Associate Director, User Experience Department

Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to lead the library’s technology infrastructure and help desk services with a future-looking perspective and focus on the user experience as Associate Director, User Experience. The Associate Director for the library’s User Experience (UX) Department will oversee the library’s technology operations, specifically focused on our server, network, and production infrastructure as well as workstation and user support (help desk), which will include analyzing server and workstation support services, identifying problem areas, and proposing solutions to enhance quality of service as well as leading the library’s efforts to adopt cloud-based computing approaches where appropriate, including the development of DevOps approaches, enabling developers and system administrators to best coordinate their efforts.

The ideal candidate should have clear evidence of collaborative leadership skills and impeccable integrity as well as excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives. In addition, he/she should have successful project management experience, including managing complex technology projects with multiple stakeholders, as well as excellent communication (both verbal and written), collaboration, and facilitation skills.

User Experience Department (UX):

The library’s User Experience department provides leadership in the design and execution of how our users experience the library, both virtually and physically. UX brings together expertise in user experience and instructional design, along with the library’s IT expertise and staff, and supports the library’s mission through its combined expertise and responsibilities with technology support and development, usability and user experience, and oversight of the library’s web presence.

UX works closely with other departments throughout the organization to understand library user and staff perspectives, as partners in the design and implementation of optimal user experiences.

University of Arizona Libraries:

Why work at the University Libraries? http://www.library.arizona.edu/about/employment/why.

Diversity Commitment:

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. Diversity in our environment embraces the acceptance of a multiplicity of cultural heritages, lifestyles and worldviews. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues and constituencies, as we believe that such experiences are both institutional and service imperatives. Because we seek a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we encourage applications from individuals with demonstrated knowledge of and relevant abilities working with culturally diverse communities. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs.

University of Arizona:

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Accepting a new position is a big life step. We want potential candidates and their families to be able to make informed decisions. Candidates who are considering relocation to the Tucson or Phoenix area, and have been offered an on-site interview, are encouraged to use the free services offered by Above & Beyond Relocation Services (ABRS).Ask your department contact to be introduced to ABRS prior to your visit.

The University of Arizona has been recognized on Forbes 2015 list of America’s Best Employers in the United States and has been awarded the 2015 Work-Life Seal of Distinction by the Alliance for Work-Life Progress! For more information about working at the University of Arizona, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Oversees the library’s technology infrastructure:
Manages staff responsible for server and infrastructure operations
Provides leadership and expertise with server architecture design and administration
Plans and oversees migration to IaaS / PaaS as appropriate
Provides expertise with DevOps approaches and tools
Oversees the library’s IT help desk services:
Manages staff responsible for desktop and other user support services
Develops and implements best practices for library’s help desk services
Develops metrics and assessment for help desk
Coordinates off-hours emergency support
Leads the development of technology policies, processes, and workflows:
Recommends and communicates IT policies for the library
Develops, implements, and assesses security policy for the library
Liaises to various campus units to coordinate technology efforts
Strategic planning and budgeting:
Oversees the library’s operational technology budget
Provides vision for and strategic thinking towards the future of technology support in the library
Contributes to the department’s overall planning and strategies

Minimum Qualifications

At least five years of experience leading, supervising, coaching, and mentoring information technology personnel.
Demonstrated expertise and experience with server architecture design and administration.
Demonstrated understanding of IT security issues and practice.
Expertise and experience with AWS services and DevOps approaches.
Experience managing technology budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science or related discipline.
At least ten years of experience leading, supervising, coaching, and mentoring information technology personnel.
Knowledge of and experience with typical library technology stack (e.g. Millennium integrated library system, Illiad, EZProxy, Rosetta).
Experience administering both Linux and Windows server environments.
Project management experience, including managing complex technology projects with multiple stakeholders.
Experience using technology project management tools (e.g. Redmine) .
Experience managing information technology personnel in an academic setting.
Demonstrated understanding of the value of user experience.
Knowledge and/or experience with software development processes.
Knowledge and/or experience with ITIL.