Description
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Collections and Open Strategies within the Research, Engagement, and Scholarly Communications (RESC) division, the Head of Data Services provides strategic leadership and programmatic coordination for the Libraries' data-related services.
This new position oversees a team of highly experienced data specialists (Data Librarian, Geospatial Data Librarian and Research Data Program Manager) while partnering with colleagues across Emory Libraries and the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship to facilitate alignment, communication, and shared priorities within a collaborative service model for data services. The position may also oversee graduate students to support data services.
The Head works closely with the Director and existing data working groups and committees to ensure the library remains agile and responsive to evolving data needs across disciplines and schools. It collaborates extensively with campus partners, including the Office of Information Technology, relevant academic departments, and research offices.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
Data Services Program Development and Operations
- Engage and facilitate communication between faculty, students, librarians and campus partners to understand research data workflows, service requirements, and awareness of data services.
- Promote data services and programming related to the full research data cycle across the library and campus.
- Identify emerging trends and assess user needs to develop new or enhanced services and resources related to data services.
- Partner with, build, and expand campus partnerships (e.g., IT, research offices, academic departments, university-wide committees) to support interdisciplinary data initiatives.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, including generative AI applications and advanced computational tools that may impact the Libraries' data services.
Administration and Managerial Responsibilities
- Supervise and support team members (currently, a Data Librarian, Geospatial Data Librarian, and Research Data Program Manager).
- Working with the Director of Collections and Open Strategies and data services team, advocate and coordinate recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and professional development activities for additional staff and graduate employees contributing to data services, assessment, and service delivery.
- Foster a shared, distributed model of data services that values existing expertise, partnering as needed with groups librarians and informationists across the Emory Libraries.
- Advocate as necessary for further staffing, space, and service delivery models based on informed needs assessment and current staff and working group input.
- Participate in current and future space management and planning discussions for data services.
Professional Responsibilities
- Participate in professional and scholarly associations; maintain membership and accreditation; participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops; serve in appointed or elected positions.
- Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge and skills related to job responsibilities and current trends in higher education, academic libraries, and information technology.
- Adhere to guidelines in the Emory Handbook Governing the Librarian series for Faculty-Equivalent Librarians regarding appointment, renewal, and promotion.
- Participate in library and campus committees.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- A master's degree in library and information science and/or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
- At least five years of experience working with data
- Demonstrated experience with relationship-building skills across different teams and/or groups.
- Demonstrated project leadership experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience with data services or related areas within an academic or research setting.
- At least one years of managerial or supervisory experience
- Experience collaborating with a wide set of stakeholders.
- Ability and enthusiasm for teaching and promoting data tools and methods to university researchers across multiple levels and disciplines via multiple modes (in-person, online, group settings, one-on-one).
Join Our Information Session: Head, Data Services
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm EST
Details: Learn more about the Head, Data Services position, including the role, key responsibilities, and the qualifications we are seeking. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the position and search process.
If you're interested and available to join, please register here to receive the Zoom webinar link:
Head, Data Services
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should review the application requirements and apply online at Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/194739)
Applications may be submitted as Word or PDF attachments and must include:
- A cover letter that includes a statement of interest, describing your qualifications and relevant experience, as well as your interest in this position and in contributing to the mission and values of Emory.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your educational background and relevant professional experience.
- On a separate document list the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of 3 professional references including a current or previous supervisor.
Candidates applying by November 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is successfully filled.
To apply, please visit: https://apply.interfolio.com/194739