Head, Digital Research & Publishing

Description

The University of Iowa Libraries seeks a dynamic, innovative, and accomplished professional for the position of Head, Digital Research & Publishing (DRP). Review of applicant materials will begin on February 18, 2013; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable. Appointment will be made at the Specialist Librarian (II) or Expert Librarian (III) level, depending on qualifications. Salary ranges: Specialist Librarian $47,133 - $59,987; Expert Librarian $57,502-$73,184. To help facilitate your application process, note the requisition number #62182.

Formerly Digital Library Services, DRP was recently redefined with a mission to explore ways that academic libraries can best leverage digital collections, resources, and expertise to support faculty, research staff, and student scholars in their own research and scholarly activities. Specifically, DRP collaborates on interdisciplinary scholarship built upon digital collections, offers publishing services to support sustainable scholarly communication, engages the community through participatory archive initiatives, explores new technologies such as geospatial applications and linked open data, and oversees the University’s institutional repository.

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Information Technology, the Head of DRP has direct administrative responsibility for the department’s strategic planning, staffing, and daily operations. This position serves as a senior advisor to library management and interacts extensively with other campus units and library departments on issues related to digital research and publishing. The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively, think strategically, lead effectively, negotiate solutions among diverse stakeholders with competing interests, and articulate the evolving role of a modern academic library.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage all aspects of the department, from strategic planning to daily operations.
• Supervise and mentor staff.
• Plan and manage projects: define goals, develop budgets and timelines, effectively coordinate staff and technology resources, maintain vendor contacts, and work with subject specialists, IT professionals, designers, and public relations staff.
• Identify and pursue relevant funding opportunities.
• Oversee locally created digital repositories (Iowa Digital Library and Iowa Research Online).
• Work collaboratively with faculty to promote and support digital publishing and open access.
• Develop and oversee programming and engagement activities, typically in collaboration with campus partners.
• Build awareness of and support for the management and preservation of digital publications and related materials including research data.
• Monitor trends in digital scholarship and digital library programs to ensure that Iowa adopts new and emerging technologies for the benefit of campus scholars and for the public good.
• Participate in developing and helping to shape the library’s strategic plan.
• Encourage experimentation and risk-taking in digital scholarship projects as part of professional growth and innovative service to faculty and students.
• Contribute to the profession through research, publishing, teaching, and/or service.
• Participate in and contribute to relevant library and University-wide activities and committees.
• Represent the University Libraries in campus-wide and inter-institutional initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (master's or above) in a field related to the position (e.g., MLS from an ALA-accredited institution, MA with a certificate in digital humanities, PhD in a related discipline with a digital collections emphasis).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience planning and managing projects and project teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging trends in digital scholarship.
• Demonstrated ability to work creatively in a rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, collaboration and cooperation are essential.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity in the workplace or community.
• Demonstrated understanding of the mission of a research university and the mission and functions of a large research library.
• Three or more years of professional experience plus demonstrated evidence of achievement in professional development that will enhance the candidate’s value to the Libraries, the University, the profession, or the scholarly community.
• Three years of experience plus demonstrated involvement in professional development to qualify as Specialist [II] Librarian.
• Six years of experience plus evidence of continuing achievement in professional development, particularly at a national level, to qualify as Expert [III] Librarian.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to articulate the value of digital library collections and digital repositories in a teaching and research environment.
• Familiarity with the mobile and web-based technologies used in social media and demonstrated ability to learn new technology quickly.
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in intellectual property, copyright, and fair use.
• Knowledge of current issues in scholarly publishing, open access, and data sharing.
• Experience in management and supervision.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in digital library initiatives.
• Strong public speaking skills in an academic setting.

The University of Iowa offers an attractive package of benefits including 24 days of paid vacation per year, your choice between two retirement plans and two University of Iowa health insurance plans, dental insurance, pre-tax child and health care spending accounts, and additional options.

THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN AND MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

To see a full position vacancy announcement and find more information about the University of Iowa Libraries and community, please see www.lib.uiowa.edu/about/employment/.