RBS Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Rare Book School (RBS) provides continuing-education opportunities for students from all disciplines and skill levels to study the history of written, printed, and digital materials with leading scholars and professionals in the field.

RBS is searching for a detail-oriented, self-motivated, and forward-thinking full-time Program Manager to assist the Director of Programs & Education in facilitating excellent educational programming. In addition to working with the Director of Programs & Education, the Program Manager will work closely with Programs department colleagues and other members of the RBS staff to maintain and improve upon the successful educational programming at RBS.

The Program Manager will be asked to :

• take primary responsibility to plan the space, staff, scheduling, and supply logistics for events and course activities during each week-long session in Charlottesville as well as at assigned remote partner institutions throughout the year;
• communicate regularly with individuals who are learning about, applying for, participating in, teaching, sponsoring, supporting, or are variously related to any RBS course or program;
• coordinate course session details with other members of the Programs team, including for online classes;
• travel to oversee course sessions at remote partner institutions;
• maintain a welcoming environment for all RBS guests and colleagues;
• serve as administrator / selection committee member of particular fellowship and / or scholarship programs;
• liaise course-specific advertising with the Communications department;
• assist with tracking course applications through the admissions process;
• participate in hiring and managing session staff and arranging for their housing;
• maintain records of program activities and standards;
• ensure compliance of program budget;
• participate in maintaining database records;
• learn software systems and train new hires as needed;
• edit and analyze course evaluation data; and
• carry out other program-related duties as needed.

Our organization, now in its 42nd year, offers a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment in the newly renovated Shannon Library located on Central Grounds at the University of Virginia. We provide cutting-edge, specialized instruction vital for understanding and preserving artifacts central to our cultural heritage.

Rare Book School is an equal-opportunity employer as a nonprofit affiliated with the University of Virginia. RBS is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment that embraces a representative range of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.

Required qualifications and terms : Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree; the ability to deliver high-quality customer service; strong written and oral communication skills; excellent attention to detail; the ability to work well in a team; demonstrated problem-solving judgment; strong time-management and organizational skills; steady work ethic; integrity; managerial talent; and a 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). The position requires increased hours (50 hours), including weekends, during course sessions as well as some travel to support RBS classes. The successful candidate will work in the Charlottesville, VA RBS office. In-office or on-site work will be required, but RBS does provide flexibility for some remote work.

Desired qualifications : An advanced degree in the humanities or social sciences; teaching and instructional design experience; non-profit work experience; managerial experience; proficiencies with PC or Mac operating systems, MS Office Suite, InDesign, Acrobat, and Photoshop; database management experience, especially with Salesforce systems; familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style ; and a valid driver’s license.

This is a full-time, year-round, exempt, salaried position. Starting salary ranges from $58,000 to $65,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits will include health insurance (including dental and vision); long-term disability; a tuition waiver to attend one RBS course each year; and a 403(b) retirement plan, with employer’s matching contribution up to 5% (after one year). Assistance for moving expenses (taxable) may be available.

To apply, applicants should submit the following materials :

1) A cover letter

2) A resume / curriculum vitae

3) The phone numbers and email addresses of at least three professional references, at least one of whom has served as your supervisor (we will not contact references until the offer stage)

In your cover letter, please address : 1) your competency and experience with regard to the responsibilities and desired qualifications; 2) why you are interested in working for Rare Book School; and 3) when you will be available to begin.

Review of applications will begin 30 October 2025 and continue until the position is filled.