Senior Manager, Software Systems Development & Research

Description

The Senior Manager of Software Systems Development & Research (SSDR) department provides leadership in the development, integration, testing and deployment of digital library software systems and tools at the Information Technology Division (ITD) of the University of Maryland Libraries. The SSDR Manager will be responsible for gathering technical requirements from 16 University System of Maryland Libraries, which form a state-wide consortium, and coordinate development of tools and services for member institutions. The technical infrastructure and environment in the member libraries vary from one another significantly and technical requirements can vary widely. The SSDR Manager is responsible for coordinating efforts to come up with designs that meet the varied needs of the Consortium member libraries.

The SSDR Manager serves as a senior member of the Information Technology Division (ITD), reporting to the Associate Dean of Information Technology at the University of Maryland Libraries.  The incumbent provides leadership and direct supervision to a professional team of software developers and architects.  The SSDR Manager will be responsible for developing and managing budgets for approved projects and initiatives of the department.  The Senior Manager will also be responsible for developing annual budgets for the SSDR team, for presenting that budget to the higher-level management and for executing budgets, once they are approved. The SSDR Manager will be responsible for the research, development, deployment, support and management of library application software and software systems; and for the integration, implementation, and maintenance of software to provide acquisition, curation, preservation, access and discovery services to the libraries’ collections. The software development activities encompass all phases of software development lifecycle, including implementation of interfaces to other software systems, development of Web interfaces and user interfaces for the tools developed in SSDR.The SSDR Manager recommends policies, procedures, standards and guidelines related to software development, information management and workflows to the Associate Dean of Information Technology. The SSDR Manager will lead requirements analysis exercises to gather, evaluate and document library users’ needs, and will develop and manage projects and plans to meet those needs.

DUTIES:

• Planning, coordinating and managing the design, implementation, testing and maintenance of library software applications and services (60%)
  • Define project scope, goals and deliverables. Develop full-scale project plans and associated communications documents.
  • Plan, schedule, and monitor project timelines and milestones using appropriate project management tools.
• Leading and supervising professional technical staff (30%)
  • Identify and plan work priorities and assign work to team members as appropriate; streamline workflows; foster collaboration across the team.
  • Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise project team members.
  • In collaboration with employees, develop annual performance goals, monitor progress, and provide guidance and redirection as needed.
  • Encourage, seek and facilitate professional development opportunities for staff; include professional development goals in annual performance reviews.
• Representing the UMD Libraries’ technical interests in committees around UMD Campus and elsewhere, in public forums and in collaboration with external organizations (10%)
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises a team of about 7 members including staff and contractors. Additionally, a team of
students will be part of the team who will need direction and assignment of duties. Responsible
for hiring recommendations, annual performance evaluations, and merit reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated Abilities:

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to meet the technical requirements of multiple organizations with complex structures and consortial relationships.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, time management and communication (oral and
• written) skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets that involve multiple organizations and institutions.
• Positive interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, with multiple stake holders, and with technical and library staff having widely varied skill sets and technical knowledge.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to identify emerging trends in libraries and relevant technology.

Education: A Bachelor’s or higher degree in Computer or Information Sciences, Information
Management, Information Systems or related field.

Experience

Required:

• A minimum of five (5) years experience in a supervisory and managerial role (e.g.
• project leader, project manager, program manager).
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in software development.
• Familiarity with library software applications and systems, as well as new trends/developments in this field.

Preferred:

• Experience with commercial and/or open source library software solutions.
• Knowledge of and experience with applying project management principles (PMP certification preferred).
• Experience supporting applications running in Unix/Linux and Windows environment(s).
• Experience managing software application development lifecycle.
• Programming and/or database administration experience.
• Experience delivering presentations.