Unit Manager for the Unit of Collection Mediation and Arrangement

As the unit manager for the Unit of Collection Mediation and Arrangement, you play a central role in the National Library of Sweden's work to describe, make accessible, and mediate Sweden's cultural heritage to research and the public. The unit works with KB's complex collections, from medieval manuscripts and personal archives to contemporary materials.

The operations are characterized by high specialist competence and great commitment. At the same time, the work is influenced by changing conditions where digital material, digital mediation, and new user needs impose demands for new working methods, clear direction, and long-term thinking.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues within KB and contribute to the development of how the collections meet research, professional users, and the public.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead a knowledge-intensive operation with significant professional responsibility and a long-term perspective. You will create conditions for the unit's mission to be carried out with quality, a holistic view, and good collaboration within KB. As a unit manager, you will sit on the department's management team and report to the department head.

You will:

• lead and develop the unit's work with arranging, describing, and mediating collections
• contribute to clarity and a common direction
• be responsible for personnel, work environment, budget, and operational planning
• contribute to the development of KB's user meetings in close collaboration with other units
• collaborate closely with other units and functions both within and outside KB

This position is suitable for you who enjoy leading qualified employees in a complex operation where long-term thinking, quality, and collaboration are central.

As a manager at KB, you lead with trust and are a role model and cultural bearer who takes overall responsibility by creating conditions for employees to develop and achieve results. You work with clarity and feedback in assignments and expectations, and you create conditions for participation, influence, and a sustainable work environment. You connect the operational work to KB's vision and goals and are involved in driving KB's development work in dialogue with colleagues, employees, and the surrounding world.

Qualifications and Personal Characteristics

To succeed in this role, you need:

• a university degree in relevant subjects for the National Library of Sweden
• experience working as a manager with personnel responsibility, budget responsibility, and work environment responsibility
• experience leading operations with high specialist competence and strong profession-driven commitment
• experience from libraries, archives, museums, academia, or other operations, with an understanding of collection work and the conditions of research
• good communication skills in both spoken and written Swedish and English

Meritorious are:

• personal experience of research or work closely related to research activities
• experience in collection mediation, user support, or working with cultural heritage in relation to users and society
• interest in and understanding of how a changing media landscape and copyright conditions affect the management and accessibility of collections
• experience of working in a government organization

Personal Characteristics

We are looking for someone who is secure, clear, attentive, and unpretentious in your leadership. You are stable in your demeanor, stand firm in the leadership role, inspire trust, and find it easy to collaborate and work together with others in a knowledge-intensive environment. You are responsive and responsible, able to weigh different perspectives, and maintain a constructive approach even in complex contexts. You have a respectful and professional attitude and contribute to engagement and the willingness to develop together. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities.

Tests, security interviews, and background checks may be conducted with the final candidate.

Employment and Start Date

This is a permanent position that begins with a six-month probationary period. Start date as soon as possible or by agreement. The position is located in Stockholm with some possibility for remote work by agreement.

KB operates in various locations, Stockholm, Strängnäs, and Bålsta.

Application

Welcome with your application by March 4. Attach your CV and describe why you are interested in the job and what you can contribute; you do not need to attach a cover letter.

In this recruitment, we use selection questions instead of a cover letter where you briefly describe why you are interested in this position and what you can contribute. Therefore, please be careful with your answers so that they accurately reflect your competence and experience.

Contact Persons

In this recruitment, KB collaborates with Jefferson Wells. For questions about the recruitment process, please contact the responsible recruitment consultant: Katarina Thomasson, [email protected], 070-231 28 05. If you want to know more about the job, you are welcome to contact the department head: Emma Stockhaus at 010-709 39 30.

Union contacts are May Nilsson, ST-KB, and Karl Isaksson, SACO-KB, both reachable via the switchboard 010-709 30 00.

The Unit of Collection Mediation and Arrangement

The Unit of Collection Mediation and Arrangement consists of about 20 employees, with varying backgrounds (e.g., archivists and librarians), who with great expertise and commitment work with the National Library of Sweden's collections. The mission involves arranging, describing, and mediating materials that are crucial for research, professional users, and society at large. The unit also contributes to complementary collection through the handling of donations and antiquarian acquisitions, as well as to the coordination of KB's user meetings together with the Unit for User Services.

About the National Library of Sweden

The National Library of Sweden (KB) is Sweden's national library. Our collections span more than a thousand years and grow every day. We have everything from manuscripts, books, and newspapers to music, film, and video games. KB preserves and makes our cultural heritage accessible and promotes collaboration between Sweden's libraries. Ultimately, the mission is about democracy, equality, and freedom of opinion formation. In addition, KB is a workplace for researchers, students, and about 330 employees.

We offer a workplace characterized by responsibility, openness, trust, and learning. We want to provide equal opportunities for all and value equality and diversity in our operations.