Discovery Systems Program Manager

Position Summary Reporting to the Director of Digital Programs and Client Services, the Discovery Systems Program Manager will play a lead role in establishing a cohesive, effective, and achievable discovery systems program. The position will be responsible for oversight of the discovery systems program including shepherding discovery systems projects. This position will collaborate with various stakeholder groups, including those within Emory University Libraries, to identify standards, best practices, and quality control processes for Emory University Libraries’ discovery systems presence. The Discovery Systems Program Manager will be expected to prepare project proposals and business cases to gain approval for discovery systems projects for Emory University Libraries. Additionally, this position will work with others to develop recommendations for service management and operations once products and systems are production-ready. Additionally, this individual will be asked to coordinate and work with third-party vendors associated with discovery systems development. The position may also coordinate and/or direct the work of staff, students, or consultants engaged in projects/initiatives related to the program.  Emory Libraries requires that our employees recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential core values to achieving our mission to enrich the quality of life in an inclusive work environment through competency training, reassurance of personal growth, restorative communication practices, and embrace our diverse identities of patrons within the Emory community. Essential Responsibilities & Duties Program Management

1. Coordinates multiple products and initiatives focused on the development and operations of a comprehensive discovery systems program for Emory University Libraries.
2. Works closely with the Libraries’ Project Management Office and project managers to track outcomes and facilitate communications with stakeholder groups for projects and initiatives.
3. Develops/maintains product and program roadmaps, in consultation with LTDS Leadership, the libraries’ leadership and wider library community (i.e., open-source communities and vendor communities).
4. Participates in and/or leads committees, task forces, and advisory groups related to the program.
5. Represents program to internal and external customers and partners in coordination with LTDS leadership.
6. Identifies needs for and contributes to policy development to support program operations.
7. Partners with LTDS Leadership to maintain program’s strategic alignment with overall technology portfolio, the Division’s strategic goals, and the libraries’ overall roadmap.

Product Management 

1. Develops service metrics and assessment plans (e.g., user experience research, analytics evaluation, etc.) to evaluate product success, challenges, or the need to sunset.
2. Articulates business or technical requirements from service owners, content owners, other product and program managers, software developers, system administrators, and additional stakeholders to inform ongoing programmatic needs.
3. Works with LTDS leadership to define service agreements; contributes to operational support as it relates to enhancements defined by service agreement roles.
4. Works with the Assessment and User Experience Department, recruiting, designing, and performing user experience research as appropriate.

Product Development Works with Library Technology to assess technical feasibility and determine resourcing needs for projects.

1. Participates in product development sprints, often serving as product owner, to articulate requirements and prioritize features, establish acceptance criteria, and coordinate testing with user bases.
2. Supports relevant library technology governance activities as needed to approve business cases.
3. Partners with the libraries’ service owners, content owners, and end-users in workflow/business process design related to technology implementation.
4. Works with other product and program managers in LTDS to develop processes and best practices to enhance overall library IT service delivery.

Professional Division Contributions

1. Assists with the division’s communication and reporting initiatives, such as All Staff Meetings and annual reports
2. Contributes to the general strategic planning process for the division
3. Assists with other projects for the division

Professional Responsibilities

1. Participates in appropriate professional and scholarly associations and organizations including maintaining membership and/or accreditation; attending meetings, conferences, workshops; and serving in appointed or elected positions.
2. Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge and skills in areas related to primary job assignment as well as maintains general knowledge of current trends in higher education, academic libraries, and information and educational technology.
3. Adheres to guidelines outlined in the Handbook Governing the Librarian series for Faculty-Equivalent Librariansto ensure appointment, appointment renewal and promotion-in-rank
4. Participates in library and campus committees as appropriate for service purposes.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science OR equivalent education and relevant library experience.
• Three or more years of professional experience.
• Experience managing large-scale discovery systems projects and programs including development of and integrations with discovery systems for integrated library systems (catalog), electronic resources, digital repositories, special collections, and archival collections.
• Proficiency with cataloging rules and descriptive standards (MARC, RDA, etc.), familiarity with non-MARC metadata and emerging metadata standards.
• Experience producing artifacts for discovery systems-related projects and programs such as product boards, wireframes, and stakeholder analyses.
• Demonstrated knowledge of web and accessibility standards including W3C protocols and WCAG.
• Demonstrated ability to establish or refine operational workflows across multiple business units
• Ability to take initiative and ownership of the discovery systems program to ensure goals and objectives are met, risks are identified and mitigated, and successes are recognized.
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships with library staff, faculty and students, off campus faculty and administrators, campus administrators, and third-party vendors.
• Evidence of analytical, organizational, communication, project, and time management skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget and in accordance with task/project parameters.
• Demonstrated proficiency and capabilities with various technology applications and platforms such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other productivity software; Zenhub; ServiceNow; Adobe Creative Suite; Figma; Slack; and Lucidchart.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment and workplace and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty and student population.
• Capacity to thrive in an ambiguous, future-oriented environment of a major research institution and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends and issues in academic libraries, higher education, and relevant subject disciplines.
• Evidence of active participation, involvement, and leadership in local, state, regional, national, or international professional or scholarly associations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agile and Project Management Training and Certifications (CSM, CSPO, PMP)
• Experience with ExLibris products including Alma, Central Discovery Index, and Primo
• Experience with open-source discovery platforms including Blacklight, SOLR, ArchivesSpace
• Familiarity with large-scale discovery technologies including semantic web, metadata publishing and harvesting
• Experience working in alignment within established policies, procedures, and governance models.
• Experience with IT Service Management frameworks and practices with a focus on continual improvement and effective management of services and products.
• Evidence of competence in strategic planning and in introducing and managing change in complex environments along with budget planning and administration, human resources management, and facilities and space planning and management in complex organizations.

Application Procedures Interested candidates should review the applications requirements and apply online at apply.interfolio.com/104279 Applications may be submitted as Word or PDF attachments and must include:

• Current resume/vita detailing education and relevant experience;
• Cover letter of application describing qualifications and experience; and
• Emory Libraries recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values integral to achieving our mission to enrich the quality of life and advance intellectual discovery by connecting people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.  In a separate statement, reflect upon how the Discovery Program Manager’s work might advance these values. Limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• On a separate document list the names and relationships, email addresses, and telephone numbers of 3 professional references including a current or previous supervisor.

Review of applications will begin the week of April 18, 2022.  Review of applications will continue until position is successfully filled. Emory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that welcomes and encourages diversity and seeks applications and nominations from women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans.

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