Associate Director for Research

University of Nottingham Libraries is seeking a new Associate Director for Research, 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. 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.

The Associate Director for Research will work closely with senior academic leaders, as well as those in Research and Innovation, to lead and develop Libraries’ offer to the university’s research community. You will also shape our contribution to the Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategic Delivery Plan. In addition to sound technical knowledge, you will be forward thinking, creative and ambitious, looking externally for sector trends and best practice which will enhance our stakeholder’s experience. This role comes at a crucial time, as we help navigate the changing landscape of publishing and rights retention, so you’ll need to be a great communicator and influencer, able to forge close working relationships with key stakeholders, while leading Libraries’ team of research librarians.

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 with a mix of working styles, 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.