Logo
Digital Library Federation

Director, Design and Discovery

Digital Library Federation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, us, 48113


Position Summary

Want to make an application Make sure your CV is up to date, then read the following job specs carefully before applying.As the Director of Design and Discovery, you will provide vision and leadership for managing and enhancing

the University of Michigan (U-M) Library 's various web applications, web content management, and associated user interface and user experience (UX) work under the care of the

Design and Discovery (D&D)

department. In this position, you will supervise the D&D personnel (11 FTE) and direct their work to best meet the evolving needs of the U-M Library users and staff.

You will report to the Associate University Librarian (AUL) for Library Information Technology. As a member of the LIT Leadership team, you will assist the AUL for LIT with critical decisions that affect the Library as a whole and participate in the overall planning and development, maintenance, and operation of the Library's IT environment and the key technologies essential to the daily services and operations of the Library.

Responsibilities

Service and Project Management (50%)

Provide vision and expertise, set appropriate goals for department projects and ongoing work, and effectively manage the department’s service and operational work in library websites, an intranet, in-house and cross-platform search and discovery systems, library staff business workflow systems, teaching and learning applications, content management systems, user interface frameworks, and other tools that support online access to library resources.

Work in close partnership with other department directors in LIT to coordinate and oversee complex and diverse library technology projects toward their successful completion.

Develop and sustain active communication channels between LIT/D&D and other related library groups to facilitate timely service and troubleshooting, maintenance, and development work.

Consult with library units in the development of new services that intersect with D&D services and responsibilities.

Supervisory (35%)

Supervise department personnel working in diverse areas by setting work goals, defining expectations, performing evaluations, and supporting professional growth.

Monitor the department’s evolving staffing needs and propose plans to address those needs as they arise.

Other (15%)

Participate in LIT-wide planning, reviewing, monitoring, and directing of services, projects, and operations, and ensure their alignment with the library’s strategic objectives.

Promote the adoption of inclusive and equitable technology policies and standards around user interface design, digital accessibility, and content governance.

Cultivate an environment of innovation and accountability within the department and the division.

Participate in cross-departmental/divisional projects, committees, and working groups when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

Professional degree from an ALA accredited library school or other relevant advanced degree and equivalent experience.

Minimum of 6 years of work experience in web application development and project management at an academic or research library setting.

Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a library technology environment.

Deep knowledge and a thorough understanding of the workings of and developing trends in web technologies and related areas and demonstrated experience of applying aforementioned knowledge and understanding into various web applications development projects and related service management practices.

Demonstrated experience of leading and managing multiple projects and stakeholder groups and seeing them through planning, prioritization, communication, execution, and evaluation to their successful completion with strong service orientation.

Proven ability to analyze complex and/or unclear problems or requests, conduct necessary research and information-gathering, and accurately communicate issues and problems in appropriate depth and in a timely manner to all involved parties.

Demonstrated ability to function as a productive member of a highly collaborative leadership team, understanding and responding to evolving needs and priorities in one’s own department and beyond, while staying open-minded, flexible, and receptive to changes.

Demonstrated commitment to apply and incorporate the values of diversity, equity and inclusion into one’s own work and organization.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in crafting a vision and directions in technology work, translating them into appropriate goals and plans, and executing them successfully.

Demonstrated success in highly complex project management.

Prior work experience in programming/scripting and familiarity with modern programming principles, tools, and application development processes.

Experience with web accessibility compliance, including WCAG accessibility standards and responsive, universal, and device-agnostic web design.

Additional Information

The anticipated hire date is November, 2024. Appointment is anticipated as a Sr. Associate Librarian, or Librarian. Salary and rank are dependent on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $102,000 for the Sr. Associate Librarian rank, and $103,000 - $120,000 for the Librarian rank.

Librarian appointments carry with them increased expectations regarding professional development, professional engagement, research, and service, in keeping with the library's process for librarian promotion and advancement.

The University of Michigan offers a

comprehensive benefits package

including health, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off (24 vacation days per year, and 15 days of sick leave a year), matched retirement contributions with immediate vesting, professional development opportunities, and more.

This position may be eligible for flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Fully remote work is not applicable to this position.

It is the policy of the University of Michigan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.

How to Apply

To ensure full consideration, applications must be a single document consisting of:

A cover letter describing your interest in the position, your skills, and experience directly relevant to the work of the position

A resume / CV

A list of three professional references, including their names, contact information, and your professional relationship

Application Deadline

We expect this job posting to be open for the full 30 day period and close on Wednesday July 31, 2024.

About the U-M Library

The University of Michigan Library

is one of the world's largest academic research libraries and serves a vibrant university community. The library is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work.

About Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is consistently ranked as one of the nation's best places to live.

#J-18808-Ljbffr