What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director for Digital Strategy position at NC State University Libraries?
The NC State University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Director for Digital Strategy. The Digital Strategy division includes four departments: Data Science Services (DSS), Digital Library Initiatives (DLI), Information Technology (IT), and the Research Facilitation Service (RFS). Division staff play essential roles in providing technology-rich research services and environments that enable students, faculty, staff, and researchers to discover, create, and share new knowledge and develop multidisciplinary solutions to current and emerging challenges.
Data Science Services (7 FTE) provides consultations, instruction, computing resources, and software support for a wide range of data lifecycle activities, including data collection, discovery, evaluation, management, modeling, analysis, visualization, and metadata creation. The department manages the Hunt Library Dataspace and the Hill Library Data Experience Lab, and collaborates closely with the university’s Data Science and AI Academy.
Digital Library Initiatives (12 FTE) applies systems analysis, design, service development, and software development skills to create and enhance a broad range of digital library products and services. DLI develops and supports the core systems that provide access to the Libraries’ print and electronic resources, including SirsiDynix Symphony (migrating to Ex Libris’ Alma in 2026), ILLiad, EZproxy, and the CORAL electronic resources management system, plus additional open source and locally developed applications.
Information Technology (18 FTE) defines technology requirements for library initiatives and develops infrastructure to support the Libraries’ ambitious technology agenda. Staff design and support the Libraries’ technology-rich spaces; purchase, install, and maintain hardware and software to serve staff and patron computing needs; and investigate and recommend emerging systems and tools.
The Research Facilitation Service (3 Libraries FTE) is a joint endeavor of the Libraries, the Office of Information Technology, and the Office of Research Innovation. It provides a single point of contact for research computing and data management questions and consultation, strengthens communication among university service providers, and supports continuous assessment of researcher needs.
Responsibilities
The Associate Director for Digital Strategy provides vision and leadership for the division, helping to position the Libraries as a leader in advancing learning, research, and engagement at the university and to achieve the goals of the Libraries’ Strategic Plan. They lead the division and collaborate with colleagues across the organization in developing, managing, and maintaining an innovative, flexible, and reliable digital environment that enables access to research collections; a robust data, computing, and software infrastructure; and user-centered services. The position works closely with university partners, including the Office of Information Technology, Distance Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA), Office of Research and Innovation, and the Data Science and AI Academy, and participates in the university’s collaborative IT governance structure. The incumbent represents the Libraries in the Triangle Research Libraries Network, Coalition for Networked Information, Digital Library Federation, and other regional and national forums and initiatives. As a member of the Libraries’ senior administrative team, they participate in library planning, policy development, resource allocation, and personnel management. Librarians are expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. The position reports to the Senior Vice Provost & Director of Libraries.
Required Qualifications
Data Science Services (7 FTE) provides consultations, instruction, computing resources, and software support for a wide range of data lifecycle activities, including data collection, discovery, evaluation, management, modeling, analysis, visualization, and metadata creation. The department manages the Hunt Library Dataspace and the Hill Library Data Experience Lab, and collaborates closely with the university’s Data Science and AI Academy.
Digital Library Initiatives (12 FTE) applies systems analysis, design, service development, and software development skills to create and enhance a broad range of digital library products and services. DLI develops and supports the core systems that provide access to the Libraries’ print and electronic resources, including SirsiDynix Symphony (migrating to Ex Libris’ Alma in 2026), ILLiad, EZproxy, and the CORAL electronic resources management system, plus additional open source and locally developed applications.
Information Technology (18 FTE) defines technology requirements for library initiatives and develops infrastructure to support the Libraries’ ambitious technology agenda. Staff design and support the Libraries’ technology-rich spaces; purchase, install, and maintain hardware and software to serve staff and patron computing needs; and investigate and recommend emerging systems and tools.
The Research Facilitation Service (3 Libraries FTE) is a joint endeavor of the Libraries, the Office of Information Technology, and the Office of Research Innovation. It provides a single point of contact for research computing and data management questions and consultation, strengthens communication among university service providers, and supports continuous assessment of researcher needs.
Responsibilities
The Associate Director for Digital Strategy provides vision and leadership for the division, helping to position the Libraries as a leader in advancing learning, research, and engagement at the university and to achieve the goals of the Libraries’ Strategic Plan. They lead the division and collaborate with colleagues across the organization in developing, managing, and maintaining an innovative, flexible, and reliable digital environment that enables access to research collections; a robust data, computing, and software infrastructure; and user-centered services. The position works closely with university partners, including the Office of Information Technology, Distance Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA), Office of Research and Innovation, and the Data Science and AI Academy, and participates in the university’s collaborative IT governance structure. The incumbent represents the Libraries in the Triangle Research Libraries Network, Coalition for Networked Information, Digital Library Federation, and other regional and national forums and initiatives. As a member of the Libraries’ senior administrative team, they participate in library planning, policy development, resource allocation, and personnel management. Librarians are expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. The position reports to the Senior Vice Provost & Director of Libraries.
Required Qualifications
- ALA-accredited MLS, MIS, or equivalent advanced degree
- Significant and progressively responsible, relevant professional experience
- Significant management and leadership experience, including budget and personnel management
- Demonstrated knowledge of current technological trends and issues in higher education as they inform the library’s role at a forward-looking research university
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of the division's portfolio
- Ability to develop and articulate a vision for the Libraries’ digital strategy and services and to engage others in its success
- Demonstrated ability to make connections between library and university initiatives and to develop partnerships to advance them
- Ability to foster an environment of belonging and well-being
- Ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably
- Demonstrated record of ongoing professional development