Associate Director for Content and Discovery

University of Nottingham Libraries is seeking a new Associate Director for Content and Discovery, one of four roles on offer as we reshape our senior management team.

Libraries is a broad, diverse department, not just comprising our people, physical spaces, and collections, but also responsible for developing the university’s Virtual Learning Environment; for supporting research, teaching, and student academic skills; and home to the University’s Museum and special collections. Across the university we have eight different libraries and employ over 200 people. We know that having colleagues from a wide range of groups and backgrounds is key to a good supportive workplace and even better services. We are particularly keen to receive applications from groups who are currently underrepresented in Libraries in the UK, such as people from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, or those with a disability.

As Associate Director for Content and Discovery, you will be is responsible for the strategic vision, development and delivery of services that relate to three teams:  Resource Acquisitions, Collections, and Discovery and Access (digital library systems). You will be responsible for our multimillion-pound resource budget, overseeing our resource lifecycle as it moves through its various stages, from acquisition through to discovery. As well as a strong leader, you will be forward thinking, looking externally for sector trends and best practice which can both enhance our stakeholder’s experience and provide value for money. You will be an excellent communicator, working closely with colleagues in Libraries and forging close relationships with key university partners.

As a member of the Libraries Senior Management Team, you will join a collective group which both shapes and drives through our strategic objectives. You will advocate for the whole department, not just your immediate section, representing Libraries on university boards and working groups, and through the relationships with key stakeholders that you will cultivate. A committed, flexible, and emotionally intelligent approach is essential, along with strong leadership skills and a commitment to collective leadership.

In addition to this, you’ll be an inspiring, credible and authentic leader. With overall responsibility for a large number of staff, we’re looking for someone who will bring a wealth of leadership and management experience and who understands the challenges that come with delivering a complex service.