Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Books and Prints

The Folger Shakespeare Library, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking an established curator to join the Collections division as our next
** Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Books and Prints**.  The Curator, reporting to the Associate Librarian for Care and Development, oversees and develops the Folger’s world-renowned collection of 16- and 17th-century books and prints, ensuring its care, accessibility, and growth in alignment with the Folger’s priorities. Working collaboratively across departments, this position plays a vital role in shaping the future of one of the world’s most significant collections of early modern materials.

The Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Book and Prints leads the development, stewardship, interpretation, and promotion of the Folger’s early modern printed collections. In partnership with the Librarian, curatorial and exhibition teams, the Curator shapes collection development priorities, advances scholarly and public engagement, and champions innovative approaches to access and interpretation. This role also contributes to institutional initiatives by connecting the collection to exhibitions, research programs, and educational and public outreach that illuminate the continuing resonance of early modern materials in contemporary life.

A successful candidate will be a recognized leader in early modern books or prints with deep scholarly expertise, curatorial experience, and a collaborative spirit. They will bring both intellectual rigor and creative vision with the ability to connect historic materials to diverse audiences and current conversations. The Curator will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of their work.

They will thrive in a dynamic, cross-disciplinary environment that values curiosity, communication, and shared stewardship.

The schedule for this role is Monday-Friday 8:45 am-4:45 pm with occasional evening or weekends for events, as scheduled. This position will be primarily on-site with the possibility of hybrid modality. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance to the DC office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date.
* Health & safety:
The health and well-being of all staff, contractors, and visitors is our top priority. While the Folger no longer requires masks or vaccinations (except for AEA spaces), we support and encourage individuals to take the safety precautions they are most comfortable with, and we ask that individual choices are respected. The Folger offers organization-funded healthcare plans for full-time staff and extensive leave options to all staff in the case of any health issues that arise.
* ** Compensation:
*** This is a semi-monthly-paid salary position, with a pay range of $90,000-$100,000.
* Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the individual and a generous 403b contribution and match, outlined at .
** Supervisory Duties**:
The Curator has no direct reports but may mentor staff and oversee temporary grant-funded staff, interns, or fellows.
** Duties**:
Consults with the cataloging team to enhance bibliographic control and description, contributing new research to enhance discoverability of the collection. Participates in tours, docent trainings and staff orientations, and shares contextual knowledge regarding the collection and exhibitions as needed. Participates in grant-funded and institutional initiatives seeking opportunities to connect the collection with Folger-wide programs.

Other duties as assigned.
** Education and Experience
** M.L.S. or equivalent library experience required. Graduate-level degree in a relevant subject (e.g. early modern theater and performance studies, early modern history or literature, book history, printmaking history, Shakespeare) or equivalent experience.

Minimum of three years of scholarly or professional experience with early modern collections with accomplishments in areas such as collection development, exhibitions, research services, digital humanities, or teaching.  Experience working with dealers and auction houses.  Experience…