Jobs at the Center

Join an inspired team and make an impact

The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library, archive, and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists and deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts.

Employees help visitors experience collections through study in the reading room, tours through our exhibition galleries, and through engaging programs, including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings. Our work provides time and space for meaningful reflection and the sharing of ideas that open our minds and deepen our connectedness.

Find out more about working for The University of Texas at Austin. Questions about any open positions may be directed to Leah Bush, Human Resources Manager, at leah.bush@austin.utexas.edu

Staff Positions

• Associate Director for Exhibitions & Education

  The Associate Director for Exhibitions & Education provides strategic leadership for the Ransom Center’s exhibitions program and other educational activities. Reporting to the Director, this role oversees a portfolio of interpretive initiatives including exhibitions, public programs and symposia, classroom instruction, and fellowships.

  Working closely with the Director, senior leadership team, and unit heads within the portfolio, the Associate Director for Exhibitions & Education translates institutional strategy into coordinated programs that deepen engagement, build partnerships across campus, and expand public understanding and appreciation of the Center’s collections.

  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience providing strategic leadership across multiple engagement areas, such as exhibitions, instruction, fellowships, scholarly programs, public programming, or visitor services, preferably within an academic library, archives, museum, or cultural institution.
  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position.
  • For more information and to apply

• Associate Director for Library Services

  The Associate Director for Library Services provides strategic leadership for the Ransom Center’s library services portfolio, including Metadata & Discovery, Collection Management, Technology & Database Administration, Digital Projects, Digital Imaging, Reference, and Public Services.

  This role is responsible for setting vision, priorities, and long-term direction for how collections are described, accessed, and stored—ensuring that library programs and services are aligned with institutional goals, sustainable over time, and responsive to evolving research and public needs.

  The Associate Director primarily leads at the portfolio level, with day-to-day operations led by the Heads of each unit.

  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in an institution with strong public engagement, research, and teaching missions.
  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position.
  • For more information and to apply

• Building Manager

  Leads, manages, and serves as the primary point of contact for facilities operations of the Harry Ransom Center's building and grounds, ensuring safe, efficient, and well-maintained environments that support staff, visitors, collections, exhibitions, public programs, and special events.

  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting facilities in environments requiring strict environmental controls, security, or preservation standards, such as museums, archives, libraries, research facilities, or laboratories.
  • Work Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:30AM-4:30PM. Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies. Workdays, area, and hours may vary based on the departments needs.
  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position.
  • For more information and to apply

• Digital Imaging Technician (Still Water Project)

  The Digital Imaging Technician will report to the Head of Digital Imaging and will photograph and digitize collection materials from the Center’s Art Collection that have been identified as cataloging priorities by the Curator of Art. Although primarily consisting of works on paper, such as prints and drawings, materials may also include a limited number of paintings and textiles. Produces, processes, and performs quality control on preservation and access images; coordinates with cataloging, conservation, and Digital Collection Services staff; and prepares digital files and associated technical information for ingest into Qi and public access.

  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in a professional photography studio, museum imaging studio, or digitization lab.
  • Note: This is a grant-funded, temporary, full-time, three-year position without the possibility of renewal.
  • For more information and to apply

• Fellowship Coordinator

  Provides administrative and operational support for the Ransom Center's fellowship program and other visitors. Reports to the Head of Finance & Administration and works closely with the Head of Fellowships to support the Fellowship Program and other scholarly and programmatic visitors to the Ransom Center.

  • Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in one or more of the Ransom Center's fields of focus (literature, theatre & performing arts, film, photography, art, or early books and manuscripts).
  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position.
  • For more information and to apply

Student Positions

None at this time