Head Librarian

Commitment to Racial Equity

The Missouri Historical Society is dedicated to listening attentively and leveraging best practices to foster a culture of inclusion. We ensure that individuals from all racial and ethnic identities, ages, nationalities, social and economic statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious and political perspectives, and abilities can engage, feel valued, and thrive.

About MHS

Founded in 1866, the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) is one of the leading historical societies in the country. We operate three locations—the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and the Library and Research Center—which serve as a confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues. Our mission is to build stronger communities by telling local stories that focus on the history of the St. Louis region and its people.

We are currently in the midst of a transformative decade. Believing that public history has the power to inspire and engage audiences, we are committed to expanding our efforts to share more history with more people than ever before. With the help of every team member, we aim to create incredible experiences for our visitors and achieve our most successful years in history.

About the Role

The Head Librarian serves as the leader for our historical research library, overseeing the day-to-day operations and the administration of our collections of printed and published material. This role is pivotal in promoting and furthering the mission and vision of the Missouri Historical Society. As a proven leader, you will supervise and evaluate staff, volunteers, and interns while guiding the library's strategic direction.

In this position, you will act as the curator of printed materials, including maps, and manage the selection and deselection of library resources. You will lead digitization and automation efforts, ensuring the library stays current with industry trends and standards. Beyond administration, you will be a visible ambassador for our collections, participating in media appearances, public programs, and conferences to promote MHS to the public and the broader historical community.

Hiring Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please upload your cover letter and resume. External candidates may apply via our dedicated job board link.

Equal Opportunity

The Missouri Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide services on a non-discriminatory basis and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.