Rare Book School (RBS) is searching for an organized, energetic, and detail-oriented full-time Program Assistant or Associate (depending on experience) to assist the Director of Programs & Education in facilitating excellent educational programming. In addition to working with the Director of Programs & Education, she or he will work closely with the Program Manager and Admissions Officer to maintain and improve upon the successful educational programming at RBS.
The Program Assistant/Associate will be asked to:
· communicate regularly with RBS faculty members and applicants as well as individuals who are sponsoring, supporting, or variously related to RBS courses and programs;
· support programs logistics for course sessions in Charlottesville (setting up classrooms, participant registration, evening receptions, communicating with conference services and students about dormitory housing, etc.);
· oversee logistics relating to select satellite courses (including catering, space reservations, and course materials);
· assist with tracking course applications through the admissions process;
· assist with writing and disseminating course-specific advertising;
· assist Director of Programs & Education with course schedule planning;
· design and update the Information Guides for each course session and distribute to the participants;
· print and bind course workbooks, and prepare other print and digitally-distributed course materials;
· oversee travel and housing reservations for faculty members, session staff, and lecturers;
· design, order, and maintain stock levels of RBS-related merchandise;
· assist with tracking student progression through Certificate of Proficiency requirements; and
· carry out other program-related duties as needed.
Our organization offers a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment located on Central Grounds at the University of Virginia. Rare Book School, a non-profit organization, separate from but affiliated with the University, provides cutting-edge, specialized instruction vital for understanding and preserving artifacts central to our cultural heritage.
Required qualifications: Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree; strong attention to detail; steady work ethic; integrity; strong written and oral communication skills; an interest in planning events; proficiencies with Mac operating systems and the MS Office Suite; ability to work with database systems; and the ability to deliver high-quality customer service. The Program Assistant/Associate must also be able to work longer hours, including weekends, during class sessions and be able to travel to satellite course locations as needed.
Desired qualifications: A degree in the humanities or social sciences; close familiarity with one or more of the constituencies from which our students and faculty principally come (e.g. book history & bibliography, special collections librarianship, book arts, antiquarian bookselling, archives, digital humanities, and higher education); and familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style and the Adobe Creative Suite. Applicants will be working in a collections-focused environment. The Program Assistant/Associate may be asked to lift up to 40 pounds during their employment.
This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt, salaried position. Starting salary ranges from $34,000 to $38,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, annual leave, sick leave, an RBS course each year, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions.
Applicants should submit the following materials:
1) A cover letter discussing your qualifications and your interest in the position and the School
2) A curriculum vitae
3) The phone numbers and email addresses of at least three references
Please send electronic copies to Laura Perrings, Director of Programs & Education, at laura.perrings@virginia.edu. Applications are due by 4 January 2019.
Rare Book School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
