University of Kentucky Libraries Head of Web Technologies and Development

University of Kentucky Libraries Head of Web Technologies and Development

Recently embarking on a historic $2.1 billion comprehensive campaign, the University of Kentucky set an ambitious path to be a destination for students, scholars, and healthcare providers to forge new discoveries and arrive at world-class outcomes. University of Kentucky Libraries is vital to fulfilling the goals of enhancing and expanding the university’s research enterprise, and we are looking for a faculty librarian to lead the development of digital tools and systems. Reporting to the Director for Digital Strategies and Technology, the Head of Web Technologies and Development will be responsible for the overall strategy, coordination, and management of UK Libraries applications, including the Drupal website, Springshare applications, and specialized digital libraries. The successful candidate will be a creative problem solver with a commitment to the design, development, and implementation of digital tools and systems that optimize user experience and provide seamless discovery of and access to library resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

●      Provide long-term vision and scope for UK Libraries Drupal website and Springshare tools and services to support strategic goals and educational and research initiatives for the University and Commonwealth.

●      Coordinate implementation of design and accessibility standards across UK Libraries online tools and services.

●      Improve user experience, accessibility, and interoperability of online tools and services in collaboration with the Drupal Web Developer, the Springshare Applications Coordinator, and others.

●      Based on library strategic priorities and in consultation with stakeholders, lead and set priorities for the development and maintenance of digital tools and systems.

●      Establish change management processes for requests of new features in order to regulate development. Improve stability, efficiency, and capacity of infrastructure and systems.

●      Supervise two faculty positions—Applications Coordinator and Web Developer—and two professional staff programmer positions. Mentor, guide, and support direct reports. Foster and encourage professional growth and ensure cross-training around critical systems and services.

As a member of the UK Libraries faculty, the Head of Web Technologies and Development participates in planning, shared governance, and UK Libraries-wide faculty activities. This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure eligible position in the Librarian Title Series (open rank) which requires scholarship, professional development, and service that contributes to the effectiveness of UK Libraries, the university, and the profession as outlined in Administrative Regulation 2:7 (https://www.uky.edu/regs/ar2-7).  Your Distribution of Effort(DOE) range: Primary assignment: 70-80%, Service/Prof. development and scholarship 20-30% and is reviewed at minimum annually each year.

Required Qualifications:

●      ALA-accredited graduate degree in Library and Information Science or advanced degree in a comparable field from an accredited institution.

●      Project management skills and experience.

●      Basic understanding of coding and application development.

●      Demonstrated leadership ability in fostering and promoting new initiatives.

●      Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and creativity to manage projects both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.

●      Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills to communicate with technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to work successfully in a collaborative, changing environment.

●      Ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track position through research, publication, presentation, and professional service.

Preferred Qualifications:

●      Experience leading technology-related departments, committees, or other groups in an academic library.

●      Knowledge of practices, standards, and tools relating to security, usability, accessibility, browser compatibility, and information architecture.

●       Supervisory experience.

●      Record of scholarship, teaching, and/or active membership in professional associations.

●      Experience creating and maintaining project documentation to support training and best practices.

Position is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track eligible position.  All career levels are encouraged to apply. The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.  Recently recognized as one of the best employers in higher education by The Chronicle of Higher Education and ranked among America’s Best Employers and Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes Magazine, the University of Kentucky strives to create an environment where all staff and faculty are embraced and supported. Employees are offered a wide array of excellent benefit options and more information is available at: http://www.uky.edu/HR/benefits. Library tenure-track faculty are also eligible to receive a generous relocation allowance, start-up funding for research, and annual professional development/travel funds.

The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university of approximately 32,000 students, 3,500 faculty, and 15,000 staff dedicated to improving people’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service, and health care. With over 200 academic programs across sixteen colleges and professional schools, the University plays a critical leadership role by promotion diversity, inclusion, economic development, and human well-being. Located in the beautiful bluegrass region of central Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Libraries includes the main William T. Young Library, Medical Center Library, Special Collections Research Center, Fine Arts Library, Design Library, Education Library, Lexmark Library, and Science & Engineering Library. Combined library holdings total more than four million volumes. The system has a faculty of 50 and a support and professional staff of 86. UK Libraries currently uses the Ex Libris Alma and Primo systems. UK Libraries memberships include the Association of Research Libraries, LYRASIS, ASERL, and the Center for Research Libraries. UK is a regional depository for government publications.

To apply, interested applicants must complete a UK Online Academic Profile at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/417744  and attach two documents:

• Curriculum vitae

• Cover letter

Please include contact information for three references when prompted in the application.  We ask that one of the references be your current supervisor.

If you have any questions, contact H/R employment, phone (859) 257-9555, press 2.

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 3rd and continue until the position is filled which we look the position to start on or after January 2023.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to protect our university community including our students, staff, faculty and visitors, the University of Kentucky is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all new hires prior to starting employment. Therefore, as of October 18, 2021, all new hires prior to their first day of employment must submit appropriate documentation showing, i) completion of the first vaccination against COVID-19, or ii) completion of the full vaccination series against COVID-19, or iii) approved exemption (medical contraindications or a sincerely held religious belief) through the formal exemption process from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. For those employees who have completed the first vaccination against COVID-19 prior to their first day of employment, the second vaccination (if applicable) must be completed following the vaccination recommended schedule to be considered fully vaccinated.