Dir­ector / Na­tional Lib­rar­ian

The National Library of Finland is responsible for storing, preserving and providing access to Finnish cultural heritage. The National Library serves as a research library particularly in the humanities and social sciences and plays a key role in ensuring the accessibility of cultural heritage data. In accordance with its strategic plan, the National Library promotes open science and digitalisation. The National Library is part of the University of Helsinki, an international scholarly community of more than 40,000 students and staff. The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is among the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world.

We are now inviting applications for a permanent position of

DIRECTOR / NATIONAL LIBRARIAN

to manage and develop the National Library of Finland.
The appointee will have a solid background in leadership and management, and experience of managing large organisations as well as managing change and leading people. The person we are looking for will have extensive knowledge of the library sector. A goal-oriented approach and courage as well as expertise in various areas of digitalisation are considered particular assets.

The duties of the national librarian of the National Library of Finland are both national and international in nature, and the national librarian serves as a member of the University of Helsinki’s extended management group.

The successful fulfilment of the duties of the position requires the following:

• Broad understanding of Finnish and European cultural heritage
• A strong vision regarding memory institutions, the challenges related to their development and change, as well as digitalisation
• Familiarity with the scholarly sphere in the humanities and social sciences
• Experience of demanding management positions
• Experience of working in both national and international settings
• Good cooperation and negotiation skills

The position requires a second-cycle (master’s) degree, while a doctoral degree is considered an asset. We also require expertise in the field of the position, as well as good skills in Finnish, Swedish and English. Knowledge of other languages will be considered a further asset.

The position offers a unique opportunity to promote collaboration among Finnish libraries as well as influence and outline the strategic choices that promote the preservation, usability and accessibility of Finnish cultural heritage. As a large and traditional organisation, we offer a stable work environment and the opportunity for wide-ranging professional development. Employing modern tools, we operate as part of a 381-year-old organisation right in the middle of Helsinki city centre.

Please submit your application through the University’s electronic recruitment system by 28th November.

Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through the SAP HR portal.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Head of Human Resources Sini Saarenheimo ([email protected] , +358 50 448 0840) and Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman (assistant: [email protected] ).