University Libraries play a key role in upholding Washington University’s commitment to justice and racial equity. Our efforts are multifaceted and we are making an intentional effort to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our community. By making space to listen and discuss these issues, we can take actions with a goal of continuous improvement, and look forward to sharing additional details here as related projects and initiatives unfold. For more information please review the University Libraries Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website (https://library.wustl.edu/about/dei/).
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Digital Scholarship and Technology Services, the Head of Library Technology Services provides leadership and expertise in the selection, development, and implementation of library technologies, infrastructure, and technology services for Libraries staff and users of the Libraries. The incumbent directs a professional staff of software developers, end user support specialists, and other information professionals to develop, implement, and manage sustainable operations and strategic initiatives collaboratively in support of the Libraries’ technology priorities.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Managerial Duties
Managerial Leadership: Provide leadership, vision, and direction for the Library Technology Services unit: Lead the work of collaborating staff, coordinate Libraries-wide work and programming, and facilitate organizational contributions of the program with visible leadership that promotes a culture of performance: Initiate and lead the planning, implementation, and assessment of program services and activities in alignment with Library strategic directions. Lead the planning, development and implementation of a comprehensive Library-wide scholarly communication program, including research services, education and outreach programming, and policy protocols.
Performance Management: Hire, train, direct, and mentor staff to carry out duties at the expected high level of performance, and regularly assess staffing performance effectiveness with clearly articulated performance expectations and regular, timely feedback in alignment with organizational processes and standards.
Workplace Management: Develop, implement, and assess short- and long-term strategies for conducting unit services and key project activities; manage and regularly evaluate assignment of work and responsibilities for effective accomplishment of unit objectives; and manage an inclusive and equitable work environment for operations.
Managerial Communication: Consistently demonstrate accurate, timely, informed, bi-lateral communications relevant to unit, organizational, and institutional issues, and manage unit awareness of organizational communications, including unit requirements and goals resulting from organizational strategy.
Works with Libraries administration, unit heads, and staff to evaluate, prioritize, and manage technology applications, infrastructure, and initiatives in the Libraries, including the alignment of technology resources, collections and access systems, and digital library infrastructure.
Actively collaborates with Libraries staff to evaluate, explore, and implement new technology platforms and services to meet the needs of WU community and the Libraries’ mission.
Acts as a liaison and point of contact on behalf of the Libraries with Washington University IT and other key campus partners for issues related to information technologies. Collaborates with relevant Libraries staff and campus partners on service models, partnerships, and technology-related opportunities that support the Washington University community and mission. Collaborates and manages relationships with campus-wide technology services and external vendors to ensure proper implementation and management of hardware infrastructures, security policies, and authentication/authorization procedures in the Libraries.
Maintains awareness of national and international best practices and advances in information technology services, including applications, implementations, and frameworks. Represents WUSTL and WU Libraries nationally and internationally in professional associations and relevant forums for higher education technology services.
Performs other duties as assigned or as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, data science, and/or another relevant field plus at least five years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Sciences, or other related fields; or an equivalent combination of education and years of relevant work experience.
At least three years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated experience in leading a team in planning, developing, and implementing short-term initiatives and/or long-term services.
Experience in leading DevOp practices and tools.
Experience in evaluating, implementing, and maintaining open source and proprietary software.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively plan, coordinate, and implement effective projects, both independently and in a team environment; and manage multiple and simultaneous projects.
Experience with hardware virtualization environments.
Working knowledge of authentication and authorization technologies, including LDAP and Active Directory.
Experience with implementation and management of cloud services to support production systems.
Demonstrated experience with Unix/Linux, including basic administration and shell scripting.
Experience with SAN disk array storage as well as protocols like NFS and CIFS.
Familiarity with automation/configuration management (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, or Chef).
Experience with SQL, MySQL, and related database platforms, including management and deployment.
Familiarity with managing server-side technologies.
Knowledge of information security best practices and experience in automating security patching.
A working understanding of code and script.
Experience in managing technologies for a large academic, cultural heritage, or research institution.
Demonstrated project management experience with complex digital initiatives involving many stakeholders.
Experience with repository systems such as Fedora Commons, Hydra/Samvera, Islandora, DSpace, or other digital library applications and standards.
Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to lead and manage services and projects.
Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team-based environment, and to communicate well with IT and non-IT staff.
Demonstrated ability to write clear documentation.
Ability to organize and lead a group of professionals.
Ability to learn new technologies and train others in their uses.
Ability to operationalize project requirements.
Demonstrated capability as a self-starter.
Ability to work and thrive within a rapidly changing professional environment.
Required Qualifications
ALA Accredited MLS/MLIS or other subject MA or higher degree.
