00055915.

Applications will be reviewed immediately upon submission, and we will begin interviewing shortlisted candidates immediately. We expect to close this posting on December 11, 2025; Early application is strongly encouraged.

For full consideration, please include the following with your application:

1. Cover letter.
2. the biography.

Although we prefer to receive your application as a single, multi-page PDF document, we will accept multiple documents in other formats.

Cornell University It is an innovative organization and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff brings an extraordinary sense of greater purpose and contributes creative ideas to advance the University’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. Cornell University’s main campus in Ithaca, New York is located on 2,300 acres in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Ithaca offers a wealth of arts, culture, and outdoor activities while maintaining an eclectic college town feel. The city has been named one of the 100 Best Places to Live, a Top 10 Entertainment City, a Best Green Place to Live, and one of the “Foodiest” Cities in America. Cornell’s global presence includes: Weill Cornell Medical College campus On the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, QatarAnd also Cornell Tech Campus Located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Cornell University welcomes students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds from around the world to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, promoting the founding principle of “…Anyone…Any Study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or be subjected to prohibited discrimination including, but not limited to, factors such as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons related to such person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, or An individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, marital status, or marriage. Condition or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who contribute to creating a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in the employment of qualified protected veterans as defined by the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize the legal preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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