The Director of Technology Solutions provides leadership, direction, and management for developers and systems administrators in the Libraries’ Digital Initiatives department. This position is responsible for the selection, design, and implementation of comprehensive technology solutions for the Libraries. Reporting to the Head, Digital Initiatives, this position sets strategic direction for software development, web design, and the administration of critical information systems supported by the Libraries. The position collaborates with stakeholders in the Libraries and across the university to determine immediate and long-term needs of library information systems.

As director, this position is responsible for managing projects for the Libraries ensuring products are developed on time and within budget. To do this, this position works closely with the Lead Technology Developer to define tasks and monitor the work of other staff members in the department.  They also work closely with contracted vendors to ensure work and progress stay on track.

This position is telework eligible.

Responsibilities & Duties

Team Leadership and Project Management 

Directs the work of developers and systems administrators in Digital Initiatives to design and implement comprehensive technology solutions for the University Libraries.
Provides leadership to developers, systems administrators, communications coordinators, and librarians engaged in complex projects.
Guides project timelines and manages full development cycles for technology solutions developed or delivered by the Libraries.
Leads development sprints, tracks on-going deadlines, and provides feedback and support to developers, collaborators, and other project stakeholders.
Identifies risks, anticipates problems, and develops preventative solutions to ensure projects stay on track and are finished on time and within budget.
Collaborates with the Lead Technology Developer to mentor other developers in the Libraries by answering questions, boosting confidence, and reviewing code and development procedures.
Communicates expectations and provides productive feedback to the staff this position supervises.
Sets performance and training goals for developers and systems administrators in Digital Initiatives.
Streamlines development workflows and technology stacks by designing automated processes and implementing continuous integration solutions (with Lead Technology Developer).

Systems Analysis, Development, and Programming 

Works independently to develop, implement, and maintain complex information systems.
Follows usability best practices, performs user testing, and monitors analytics data in order to improve the user experience of library patrons.
Ensures efficacy of solutions under development by establishing and maintaining the development team’s testing practices in an Agile workflow.
Customizes, enhances, and extends library information systems and software.
Evaluates and selects purpose-built, open source and commercial solutions.
Designs, prototypes, tests, and develops new services as necessary.
Collaborates with developers across campus and at other institutions on the development and extension of open source technology.
Identifies opportunities and implement new systems and services in line with the direction of the Libraries.

Strategy and Collaboration 

Collaborates with library leadership to design and develop long-term strategies to provide technology Solutions for the Libraries and support the greater campus community.
Collaborates with external stakeholders to develop solution-oriented project plans, articulate service requirements, and translate these requirements into technical specifications.
Advises and collaborates on the development of departmental goals, strategic planning, and departmental request budgets.
Solicits feedback from faculty, staff, students, and other end-users in order to evaluate and improve systems and services.
Manages relationships with the groups served by Digital Initiatives.
Translates the strategic plan of the Libraries into operational plans for Digital Initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree.
9+ years professional experience in web development or related fields with progressively responsible experience.
Supervisory experience.
Ability to effectively communicate (both orally and in writing).
Ability to mentor and coach developers and other technical staff.
Ability to listen, empathize, understand, and communicate effectively with others.
Ability to manage the execution of concurrent large-scale development projects and timelines as a team and project lead.
Ability to design and develop comprehensive integrated technology strategies.
Ability to lead team development sprints, providing on-demand feedback and guidance
Ability to identify potential pitfalls and develop solutions to ensure project deadlines and overall timelines are met
Ability to explain complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical groups alike.
Ability to lead implementation of high-impact and complex systems.
Ability to manage developers and system administrators while providing support and feedback.
Ability to stay calm and demonstrate sound judgment under pressure.
Knowledge of systems development life cycle.
Knowledge of agile project management methodologies and tools.
Knowledge of continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment.
Knowledge of usability best practices.
Knowledge of development trends employing modern and emerging technologies.
Skills in full-stack development using modern and emerging technologies.
Skills utilizing design patterns and object oriented programming.
Skills with user experience methodology, user interface design methods, and user testing.
Skills with at least two programming languages such as JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, or Python.
Skills using Git as a distributed version control system with GitHub, GitLab, etc.
Skills developing data integrations using RESTful APIs.

Preferred Qualifications

12+ years professional experience in web development or related field, with demonstrable progressively responsible experience.
Experience in a Library technology, higher ed, and/or open source development environment is preferred.
Project management / agile methodologies experience.
Ability to integrate library methodology into development practices.
Knowledge of library technology trends and platforms.
Knowledge of automated documentation generation.
Knowledge of current accessibility standards including WCAG AA 2.0 and 2.1.
Skills engineering responsive web applications using Sass as a CSS compiler.
Skills developing technology solutions using open-source content management systems with an acuity to master additional platforms.
Skills supervising a development team.
Skills developing web applications in JS frameworks such as ReactJS, Angular, or Vue.
Skills harnessing automated testing.

Environment

The UT Libraries champions diversity in collections and staffing. The University of Tennessee is committed to creating a welcoming environment. More information about how we put our principles of civility and community into action is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/.

Application Procedures

A background check is required prior to hiring.  In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit a cover letter addressing the above qualifications and a current resume.   

For assistance or questions about using the UT online application system, contact University of Tennessee Human Resources:

105 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0213

Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(865) 974-8847


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