HEAD, SPECIALIZED CONTENT & SERVICES [Library Department Head]

The MIT Libraries seek an experienced customer-oriented manager of services and technology to lead its newly formed Specialized Content and Services (SCS) Department. This is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership in the planning, coordination, implementation, delivery, administration, and assessment of an important array of 21st century library services and content which are used across multiple disciplines and communities. This position will oversee the coordination and delivery of a suite of robust and growing services focused around specialized, technology-intensive data types. Among the library services included in the current SCS portfolio are images, GIS, bioinformatics, science/engineering and social science data, community video sharing, classroom video capture, and music.

The Head of this new department will spearhead the development and execution of a shared vision and strategic plan for Specialized Content and Services. S/he will lead an entrepreneurial and service-focused staff in establishing and achieving customer-oriented goals and service standards for the work of SCS and will oversee the development of appropriate assessment activities that measure and ensure the effectiveness of the group's operations.  Within this staff of over two dozen library, IT, other professional and support staff, the Head will foster a working environment that promotes and supports productivity, creativity, innovation and collaboration. S/he will manage human, fiscal and technology resources to optimize support of current and future initiatives. 

The SCS Department works synergistically with other units of the MIT Libraries including instruction and reference, digital preservation, research, technical development, and marketing to deliver an integrated portfolio of services to the MIT community. The Head of SCS will lead and support these internal partnerships and will work to cultivate and strengthen collaborative relationships with other MIT departments and appropriate external partners. The Head of SCS will also participate and contribute to professional networks of others engaged in similar work. 

As one of five department heads reporting to the Associate Director for Research and Instructional Services (RIS), the Head of Specialized Content and Services will participate in developing the overall strategy and goals for the directorate. S/he will collaborate with other library department heads in prioritizing services and initiatives, planning for their implementation, setting system-wide policies, and developing effective cross-group work practices. And, as a member of Library Council s/he will participate in Libraries-wide governance activities.  
 
QUALIFICATIONS:  Required - A graduate degree in a related field, e.g. library and/or information science, computer science, management. Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in a client-centered service organization, with a minimum of 5 years of management and supervisory experience that demonstrates success in managing, motivating and leading complex, technology-driven teams. Experience in or demonstrated understanding of academic, research and/or library environments. Substantive knowledge of digital media and the technical infrastructure required for its life-cycle management and metadata requirements. Knowledge of library systems and digital libraries, and familiarity with software development. Proven ability to manage complex, long-term projects, and flexibility in meeting objectives and implementing creative solutions. Demonstrated service commitment and success in user-centered service delivery. Excellent analytical and communication skills. Proven success in collaboration and strategic partnering. A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion both in supporting a diverse workforce and serving the needs of a diverse population. A record of sustained professional contribution.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  Apply online at: http://hrweb.mit.edu/staffing/. Please include cover letter, formatted resume, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2010 and will continue until position is filled.  MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and minority candidates.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:  $90,000 minimum. Actual salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health and retirement plans, a dental plan, tuition assistance and a relocation allowance.  The MIT Libraries afford a flexible and collegial working environment and foster professional growth of staff with management training and travel funding for professional meetings.  

The MIT Libraries support the Institute's programs of research and study with holdings of more than 2.9 million print volumes and 3.1 million special format items. In addition, rare special collections, Institute records, historical documents, and papers of noted faculty are held in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. Myriad library resources are accessible to students and researchers through the Libraries' online portal (libraries.mit.edu), and library spaces are widely available for both collaborative work and quiet study. Traditional library resources are supplemented by innovative services for bioinformatics, GIS, metadata, and social science data, as well as multimedia facilities and services for video production, conferencing, webcasting and distance education. The Libraries utilize the Ex Libris Aleph system for its public Web-based catalog and as the support system for user service and processing functions. DSpace at MIT, a digital repository developed over the past ten years by the MIT Libraries, serves to capture, preserve and communicate the intellectual output of MIT's faculty and research community. Through a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, the MIT Libraries are redefining the role of the 21st century library - preserving and making collections more accessible than ever before, and shaping the future of scholarly research. Libraries' staff, at all levels, contribute to this spirit of innovation and to the mission of promoting learning, discovery and the advancement of knowledge at MIT and beyond. MIT Libraries maintain membership in the Association of Research Libraries, the Boston Library Consortium, OCLC, EDUCAUSE, the Coalition of Networked Information, and the Digital Library Federation.


Steve Gass
Associate Director for Research & Instructional Services
Acting Head, Specialized Content & Services
MIT Libraries
617.253.7058
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http://libraries.mit.edu