Position Function:
Mississippi State University Libraries seeks an innovative and intellectually dynamic Curator of Southern Literature and Culture to advance the research, teaching, and public engagement mission of the University, with a distinctive emphasis on Mississippi literature, history, and cultural expression. This 9-month tenured/tenure-track faculty role is strategically designed to elevate MSU's national reputation while creating meaningful opportunities for external investment, public engagement, and statewide impact.
The Curator will serve as a scholar, convener, and bridge-builder -- developing high-impact programming, cultivating partnerships across Mississippi and beyond, and producing scholarship that highlights the state's rich literary and cultural traditions. This position complements and extends the strengths of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana, positioning Mississippi State as a leading center for understanding the American South through the lens of Mississippi's voices and stories.
This role also serves as a special liaison to the College of Arts & Sciences, strengthening academic collaboration while advancing institutional priorities tied to student success, research growth, and public impact.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Area of Specialization:
Curator of Southern Literature and Culture
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2026
Tenure Track Status:
Tenured or Tenure-Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Research, Visibility & Institutional Impact
- Conduct and publish original research with a focus on Mississippi literature, writers, and cultural traditions, enhancing MSU's national scholarly profile.
- Develop high-visibility scholarly and public humanities projects (digital initiatives, edited volumes, exhibitions) that attract external recognition and funding.
- Contribute to MSU's strategic goals around research growth, reputation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Signature Programming & Public Engagement
- Design and lead a flagship speaker and events series featuring nationally recognized scholars, authors, and cultural leaders, with strong representatives of Mississippi voices.
- Establish signature, donor-ready programs (lectures, symposia, festivals, community initiatives) that create naming and endowment opportunities.
- Build sustained partnerships with leading cultural organizations such as the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Mississippi Book Festival to extend MSU's reach statewide and nationally.
Campus Collaboration & Academic Integration
- Partner with faculty across Arts & Sciences and related disciplines to position the Libraries as a hub for Mississippi and Southern cultural scholarship.
- Collaborate with the Grant Presidential Library & Museum and Lincolniana to create interdisciplinary programming connecting Mississippi narratives to national history.
- Support student success through mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, and research engagement tied to Mississippi topics.
Strategic Liaison to the College of Arts & sciences
- Serve as a visible and trusted liaison, strengthening relationships between the Libraries and academic departments.
- Facilitate communication, alignment, and problem-solving around shared academic priorities.
- Bring credibility and diplomacy to complex or sensitive academic conversations.
Advancement, Partnerships & Revenue Generation
- Partner with library and university leadership to cultivate donors and secure philanthropic investment, particularly around Mississippi-focused collections, programming, and named initiatives.
- Develop compelling cases for support tied to lectureships, collections, digital projects, and community engagement.
- Collaborate with organizations such as the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and other statewide partners to expand visibility and funding opportunities.
- Pursue external grants and sponsorships aligned with public humanities and regional storytelling.
Minimum Qualifications:
- ALA-accredited MLS or Ph.D. in English, Southern Studies, American Studies, or closely related field.
- Demonstrated record of scholarly research and publication in Southern literature or culture, with engagement in Mississippi topics strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- National or emerging national reputation in the field.
- Experience with public humanities, digital humanities, or community-engaged scholarship.
- Demonstrated success in securing grants or philanthropic support.
- Experience building partnerships across academic and external organizations.
- Ability to translate scholarly work into high-impact public programming.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Effective interpersonal skills to interact with, engage and inspire students, faculty, staff, and others.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment with no or very little physical effort or exposure to physical risk.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
To be considered an applicant, you must apply online at Mississippi State University's website and submit the following in order for your application to be complete:
1. Cover letter addressing experience and qualifications;
2. a curriculum vitae; and
3. the names and contact information including phone numbers of at least three (3) professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
