Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy
Closes:
52
Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy
Dec 27, 2026
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Harvard University
Type
Full time, Staff / Administration
36%Job Post Completeness
Our Job Post Completeness indicates how much vital information has been provided for this job listing. Academic Jobs has done the heavy lifting for you and summarized all the important aspects of this job to save you time.
Know Someone Great?
Help build our team with the best people you know.
Enter 1 or many referrals below.
Higher Ed Employee Referrals is only available for full job postings.
Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard Law School?
Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you'll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.
Job Description
The Harvard Law School Library advances world-class research and teaching through dynamic, forward-looking, and responsibly stewarded collections. Reporting to the Director for Collections, the Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy provides senior-level leadership for the implementation and stewardship of the Harvard Law School Library's collection development program. This position advances collections strategy through resource selection, fiscal oversight, licensing negotiation, policy implementation, workflow design and collaboration with Harvard Library central offices and other institutional partners.
This position supervises two professional librarians and exercises significant professional judgement and discretion in resource selection, policy application, budget management, and staff leadership. The position ensures the coordinated and consistent execution of collection development priorities, supports the continuity of institutional knowledge and practice, and promotes sustainable and responsive collections that support the Law School's research and teaching mission.
As the Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy, you will:
Manage the collections budget in alignment with strategic priorities established by the Director for Collections, establishing implementation plans, forecasting expenditures, and ensuring responsible and transparent allocation of resources.
Conduct data-informed analysis to support renewal, cancellation, acquisition, and format decisions, providing recommendations to inform collections planning.
Develop financial models and budget projections to support long-term collection sustainability and strategic decision-making.
Select materials in U.S. law and other English and non-English speaking jurisdictions as required to support faculty research, curricular priorities, and emerging areas of scholarship.
Lead ongoing assessment and analysis of print and digital collections to inform strategic planning and resource allocation.
In partnership with the Director for Collections, develop, implement, and refine collection development policies, procedures, and workflows governing collection development activities to ensure consistent execution, transparency, knowledge-sharing, and continuity of practice.
Serve as a liaison to Harvard Library central offices and collaborate with peer institutions to operationalize university-wide initiatives and advance collaborative collection development priorities in partnership with the Director for Collections.
Supervise the Foreign, Comparative & International Collection Development Librarian and the Collection Development Coordinator.
Negotiate license agreements and contracts for electronic resources in consultation with the Director for Collections, to secure favorable terms, support access needs, and mitigate institutional risk.
Manage relationships with publishers, vendors, and consortia partners and Harvard Library stakeholders to support collection priorities and implement university-wide policies, systems, and resource initiatives within the Law Library.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Master's degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent and 4+ years' progressively responsible professional experience in an academic, research, or similarly complex, preferably law library, environment. Supervisory experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people with:
Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma and Alma Analytics, a plus.
Demonstrated experience with collection development activities, including selection, resource evaluation, and budget-related decision-making.
Experience using data, assessment tools, or financial information to inform decision-making.
Familiarity with legal electronic resource platforms, access models, and licensing concepts.
Experience working with electronic resources, licensing, or vendor relations. Experience coordinating workflows or collaborating across departments or institutions.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to build productive working relationships and navigate differing perspectives in a collaborative environment.
Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to legal or academic collections, a plus.
Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Other Information:
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
Generous paid time off including parental leave
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
Retirement plans with university contributions
Wellbeing and mental health resources
Support for families and caregivers
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
Job details
Title
Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy
Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.