Director of Digital Initiatives, University of Rochester Libraries

University of Rochester Libraries has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the winning candidate for this important hire.

Interested candidates should provide a CV and 2-page cover letter (instructions below) to Jack Farrell ([email protected]). Thank you.

Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.

Rochester, NY

OVERVIEW

The University of Rochester is one of the country’s leading private research institutions and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

The University of Rochester Libraries play an essential role in the academic and cultural life of the school.

The River Campus Libraries (RCL) provide access to over 3 million books in both print and electronic formats and over 40,000 journals.

Its extensive collections, which support research and learning, include databases, datasets, streaming video, rare materials, and other media.

Digital collections can be accessed from anywhere via the Libraries’ website, and dynamic physical collections are available to students, faculty, and members of the Rochester community.

The total study space seating capacity is 2,463.

The Libraries seeks a highly-motivated technology leader to join its stellar team.

JOB TITLE

Director of Digital Initiatives

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Digital Infrastructure 25%
• Responsible for the management, planning, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Libraries’ digital infrastructure, including collections discovery systems, digital projects, digital library systems, and interface design.
• Ensure reliable operation of library systems and direct ongoing improvements to user experience, accessibility, resource discovery and access, digital preservation, and automation.
• Manage the implementation, development, upgrading, and sunsetting of systems and software.
• Identify and prioritize departmental projects to ensure alignment with RCL strategic aims.
• Ensure alignment with University IT (UIT) systems and policies.
• Digital Transformation and Collaboration 25%
• Develop, integrate, and support library applications and systems, encompassing both local and vendor-developed systems, and their integrations with vendor-hosted library enterprise systems and University enterprise systems.
• Collaborate with library colleagues to design and deliver outstanding digital experiences of RCL’s collections, spaces, programs, and services.
• Build relationships and partnerships with IT stakeholders across the library, libraries, campuses, etc.
• Coordinate and collaborate with UIT on projects to improve and stabilize the libraries’ digital infrastructure.
• Advise library leadership on information technology operations and models.
• Digital and Library Leadership 20%
• Collaborate with department heads, working groups, and stakeholders to develop a sustainable digital infrastructure that addresses the current and emerging needs of library staff and users.
• Serve as a member of the Libraries’ Digital Collaborative Governance Team to ensure effective and centralized collaboration, communication, and coordination across the UR Libraries for work relating to our digital projects, digital collections, and digital assets.
• Participate in RCL’s Leadership Team.
• Develop high-impact departmental goals that support RCL’s strategic aims.
• Departmental Management 20%
• Oversee and direct departmental operations including administration, service delivery, community relations, project management, risk management, and program development and implementation.
• Encourage robust cross-unit / library and cross-functional work.
• Manage direct reports. Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management.
• Nurture and grow an agile, high-trust, and strategically-focused culture.
• Miscellaneous 10%
• Maintain currency with IT and library functions, resources, practices, and procedures.
• Participate in and contribute to RCL, UR Libraries, and University committees, meetings, and events.
• Contribute to the profession through active participation in conferences, associations, research, writing, etc.
• Perform other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• 5+ years IT experience.
• 3+ years experience leading and managing teams.
• Experience supporting IT or digital infrastructure / systems in higher ed and / or libraries.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas : software development, web development, digital library systems, user experience, and / or systems administration.
• Demonstrated ability to discover, and quickly become competent in using, new technologies, software, and services.
• Willingness to explore the use of innovative technologies with a high tolerance for risk, ambiguity, and failure.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and people on a cross-functional, cross-organizational basis.
• Ability to organize, direct, motivate, and evaluate performance of staff.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including fluency with project management tools (e.g., Asana and Jira).
• Outstanding verbal, written, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent team building and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Java, Python, Ruby).
• Familiarity with current trends in digital library initiatives.
• Experience with library and digital library systems, such as Alma, ILLiad, EZProxy, Preservica, Omeka, etc.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester is one of the nation’s leading research universities and is the cultural, artistic, and educational leader for the region.

The university’s motto, Meliora, embodies the goals of the University, which are to learn, discover, heal, create and make the world even better.

The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, domestic violence status, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military / veteran status, national origin, race, religion / creed, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law.

NOTE : The University of Rochester has exclusively engaged Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the winning candidate for this important position.

Interested candidates should provide a CV and two-page cover letter by email to Jack Farrell ([email protected]). The cover letter should address : 1) why are you interested?

2) how are you qualified?; and 3) share your philosophy on technology and people management and how you meld the two to support collaboration, innovation, and user success.

Please provide an example of where you have accomplished this in your career. Thank you.

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