Job Description

Major Tasks

Role & Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for the library’s development phase, ensuring alignment with the King Salman Foundation’s goals and values.
• Review and detail the library’s identity, mission, and long-term objectives as a center for cultural preservation, research, and public access.
• Build and lead a team of experts, including archivists, librarians, digitization specialists, and project managers, to achieve project milestones.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of existing collections, identifying and locating Kings documents, manuscripts, books, artifacts, and other materials scattered across private holdings, institutions, and individuals.
• Facilitate the acquisition and consolidation of these collections into the Royal Library, ensuring legal and ethical compliance.
• Plan and establish partnerships with other libraries, archives, and institutions to negotiate loans, donations, or shared custody agreements for relevant materials.

Digitization and Preservation

• Oversee the design and execution of a digitization initiative to preserve and provide global access to the collection, ensuring adherence to the highest archival standards.
• Develop and implement preservation protocols for physical and digital materials, safeguarding the collection’s longevity and integrity.
• Identify and deploy appropriate technologies, software, and workflows for cataloging, metadata creation, and digital access.

Infrastructure Development

• Work with architects, designers, and technical consultants to plan and oversee the creation of the physical library space, including reading rooms, storage facilities, and public exhibition areas.
• Develop a robust digital library platform that allows researchers and the public to access digitized materials securely and efficiently.
• Plan funding and resources for infrastructure needs, including equipment, software, and facilities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the library, building relationships with stakeholders, including academic institutions, governmental bodies, cultural organizations, and the general public.
• Present regular progress reports to the KSF & KSCC Boards, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Public Programs and Outreach

• Develop an initial framework for public engagement programs, including exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and publications, to promote awareness and appreciation of the library’s mission.
• Establish partnerships with schools, universities, and cultural organizations to integrate the library’s resources into educational initiatives.
• Lay the groundwork for future public access policies, balancing the needs of researchers, students, and general audiences.

Qualifications Required

Advanced degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, History, or a related field. A PhD is preferred but not required.

Years of experience

7 years of experience

Required Skills

1. Exceptional leadership and team-building skills; ability to inspire and manage a multidisciplinary team.
2. Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and risk assessment.
3. Expertise in digital library systems, metadata standards (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core), and preservation technologies.
4. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and represent the library at the highest levels.
5. Deep appreciation for cultural heritage and the role of libraries in fostering education, research, and public engagement.