Director, Digital Technologies and Services, University Libraries

Director, Digital Technologies and Services, University Libraries

The Director, Digital Technologies and Services (DTS) is responsible for the Library Services Platform (Alma/Primo) management that supports all of the university's four libraries (including the Law Library); IT infrastructure and inventory; online applications management and development, including for library content management and discovery tools; web services; desktop support; and other special technology projects as required. This position reports to the Associate Dean, Digital Strategies and Systems. The Director leads a range of library faculty and staff on both extended projects and time-limited assignments, collaborating with stakeholders throughout the libraries to build and maintain an understanding of user needs and available technology solutions. They participate in committees, workgroups, or projects, as required, to share knowledge, develop best practices, and advance the work of the libraries and other assigned duties.

Responsibilities:

• Technology Infrastructure Management and Strategy: Provides direction for the libraries' primary services delivery platform (Alma), as well as the public-facing discovery system (Primo), administration of authenticated access sub-systems to provide content and services to local and remote users, IT infrastructure to include onsite and remote servers, online application development, web services to include the libraries' primary website (library.gmu.edu), and desktop support for libraries staff and public users. Provides a leadership role in the design, planning, development, management and enhancements of the libraries' electronic resources and web presence. Contributes to areas of work within the unit, as needed. Collaborates and coordinates with library departments in all aspects of IT needs.
• Technology Services Change Management: In collaboration with the Associate Dean, Digital Strategies and Services (DSS), evaluates emergent best practices and technologies that would improve the libraries' efficiency and effectiveness in IT operations and library system management, and strategically reskills and directs DTS staff to meet shifting needs and requirements.
• Supervision: Sets clear performance goals that align with the libraries' mission and strategic plan. Effectively communicates expectations to team members, organizes workflows to optimize productivity, and ensures clarity around roles and responsibilities. Drives employee engagement and development by monitoring performance, providing actionable feedback, fostering professional growth through coaching and training, and promoting a collaborative work environment. Champions compliance by upholding university policies, legal standards, and ethical practices, and takes decisive action when necessary to address performance and/or behavioral issues.
• Emergency Preparedness and Digital Preservation: Develops and maintains a strategy to prevent, mitigate, and recover from data loss due to unexpected events. Conducts IT risk assessment; implements systems, such as backups and remote storage, to provide proactive mitigation; and creates and maintains documentation to support operational continuity. Researches best practices and approaches for IT infrastructure to support digital preservation to ensure the long-term accessibility of digital assets.
• Service and Scholarship: Engages in university and professional service, and in research and creative work as outlined in the George Mason University Librarians' Handbook and University Libraries Librarians' Council Bylaws.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library or Information Science, or an equivalent certified foreign degree;
• Significant experience leading digital technology (operating systems, data structures, programming, and networking) initiatives, including demonstrated ability to stay abreast of evolving information technologies;
• Considerable experience with Library Services Platform technology;
• Considerable technology project management experience, including planning, executing, and delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget (if applicable), and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives;
• Experience supervising staff and/or teams;
• Knowledge of current and emerging information technologies to retrieve, create, and provide information products, services, and tools in a library environment;
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software, networks, and related technologies;
• Skill in analyzing software packages and hardware configurations to determine those that best fit the organization;
• Strong communication skills to convey complex, technical concepts with clarity and impact to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences;
• Skill with effective delegation, including setting clear expectations and providing adequate supervision; and
• Ability to build relationships and foster trust and collaboration across diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Considerable experience with the Alma/Primo library management system;
• Experience managing system migrations to the cloud;
• Ability to lead organizational change in response to evolving technologies; and
• Web and digital development knowledge and skills.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Director, Digital Technologies and Services, University Libraries at Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Please note that candidates selected for the final interview will be expected to come to the Fairfax campus and present, based on an assigned prompt, to a hybrid audience (in-person and online) consisting of Library faculty, staff, and other constituents.