Associate Director for Research & Learning, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA

Posted February 8, 2022

Description:

Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Library
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and grade/range

General Summary of Position:

The University Library at UMass Lowell is seeking an experienced practitioner and budding leader to join our team during an exciting period of self-examination and growth. The newly-created role of Associate Director for Research & Learning was conceived to provide leadership for services and staffing models that support the educational and scholarly activities of the University. The Associate Director will have a chance to build the Research & Learning team and envision new service models. A key member of the Library’s leadership team, the Associate Director for Research & Learning contributes expertise and knowledge of trends in research and learning in the academic library setting, collaborates with colleagues across campus at a high level (deans/directors) on initiatives that support emerging needs such as OERs, data management, faculty research support, and library collections/spaces, and connects learners and researchers with the resources of the University Library, including the rich archival holdings of the Center for Lowell History.

We want candidates to know that we are committed to helping our colleagues develop professionally throughout their time at UML; we do not expect all applicants to possess all of the preferred qualifications we list here. We welcome applications from people who embrace lifelong learning and are passionate about providing meaningful and equitable access to information, resources, and services that enable the success of a diverse and engaged community. If you are excited by the prospect of being part of a team that is seeking the best path forward to serve the current needs and future goals of our community, we hope you consider submitting your application to this position.

The Associate Director for Research & Learning is the team leader for the Library’s reference, instruction, research support, collection development, and outreach activities, working toward offering consistent levels of service in these areas to the entire UML community. In addition, the Associate Director for Research & Learning stays abreast of trends and practices in research and learning in academic libraries and brings this expertise to the Library Leadership Team.

Essential Job Duties:

Lead Research & Learning team

Hire, train, manage, and lead a team of professional staff (5-6 full-time and other part-time librarians) who perform work in the areas of reference, instruction, research support, collections strategy, and outreach; participate in the delivery of these services. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and training in these areas.

Collections strategy

Lead a progressive approach to collections strategies that ensure equitable materials support across all departments and programs. Develop and implement collections policies and procedures.

OER implementation

Collaborate on Library, University, and statewide OER initiatives, participating in the leadership efforts at an institutional level and overseeing the Research & Learning team’s implementation of OER initiatives at school/college/departmental levels.

Research and publication support

Oversee liaison efforts of Research & Learning team in identifying faculty research and publication needs. Participate, as a member of the Library Leadership Team, in developing plans to support current needs and new opportunities in this area, including digital scholarship, data management, and open access publishing.

Promote the resources of the Center for Lowell History

Lead the Research & Learning team’s collaboration with staff from the Center for Lowell History to increase engagement of faculty, students, and researchers with the Center for Lowell History collections.

Library strategy and planning

As a member of the Library’s leadership team, contribute to the development of strategic, operational, and financial planning, bringing expertise and knowledge of trends in research and learning in the academic library setting.

Promote the University’s commitment to customer service by:

Building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.

Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
Embracing lifelong learning and professional development for themselves and their staff.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or related/relevant discipline

Experience:

5-7 years in an academic library; significant experience supervising professional (MLS) staff
Skills:

Reference and research support
Library instruction
Collection development and collections strategy
Outreach to academic departments
Experience working directly with faculty
Awareness and understanding of the technology and trends in supporting research and learning in the library context
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and in writing

Preferred Qualifications:

Second Master’s degree
Experience leading collaborative projects
Experience supporting the adoption of OERs
Experience supporting digital scholarship initiatives

Additional Considerations:

We are looking for a colleague who is innovative, data-driven, and service-oriented, with excellent judgment

How to apply:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P21.

Initial review of applications will begin March 7, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required at the time of application.

Apply at: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/822/lowell/en-us/job/513071/associate-director-of-research-learning

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is committed to increasing diversity in its faculty, staff, and student populations, as well as curriculum and support programs, while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in this area.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.

Applications Open: Feb 08 2022
Applications Close: Open until filled