Director of Research and Programs
The Elling Eide Center in Sarasota, Florida seeks a research specialist in Medieval Chinese Studies to become its Director of Research and Programs. The director will primarily interact with scholars and others who use the Elling Eide Library at the Center. The library collection includes some 70,000 scholarly books and 300 periodical titles in Chinese, Japanese, and Western languages that are focused on the study of medieval China and Inner Asia. The position is key within the organization, central to the Center’s mission, and reports directly to the CEO.
The mission statement of the Center is as follows: To sustain a tranquil, ecologically sound Asian research center and library to promote scholarship through research activity and conferences that honor the legacy of Elling O. Eide.
Applications are invited from scholars of medieval China (AD 200–1000) in a humanities or social science discipline.
Responsibilities:
In collaboration with scholars and other experts, develop and organize public lectures, workshops, conferences, and other programs (virtual and in-person) that promote the Center’s use and visibility as a venue for research.
Represent the Elling Eide Center energetically through outreach to researchers, the local community, and the general public.
Promote the Elling Eide Center and its programs through social media, such as Instagram and Facebook.
Develop programs and activities that will engage the local community with the Elling Eide Center and its mission.
Assist in the development of the Elling Eide Center’s budget, and in conjunction with the Director of the Research Library, identify and acquire new publications and resources that build upon the Library’s established strengths. The Director should also promote the use of the Library and the great value of its resources to researchers of medieval China and Inner Asia.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Chinese Studies
- Proficiency in classical and modern Chinese, including romanization systems.
- Broad knowledge of Chinese history and culture, including scholarly resources and bibliographic tools
- Excellent communication skills in English and modern Chinese.
- Strong interpersonal skills for collaborative work as a member of the Eide Center team.
- U.S. citizen or holder of Green Card
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with a range of multimedia tools, including social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and video-conferencing programs;
- Ability to create and maintain websites;
- Reading ability in Japanese, Korean, or relevant European languages.
Application: Deadline for applications is November 15, 2023. Please send (via e-mail) cover letter and CV, including names and contact information of three (3) references, to careers@ellingoeide.org. Recommenders should also email letters directly to the above email address.
For inquiries regarding the position, contact Mr. Harold Mitchell, CEO, at hmitchell@ellingoeide.org.
Salary range of $65,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience. Two-year renewable appointment, contingent on positive performance reviews. Benefits package and assistance with relocation included. Opportunities for professional development include academic research and participation in relevant scholarly conferences.
The Elling Eide Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
Director of the Eide Library
The Elling O. Eide Center seeks an experienced and innovative director for its library focused on premodern China and Inner Asia. The non-circulating library contains 70,000 books and 300 periodical titles that primarily concern China and its border regions from ancient times through the Tang dynasty. The monographs range from thread-bound editions to modern studies in Chinese, Japanese, and Western languages. Recent donations from eminent sinologists have enlarged the collection that was originally the research library of the Center’s founder. Many items are rarely found in other Chinese Studies collections in the U.S. Located on a natural preserve in Sarasota, Florida, the Eide Library is a private facility that is funded and operated independently from the state government.
The Director holds a key position in the Eide Center’s operations. Through assessing the Eide Library’s current status and establishing priorities, s/he will develop a long-term strategy to maximize its use and services (online and on site). Working self-directed, and reporting directly to the Center’s CEO, the Director will train and supervise staff and student interns. In collaboration with the Director of Research and Programs, s/he is expected to organize programs that increase the library’s activities and visibility. These may include presenting talks about the library’s resources, producing research guides, holding onsite librarian workshops, and initiating other projects that support the Center’s mission statement: To sustain a tranquil, ecologically sound Asian research center and library to promote scholarship through research activity and conferences that honor the legacy of Elling O. Eide.
Minimum qualifications:
- Ten years experience as specialist librarian at a Chinese Studies collection, with or without MLIS OR a graduate degree in Chinese Studies (MA or PhD) with commitment to earn the MLIS online from an ALA-accredited institution
- US citizenship or permanent residence card
Proficiency in English as well as classical and modern Chinese, including romanization systems - Familiarity with the Chinese book trade and current trends in print and electronic publishing
- Ability to work effectively with co-workers, researchers, and the public
- Good interpersonal and computer skills
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in budget management, collection assessment tools, reference services, and technical services operations
- Knowledge of NACO/SACO and AACR2 and RDA rules for cataloging
- Reading ability in Japanese, Korean, and / or European languages
Responsibilities:
- Manages the acquisitions budget to purchase print and electronic / digital resources that support the library’s established strengths in the humanities and social sciences;
- Maintains and develop contacts with vendors of materials in Chinese, Japanese, and Western languages;
- Organizes workflows and out-sourcing of services to minimize local cataloguing and processing; verifies accuracy of bibliographic descriptions;
- Manages the library’s electronic catalogue on WorldCat and where necessary, performs original and copy cataloging based on current standards;
- Actively participates in CEAL and other professional library associations.
Application: Cover letter & resume; three (3) reference letters to be emailed directly by the recommender. Send application materials to Georgia Hudson, Director of Operations, ghudson@ellingoeide.org. For inquiries regarding the position, contact Harold Mitchell, CEO, hmitchell@ellingoeide.org.
Salary range: $75,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plan, and support for professional development. Flexible working arrangements negotiable. Housing accommodation negotiable.
Deadline: Review of applications begins November 15. The position will remain open until a hire is made.
The Elling Eide Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.