"Head of Research and Instruction (Team Lead)"

Description

Under the general direction of the Library Director, the Head of Research and Instruction provides vision and strategic direction for the research and instruction services offered by the Beneficial-Hodson Library Research and Instruction Department. This person leads a group of 3.5 FTE library professionals in advancing the mission of the department by engaging with faculty, staff, students, and other constituents to design and implement pedagogically appropriate library instruction in support of the academic mission of the College. This position will be filled for FY2027 with a hire date of July 1, 2027 or later.

This person manages the operations of the Research and Instruction Department which provides in-depth research consultation, reference services, outreach services, and other student-centered institutional support services.

Essential Duties

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Reference Services and Research Skills Instruction (40%)

• Develops and implements a vision and strategic direction for research and instructional services that support the scholarly activities of the Hood community.
• Encourages the exploration and adoption of new approaches to research, instruction, and outreach to students and faculty, and assumes a leadership role in identifying and implementing emerging technologies and incorporating best practices into research and instructional services.
• Oversees the design and delivery of information literacy classes and programs, workshops, tutorials, orientations, library guides, and other research aids to help orient students to library resources and information literacy concepts.
• Administers and oversees the library's in-person and virtual reference and research services.
• Displays continuing growth and active interest in the profession. Represents the library in service to the College, community, and professional organizations.
• May participate in provision of instruction for first-year undergraduate students.

Administration and Collection Development (15%)

• Provides vision and leadership for the planning, delivery, and assessment of research and instructional services. Assesses resource usage to make informed recommendations for purchases and cancellations of subscription information resources.
• Supervises the Research and Instruction Librarians. Establishes standards and expectations of the Research and Instruction Department. Plans and consults on work assignments, sets goals, conducts performance appraisals, prepares departmental reports, and delegates responsibilities to team members as necessary.
• Hires, supervises, trains, counsels, and evaluates part-time student workers in the Research and Instruction Department.

Programming and Outreach (30%)

• Designs, organizes, and participates in outreach events to foster collaborative relationships with faculty and staff.
• Designs, organizes, and participates in educational, cultural, and civic-minded programs designed to enrich the campus, promote library services and resources, and support student success.
• Manages the library's Liaison Program and serves as the liaison to multiple departments and non-curricular units (SSC, Writing Center, Honors Program, Etc.). Coordinates and organizes liaison activities and collaborates with Library Director and other library staff on department needs.

Planning and Policy Development (15%)

• Collaborates with the Library Director to develop written policies and procedures to ensure a consistent approach within the Research and Instruction Department and library wide.
• Works closely with the entire library team on strategic planning and policy development. Creates departmental goals, works on collaborative projects, and participates in resolving issues and concerns.
• Collaborates with library and other campus units on various initiatives (Ex: OIRA on User Satisfaction Surveys).

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM with one evening per week (12 PM to 8 PM). Serves on weekend back-up rotation which may require occasional weekend work.

Qualifications

We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College's mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Master's degree in library and information science (MLS/MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent degree in received outside the U.S./Canada)
• Relevant work experience including instructional experience
• Leadership or supervisory experience
• Experience with coordinating instructional programs and leading program planning
• Experience with curriculum integration and working with faculty and other campus partners
• Experience in assessment and program evaluation

Preferred Skills and Characteristics

Technology Skills

Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet. Ability to learn new applications quickly, including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications.

Language Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills

Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting, and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use fingers, hands, reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is required to sit. The employee may occasionally be required to stand and lift and move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and could include interaction with other staff, students, and the public, telephones, and other office equipment.

Compensation

This is a position with an annual starting salary range of $55,000-61,000 depending on circumstances including an applicant's skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, training, and other relevant factors. Hood College has provided a compensation range representing its good faith estimate of what the College may pay for the position at the time of posting. The College may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. Hood College offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefits. Learn more about Hood College.

To Apply

We invite qualified candidates to apply online via our electronic application which requires submission of a resume and three professional references. If you need assistance with the online application process, please email humanresources@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3592.