Director of Library, Archives and Gallery, SOAS University of London

*Director of Library, Gallery & Archives, (Chief Librarian), SOAS University of London*

*London, United Kingdom*

SOAS - The World's University

SOAS challenges perspectives, broaches debate, and empowers students to question the global status quo and find solutions to the issues facing the world today.

Our programmes are taught by respected international academics with inter-disciplinary expertise who are engaged in fieldwork and research that influences governments, industries and communities across the world.

Our Mission

Our mission is to challenge perspectives and empowers students to question the global status quo and find solutions to the issues facing the world today. Our programmes are taught by respected international academics with inter-disciplinary expertise who are engaged in fieldwork and research that influences governments, industries and communities across the world.

Here at SOAS we unite a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and talents to produce meaningful change.

Dear Candidate,
A warm welcome to SOAS University of London, a beacon of academic excellence dedicated to the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. As a globally recognised institution, SOAS plays a vital role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges through a unique combination of scholarship, innovation, and community engagement.
We are delighted to present an exceptionally unique opportunity for an inspirational leader to join our senior team as Director of Library, Gallery & Archives (Chief Librarian). This pivotal position is central to the University’s mission, and the sheer breadth of impact of the role is like no other in ensuring the delivery of world-class library, galleries and archives services and driving forward its reputation as one of the leading specialist academic libraries in the world.
SOAS Library, Galleries and Archives is a designated National Research Library for Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—a rare distinction shared by only a small handful of institutions across the UK. As part of this designation, the Library, Galleries and Archives hold a national responsibility to collect, preserve, and provide access to invaluable resources for researchers and students alike. Its esteemed membership with Research Libraries UK underscores its significance within the academic community.
As Chief Librarian, you will lead the strategic development and delivery of Library Services, Galleries and Archives, aligning them with the University’s vision and priorities in teaching, learning, and research. Your influence will extend beyond SOAS, positioning the Library, Galleries and Archives as a leader within the Higher Education sector both nationally and internationally. This is an exceptionally rare chance to leave a lasting legacy, enhancing the Library, Galleries and Archives’ standing as a hub for innovation, partnerships, inclusivity, and scholarly excellence. You will achieve this exciting mission by understanding how the Library, Galleries and Archives can be positioned to a global audience in a technologically and digitally enabled world, optimising the reach of SOAS to the wider global economy.
We are seeking an experienced professional with substantial expertise in delivering library, archives, galleries or special collections services. You will have a proven track record of customer-focused service delivery, operational excellence, and innovative leadership. Recognised as an authority in the field, you will bring strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to supporting diverse communities.
If you are inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of an institution that serves as a global gateway to the cultures and histories of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, we warmly invite you to apply. Together, we can build on our legacy, embracing change while upholding our core values that define SOAS.
Thank you for considering this remarkable opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming you to our inclusive community of excellence and impact.
Warm regards,
Professor Adam Habib
Vice-Chancellor
Khadir Meer
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance and Operations
Please click here to view the Job Description
All applications must include:
• A full curriculum vitae/resume
• Quoting the relevant role reference number: A040187
• A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the job description and the SOAS University of London that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word document)
• Contact details for three referees, these will not be contacted without your permission. (References should validate a minimum period of six years employment)
• A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (which you will be redirected to once you have submitted your application) *
Right to work checks
If you are successfully shortlisted, our partner, Yoti, will contact you to complete an online right to work check. This is a quick and secure process, ensuring that all necessary legal requirements are met before proceeding further in the recruitment process.
Monitoring
One of Alumni Global’s and the SOAS University of London’s objectives is to ensure that its workforce is reflective of the local community and therefore we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. So that we can successfully achieve these aims, while it is not mandatory we would encourage every applicant to complete the “Equal Opportunities Monitoring form” so that we can measure the effectiveness of our efforts. The Recruiting Manager does not have access to the Monitoring Information Sections of the application form at any stage of the process and the information provided will be kept entirely confidential.
For a confidential discussion on this role please contact:
Beth Stickney, Principal Researcher, on +44 7703 821 996.
Candidate adjustment
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the recruitment process please can you advise us so that we can ensure this is accommodated.
Closing date: 31st January 2025
Informal stakeholder meetings and campus visit: TBC
Final Interviews: w/c 24th February 2025 - TBC
Please ensure you have made a note of the final interview date(s). We recommend that you bookmark this microsite, as any potential updates regarding the role will be posted online.