Systems Manager

Description

PLEASE APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE AT THE URL BELOW. 

https://blc.org/page/hiring-systems-manager

Applications not submitted through our website cannot be considered.

Boston Library Consortium (BLC) is seeking a full-time Systems Manager to facilitate the implementation and continued optimization of shared technologies and systems.

You should apply if…

• You love creating the conditions that foster deeper modes of collaboration through shared systems and services
• You are excited by the challenge of building deeply intentional processes in the many big and little decisions across a diverse group of member institutions
• You find joy in building spaces of trust, connection, and shared growth

Responsibilities

This role is responsible for working closely with staff at members’ libraries, relevant BLC Communities, and the BLC staff team to improve the technological capacities and opportunities of the consortium. The position reports to BLC’s Executive Director.

Network Zone Management and Optimization (50%)

BLC is implementing a Network Zone in summer 2024 for an initial cohort of four members’ libraries. The Network Zone is a shared library services platform using the Ex Libris Alma/Primo platform that enables collaborative work in multiple areas, including resource management, discovery, and resource sharing. The Systems Manager will coordinate BLC’s implementation and optimization of the Network Zone and provide ongoing management and attention to ensure effective setup and configuration, database integrity, and ongoing development in order to support staff workflows in all functional areas. working closely with staff at members’ libraries, relevant BLC Communities, and the BLC staff team to improve the collective efficiency of technical services operations within participating members’ libraries.

• Primary responsibility for maintaining Network Zone settings and configurations, coordinating with campus staff on related local settings and configurations, and writing and maintaining related documentation.
• Monitor existing, new, and proposed Network Zone functionality to support the larger goal of increased collaborative work, including engaging the technical services community about needed functionality
• Serve as the primary point person for communication with vendors (e.g. Ex Libris and OCLC), for advocating for improvements and issue resolution, and for member library staff with questions about Network Zone functionality
• Work with Network Zone functional teams to facilitate decision-making and to determine priorities for collaborative projects that take advantage of Network Zone functionalities
• Provide recommendations to members’ libraries on best practices for use of a Network Zone in local workflows
• Engage with other consortia using Network Zones both directly and via established forums (e.g. ELUNA, Alma Consortial Focus Group)
• Attend Network Zone team meetings, and support team chairs in facilitating teams’ work through scheduling and agenda-setting support
• Analyze data and prepare analytics reports as needed
• Manage online collaborative workspaces and maintain records, files, and communications related to each of the Network Zone Teams using Google Workspace and BLC’s communication systems, in coordination with BLC’s Membership Coordinator

Local Systems Support (40%)

The Systems Manager will support local systems administration, working with library colleagues at BLC’s member institutions. These assignments will generally be long-term and focus on a range of systems projects at individual institutions, with the possibility of short-term projects in the future. Initially, responsibilities in this area include:

• Provide administrative support for institutional repository systems
• Provide administrative support for library publishing platforms
• Assist with data cleanup, data mining, and bibliometric projects
• Write custom scripts, implement APIs, and support various data-related tools

Consortial Systems and Shared Services (10%)

BLC leverages several systems at the consortial scale and maintains active membership Communities in a range of systems-related areas. The Systems Manager is responsible for consortial systems management in collaboration with other BLC staff, including the Resource Sharing Program Manager, Professional Development Program Manager, and Membership Coordinator. Responsibilities include:

• Manage systems, data reporting, and billing for BLC’s Consortial Delivery Service, Extended Delivery Service, and other deposit programs
• Engage and sustain technical services and systems-related BLC Communities (e.g. Alma/Primo Community of Practice, Technology Community of Interest, etc.) to promote sharing infrastructure, knowledge, and resources through collaborative projects across BLC’s member institutions
• Serves on internal and external committees and working groups as needed, providing constructive input to inform service enhancements and revisions to consortial policies and procedures
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects and events as assigned

Preferred Start Date

Summer 2023

Requirements

• At least three years’ demonstrated experience with metadata schema (MARC, FRBR, RDA, etc), working with MARC bibliographic records, building and running batch processes, and understanding of cataloging workflows
• Familiarity with library service platforms and other information technology tools; experience with Ex Libris’ Almo/Primo library services platform preferred
• Familiarity with scripting and working with APIs
• Adaptability, with demonstrated experience successfully coordinating complex long-term projects and immediate term, emerging day-to-day challenges
• Experience with collaboration tools used to coordinate the work of project teams (e.g. Google Drive, Basecamp, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written communication skills
• Proficiency with spreadsheet tools preferred
• Familiarity with MARC21 formats and standards for bibliographic and authority data preferred
• Empathetic communicator with high emotional intelligence
• Reputation as a highly trusted member of teams and community spaces in which you’ve previously participated
• Strong judgment to think critically about everything we are doing and ensure that BLC’s values are infused across all work
• Residence in the New England region and ability to travel frequently to the member institutions is required; relocation assistance is available for applicants outside the New England region

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree, plus at least five years’ related work experience, preferably in libraries, information technology or library systems vendors
• MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution preferred

BLC recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants presenting other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply.

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt position with an annual salary of $80,000-90,000 based on experience. Benefits include:

• Qualified Small Employer Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement providing reimbursements for qualified healthcare, dental, and vision insurance premiums and medical expenses
• 403(b) retirement account with employer contributions of up to 11% of annual salary
• 22 days paid vacation, plus 14 paid holidays, 2 personal days, and 12 days sick leave annually
• Professional development funds
• Flexible work schedule – occasional night/weekend hours may be required
• Remote work with regular travel

Application Process

• Within three weeks of application submission, you will be notified if you have been invited for an initial video interview.
• Within two weeks of completing the video interview, you will be notified if you have proceeded to the final round of interviews.
• Final round interviews may be scheduled in-person, subject to public health recommendations.
• Any offer of employment is contingent upon a review of a background check. Adverse results of a background check do not necessarily preclude an applicant from employment with BLC.

About the Boston Library Consortium

Boston Library Consortium empowers a coalition of libraries in the northeastern United States to share knowledge, infrastructure, and resources at scale.

Founded in 1970, BLC’s strength lies in its diverse membership network of public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, state libraries, public libraries, and special libraries united by a commitment to champion innovation through collaboration. For more information, visit blc.org.

BLC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.

Download a PDF version of this job description and application questions HERE.

PLEASE APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE AT THE URL BELOW. 

https://blc.org/page/hiring-systems-manager

Applications not submitted through our website cannot be considered.