Assistant / Associate Director for Information Technology

Description

The Ohio State University Libraries is accelerating knowledge creation and augmenting ground breaking research at one of the world’s most prominent research universities.  We seek a knowledgeable, dynamic, results-oriented leader to direct, develop, enhance, and implement an evolving portfolio of information technology services that support the University’s efforts to transform scholarship and solve problems of worldwide significance. 

The Assistant / Associate Director for Information Technology (AD for IT) will craft a shared vision for and advance the strategic development and implementation of applications, systems, and technology services that enhance digital initiatives and library operations. Reporting to the Vice Provost & Director of University Libraries, the AD for IT sets and advances technology priorities for the Libraries that align with the educational and research missions and strategic directions of the University. In a highly collaborative environment, the AD for IT works with a wide variety of campus partners to ensure robust library support for new and established technology services that meet the teaching, research, and service needs of the university community. The AD for IT is a member of the Libraries’ Executive Committee.

The Assistant / Associate Director for Information Technology:
• Directs the Libraries’ IT division, comprised of approximately 17 faculty and professional staff in the Digital Initiatives, Applications Development & Support, and Infrastructure Support departments.
• Oversees the development and management of a suite of:  open source applications comprising the digital library, digital repository and publishing platforms; the integrated library management system; deployment of search and discovery services; web development and content management; staff desktop computing support; Research Commons technical support; the Libraries’ storage, server, and network infrastructure; and IT security.
• Coordinates support for public computing services in the Libraries in partnership with the Office of Distance Education & eLearning (ODEE).
• Collaborates with the Associate Director for Collections, Technical Services, and Scholarly Communications and the Associate Director for Special Collections and Area Studies in leading the creation, curation, preservation, and deployment of digital content.
• Serves as the Libraries’ IT representative to the University, OhioLINK, and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation’s (CIC) Center for Library Initiatives, among other collaborative initiatives.
• Leads the division in developing strategic directions, implementing efficient and effective operations, and assessing service quality.
• Provides leadership for library-wide planning, policy making, and the development and evaluation of services.
• Fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging personnel to partner across departments within the Libraries to support strategic goals and initiatives.

As a senior leader within the University Libraries, the AD for IT demonstrates in-depth knowledge of trends and emerging solutions in areas relevant to library technology and digital initiatives. The AD for IT effectively engages in appropriate national and consortial dialogs, seeks mutually beneficial collaborations with peer institutions, and contributes to the fields of library technology and digital initiatives through active professional engagement.

Required Qualifications:
• Masters degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent combination of advanced degree and experience in a field relevant to the position.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in a research library or another large scale, integrated information technology environment.
• Demonstrated success in planning, oversight, and administration in academic/research libraries or another large scale, integrated information technology environment, including effective leadership, supervisory, and budgetary skills.
• Ability to inspire, build trust, lead organizational change, empower professional growth, and engage faculty and staff in delivering user-centered services.
• Collaborative management style that emphasizes partnership in service delivery.
• Strong analytical and decision making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, written, and collaboration skills for communicating complex issues and perspectives to a wide range of constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge and understanding of significant trends and issues in the application of information technology to libraries and/or higher education, including research support and information management services and solutions.
• National or international reputation in the field of information technology in libraries and/or higher education.
• Significant record of participation in relevant collaborative initiatives and professional associations.

About OSU Libraries:  A Driving Force for Change
The Ohio State University Libraries is a highly valued partner and campus leader in advancing discovery and learning for OSU, for the state of Ohio, and for an ever expanding community of world scholars. Aligned with the University’s drive to eminence in teaching, research, and service, the Libraries advance student and faculty success by delivering distinctive content and fostering intellectual connections.

A world-class public research and comprehensive teaching university such as OSU demands a top research library, and OSU Libraries is rising to eminence along with the rest of the University. The Libraries, a leader among peers, is currently ranked in the top 10 among the public university members of the Association of Research Libraries, a reflection of the investment of the University. This ranking also places OSU Libraries within the top 20 of 126 ARL member libraries. The OSU Libraries is an essential charter member of OhioLINK, a consortium of 93 Ohio academic libraries and the State Library of Ohio, and shares resources through that organization. The Libraries also enhances collections and services by participation in the CIC, the academic consortium of Big Ten institutions, the HathiTrust, DuraSpace, and DPN.

With these resources and partnerships, the University Libraries has turned its attention to rapid innovation to address the challenges of the evolving academic environment.  Recent major renovation projects, including a world-class research commons, have enhanced our spaces for collaborative and dynamic teaching, learning, and research. An ambitious talent management plan is bringing new skills and reframing long-held strengths.  Increased investment in a wide variety of digital initiatives aims to revolutionize discovery and access to our vast and distinctive resources.  Our impact reaches beyond our campus and extends the land-grant mission internationally. To learn more about the current strategic plan, visit: https://go.osu.edu/libraries_strategic_plan.  For a snapshot of our ambitions for long-term growth and innovation, visit our fundraising Campaign statement: http://library.osu.edu/news/giving-to-the-libraries. 

Appointment:
This is a full-time, permanent, 12-month appointment.  For appointment as a tenure-track faculty member, the candidate will be required to meet university and Libraries requirements for promotion and tenure.  This position may also be appointed as an Administrative/Professional (non-faculty) staff member.   Salary, position type, and faculty rank, if applicable, are dependent on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:
The University offers competitive benefits in the form of 22 days vacation, 15 days sick leave, 10 holidays, hospitalization, major medical, surgical-medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance at 2.5 times one’s annual salary.  State and alternative retirement choices are also available. For a summary of benefits, see:  http://go.osu.edu/benefitssummary.

Join Us!
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received by May 8, 2016. Please send cover letter, CV, references, and salary history and requirements to Randall McKenzie at mckenzie.87@osu.edu. Please include AD for Information Technology in the subject field.

Contact Information: Randall McKenzie, Human Resources, 1858 Neil Avenue Mall, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-292-5917.


The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.