Library Web Services Manager

Description

Amherst College invites applications for the Library Web Services Manager position. The Library Web Services Manager is a full-time, year-round position, starting at $72,000 - commensurate with experience. Given Amherst’s distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

Provides leadership, coordination, and updates to the library’s front-end web interfaces and related digital infrastructure. Provides web user interface, user experience, and accessibility expertise to the library. Working collaboratively with a diverse group of library departments and campus partners, the Library Web Services Manager oversees project management and ongoing support for the library website and some integrated tools and systems. The position leads the library web strategy across our platforms, oversees maintenance of library web systems, and will lead a comprehensive redesign of the library website. Working with the Senior Digital Library Software Developer, the position also assists in the maintenance of the library’s systems and tools supporting digital asset management, digital preservation, and library digital infrastructure. Works collaboratively with colleagues in campus IT, as well as external partners and members of the Five Colleges.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Library website management and administration

• Manages and updates the library website, including setting and implementing web content strategy.

• Conducts troubleshooting and general support for a diverse set of website stakeholders, including coordinating with campus IT, training staff, creating documentation, managing and tracking ongoing support issues, and advocating for support as needed.

• Leads the strategy for the library web and related digital infrastructure, including leading and exploring the role of the library’s web group.

• Advocates for and leads a library website redesign in support of our community needs.

• In collaboration with the UX Strategist and Electronic Resources & Discovery Librarian, assesses web content and infrastructure, designing usability tests, building roadmaps, gathering statistics, and recommending updates based on research and knowledge of usability and standards for web interfaces.

• In collaboration with other campus digital accessibility stakeholders, ensures that library web content and design meet current accessibility standards.

• In collaboration with the Electronic Resources & Discovery Librarian, coordinates integration of the library’s discovery tools with the library website.

• In collaboration with the UX Strategist, coordinates content creation and management on LibGuides including use of templates, regular content reviews, system maintenance, and best practices for usability and accessibility.

• Collaborates with other library content creators, maintainers, and stakeholders to ensure website content is accurate and updated and web style is consistent across platforms.

• Creates and maintains complete, clear, well-written documentation on systems they oversee, both as a means of documenting system setup and for content creators where needed. Provides training and consulting support for content creators and users of web applications.

• Maintains skills and knowledge of technological developments in library digital infrastructure and web development.

Digital asset management

• Provides backup for the Senior Digital Library Software Developer as needed for digital asset management and repository functions such as providing system administration, integration, and storage provisioning, assisting with asset ingest and maintenance, security monitoring, updating services, and troubleshooting system issues.

• Provides input on front-end implementation and setup of digital asset management and repository systems and ensures that library digital asset management and repository systems meet usability and accessibility standards.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree OR 5 years of professional experience in an environment supporting scholarly content.

• Experience in creating and maintaining a website in Drupal, or similar content management system. 

• Experience in designing and maintaining a website from concept to product, including the iterative process of working with stakeholders and product owners, and implementing proven methods of UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) design and accessibility standards.

• Experience in Unix operating system, particularly file management, terminal text editor applications, user management, searching through and parsing logs, etc. 

• Familiarity with at least one scripting language, such as PHP, JavaScript, Python, Perl and Bash.

• Experience in project management, particularly in its application to web development and digital projects, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with a variety of team members and stakeholders.

• Ability to read HTML and CSS.

• Experience with and understanding of web accessibility compliance, practices and methodologies. 

• Skill in visual design and interaction design.

• Excellent verbal and written communication and listening skills, including the ability to translate technical terms to non-technical colleagues, and the ability to work closely and problem-solve with colleagues from all library departments.

• Skill in and commitment to documenting and maintaining documentation of web processes and/or systems, both for system documentation and for training users. 

• Commitment to effectively supporting a broadly diverse and intentionally inclusive community.

Preferred

• Proficiency with at least one of the following programming languages: PHP, Python, JavaScript, Perl, Ruby.

• Experience designing, creating, and maintaining an academic or library website in collaboration with stakeholders.

• Familiarity with digital asset management systems and/or library metadata formats (e.g. MODS, DC).

• Familiarity with Google Analytics or similar, both in creating and interpreting views.

• Familiarity with LibGuides.

• Experience in collaborative environments working with both technical and non-technical partners.

• System administration skills to sufficiently manage a server.

• Experience with cloud technology, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS).

• Experience using software version control, preferably Git.

• Familiarity with project management practices for overseeing software development and implementation.

We seek to attract a broad and diverse candidate pool. Please submit your application even if you do not think you meet all of the preferred requirements.

Schedule:

• Hybrid or Fully Remote.

• To qualify for remote work, the new hire must reside in Massachusetts or Connecticut.

Amherst College offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, continued learning, and career advancement.

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Amherst_Jobs/job/Amherst-Campus/Library-Web-Services-Manager_JR4088. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.