Director of Information Systems and Technology

Description

The Director of Information Systems and Technology is responsible for the overall planning, management, and coordination of the University of Arkansas Libraries’ information technology infrastructure, including both enterprise and locally hosted systems, resource discovery and management, website and intranet administration, desktop support, digital storage management, and technology training.  Reporting to the Associate Dean for Content and Digital Initiatives, the director works collaboratively within the Libraries and externally with campus University Information Technology Services, Procurement Services, and technology vendors to identify, develop, and manage adoption of technology infrastructure necessary to meet the current and future needs of faculty, students, and Libraries’ personnel.  The director is responsible for the budgeting and prioritization of library technology needs in relation to key projects and resources, including personnel and supervises the performance and development of library personnel engaged in web services and development, user experience and discovery, server and systems support, and desktop support work.  The director will work with content and service experts to create an integrated information environment by developing and extending the Libraries’ technology resources in support of faculty and student teaching, learning, research, and scholarship. 

Duties and Responsibilities:  Responsible for setting strategic goals, budgeting, and allocating resources.  Oversees the successful implementation, maintenance, refreshment, and integration of the Library’s information technology program, which includes on premise, locally hosted, and vendor hosted enterprise services. Develops and implements the strategy, policy, and procedures around how new technology projects are requested and implemented at the library. Provides supervision, leadership, and guidance in staff performance, training, and development. Provides high level oversight for all aspects of library information technology, including digital repository, digital preservation, content management systems, Integrated Library Systems and discovery services, web services, application development, and computer security and support. Engages in product, user, and service assessments and ensures that statistics and other data relevant to the goals and work of the unit is accurate and timely. Serves as primary resource for other operating units, University offices, academic departments, and outside agencies regarding library IT services and procedures.

Coordinates and collaborates with partners in the Library, University IT Services, and other campus units to ensure that the Libraries’ digital infrastructure and services are aligned with the University’s technology strategies and infrastructure, including meeting accepted and emerging security and access protocols, and responding to the needs of students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. Oversees the development of new infrastructure to increase the Libraries’ capacity to manage and support technology-intensive projects and services. Ensures service delivery in the most cost-effective manner possible by reducing redundancy of infrastructure and leveraging shared services when possible. Maintains awareness of and implements new technologies and appropriate tools to continuously improve library operations and services and to support the Libraries’ research, teaching and learning agendas. Provides guidance on technology-rich innovation spaces in support of research and scholarship.

Along with performance, this position includes research and creative work and service in keeping with the faculty requirements of the University of Arkansas.  This position develops and disseminates a scholarly research agenda through publications, presentations, and other appropriate venues; participates in opportunities to serve the libraries, university, and profession; and participates in professional development activities, including attending workshops, webinars, and conferences to augment existing training and skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: 

• ALA accredited master’s degree in library science, or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline (computer science, information systems/technology)
• Significant experience working with library systems and digital library development with evidence of broad, in-depth technology and systems knowledge and skills
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including leading and managing complex teams in a rapidly changing environment working in collaborative environments
• Demonstrated experience working with integrated library systems, resource management systems, computer hardware and software, and network operating systems
• Knowledge of digital repositories, high density storage systems, archival catalogs, and other metadata and discovery systems
• Familiarity with Information Standards and Protocols such as Dublin Core, MARC, Z39.50, OAI/PMH, and the OpenURL framework
• Knowledge of web client and server applications, databases, web programming environment, HTML, CSS, XML, PHP, Git, SQL, Python and scripting languages
• Knowledge of user authentication/authorization protocols, including CAS, SAML, and LDAP
• Superior oral and written communication including the ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of key issues, best practices, and emerging technologies critical to information technology, digital initiatives, and web services in an academic environment
• Demonstrated experience working in and cultivating a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so

Preferred

• Experience with Alma/Primo, III Sierra/Summon
• Demonstrated experience leading IT and/or web projects in a higher education or a library setting
• Demonstrated experience with the implementation and maintenance of open-source applications
• Direct supervisory experience
• Experience working collaboratively with library consortia
• Experience in a variety of web scripting languages and standards (e.g., JavaScript, AJAX, XML, XSLT, CSS)

Rank and Salary: Tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor or Associate Librarian / Associate Professor.  Salary: $80,000 minimum.

Benefits: Relocation allowance available. Benefits include TIAA or Fidelity Investments, 22 days of annual leave, tuition reduction, and health insurance.

Background: 

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations. Ten colleges and schools serve more than 27,600 students with 200+ academic programs. U of A students earn nationally competitive awards at an impressive rate and represent all 50 states and 120 countries.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life. Arkansas is a natural wonder of forests, mountains and lakes framed by picturesque rivers and streams. Some of the best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are a short drive from campus.

The University Libraries are poised to rethink our services, spaces, collections, and programs supporting our faculty, students, and the state of Arkansas. The University Libraries are comprised of Mullins Library and three branch libraries: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Fine Arts, Physics, as well as two storage facilities.  Our libraries have a budget of approximately $15 million, and a workforce of 150 faculty, professional, and classified staff.  For more information, please go to https://libraries.uark.edu/jointheteam/.

Application deadline and contact information. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Completed applications received by May 6, 2021, will receive full consideration. For the full posting or to apply, please go to https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS/job/Fayetteville/Director-of-Information-Systems-and-Technology_R0002939. When completing your application, please upload the following: letter of application, résumé, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three current references.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.  The University welcomes applications without regard to age, race/color, gender, pregnancy, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.  Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.  All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.