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 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.

  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position.
  • For more information and to apply

• Events Coordinator

  Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Events Coordinator will coordinate and execute events for the Harry Ransom Center that serve researchers, students, faculty, staff, public, members, donors, and external groups. Events range from public programs and lectures, membership programs and receptions, Advisory Council meetings and receptions, donor events, staff gatherings, and facility rentals to a major fundraising gala held every five years.

  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position with occasional evening and weekend hours.
  • For more information and to apply

• Human Resources Coordinator

  Supports daily functions and processes of human resources transactions for approximately 150 exempt and non-exempt employees, Graduate and Undergraduate Research Assistants, Federal Work Study students, hourly employees, fellows, and volunteers.

  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position.
  • For more information and to apply

• Manager of Visitor Experience

  Responsible for overseeing and leading all operational aspects of the Ransom Center's visitor and volunteer services programs. Develops and implements overall strategies to ensure outstanding customer service and meaningful experiences for Center visitors. Responsible for recruiting and training a core group of student and community volunteers to assist in the daily visitor services operations of the Center.

  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position, to be completed M-F with occasional Saturday and evening hours.
  • For more information and to apply

• Research Associate III

  Provides research support for on and offsite patron services in all collections, with a primary focus on Literature, History, Photography, Cultural studies, or other Humanities-related fields. Participates in developing and implementing policies and procedures for reference and research services. Performs other functions as needed in support of patron research, patron services, instructional services, and collection interpretation.

  • Note: This is a full-time 40 hours per week position.
  • For more information and to apply

• Summer Student Assistant, Visitor Services

  Serve as front desk staff, which includes welcoming visitors, accepting donations, selling publications and merchandise in the Ransom Center shop, and providing exceptional customer service to Harry Ransom Center visitors while enforcing policies and procedures. Provide administrative support for the shop and volunteer events.

  • Note: Position ends on 8/31/2026. 15 hour work week. Must be available to consistently work on Saturdays and Sundays
  • For more information and to apply

Student Positions

• Summer Student Assistant, Public Services

  This position will train to sit at multiple service points in the Reading Room, including the Circulation and Reception desks.

  • Pay range: $15.00 per hour
  • Work Shift: 20 hours per week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., M-F.
  • Note: Must be enrolled as a UT student. If not enrolled in 2026 summer semester courses, must have been enrolled in 6 hours of courses for Spring 2026 semester. We require this individual to have a professional and helpful attitude, good communication skills, and an interest in learning about the humanities.
  • For more information and to apply (Future UT Students)
  • For more information and to apply (Current UT Students)