Associate Director, Qualitative Data Repository

Description

Associate Director, Qualitative Data Repository
Center for Qualitative and Multi-Method Inquiry
Moynihan Institute, Maxwell School, Syracuse University

Job Description:
The Center for Qualitative and Multi-Method Inquiry (CQMI) in the Moynihan Institute at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University seeks an Associate Director for the Qualitative Data Repository (QDR, www.qdr.org). QDR, funded by the National Science Foundation, is the first domain repository in the United States dedicated to storing and sharing qualitative social science research data. The Associate Director is responsible for managing repository operations in accordance with the vision of the QDR Director. Specifically, s/he builds timelines for, manages, and assures continued progress of all initiatives and projects related to web site content (drafting, revising, and overseeing publication) and data management (overseeing the data deposit, curation, and publication processes). S/he also designs and implements creative strategies to recruit QDR users and to encourage the deposit and download of data to/from QDR, and manages interactions with QDR users and (eventually) member institutions.

This highly visible position requires close coordination with all QDR technical and non-technical staff; networking within the U.S. and international data science communities to strategically insert QDR into existing networks and conversations; and interaction with social scientists from across the United States and around the world. This is an opportunity to take part in developing and building an important aspect of the U.S. data-management infrastructure. The QDR Associate Director reports directly to the QDR Director.

Responsibilities:
• Assist QDR Director to develop a vision for QDR’s substantive development and liaise with QDR Technical Director to implement that vision.
• Assist QDR Director and Technical Director to develop standard procedures for all QDR operations and ensure that they are followed.
• Draft QDR web-page content including detailed guidance for QDR users to assist them in managing, sharing, and using shared qualitative data.
• Draft QDR policies guiding all aspects of managing, sharing, and using shared qualitative data.
• Supervise and manage QDR’s curation staff (graduate assistants and hourly staff) to ensure careful, complete, and timely curation of QDR data.
• Supervise the Quality Assurance (QA) process associated with development of QDR’s features and functionality, providing reports to the QDR Director and Technical Director and coordinating the QA team.
• Work with QDR Technical Director and technical team to develop systems to effectively administer, manage, and track QDR data and users.
• Develop and execute a multi-faceted strategy to recruit data for QDR.
• Develop and execute a multi-faceted strategy to drive traffic to the QDR site and encourage download and reuse of QDR data.
• Interface with and assist QDR users, responding to queries and solving problems in a timely fashion.
• Conduct formative evaluations to ensure QDR progresses in accordance with the needs of QDR constituencies of data producers and users.
• Aid in the planning and execution of QDR courses, events, conferences, and workshops.
• Contribute to QDR’s communications and correspondence internal and external to Syracuse University.
• Build and maintain relationships with staff in analogous positions at other data repositories.
• Monitor institutional and organizational landscape of data science in the United States and keep QDR Director and Technical Director apprised of relevant developments and events.
• Help QDR Director to develop a business model for sustainability and contribute to strategy for securing external funding for QDR initiatives; identify funding sources and assist in preparation of grant proposals.
• Complete specific tasks as requested in relation to QDR projects.
• Attend weekly CQMI and QDR staff meetings, and other meetings as necessary.

Qualifications:
• Master’s or PhD in Library Science, Information Science, Library and Information Science, or Data Science; strong background in a social science/humanities discipline with a tradition of generating and using qualitative data (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, History, or Anthropology) strongly preferred – OR – Master’s or PhD in a social science with a demonstrably strong background in data management, information science, and/or data science
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a self-starter
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and creatively to implement project goals and objectives
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Outstanding communication skills, in particular, excellent writing skills
• Ability to interact effectively with an international community of scholars, students and practitioners
• Ability to function in multiple roles and manage complex tasks
• Management-level administrative experience in an academic setting (preferred)

Remuneration:
The starting annual base salary for the position is $60,000.  The Associate Director will receive a standard benefits package.

Location of Employment:
The Associate Director is required to be in residence at Syracuse University.
 
Application Procedures:
We will begin to review applications on October 12, 2015 and plan to have in-person interviews in late October 2015. Please apply online at www.sujobopps.com (job#031982).  A cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references must be attached online for full consideration.  Inquiries may be directed to Professor Colin Elman, Department of Political Science, Syracuse University (celman@syr.edu).

EOE/AA

Apply Here