"Program Director for User Research & Strategy"

Overview

The Program Director serves as the strategic leader and subject matter expert for all user research initiatives at Yale Library. This role is responsible for establishing and executing comprehensive user research programs that identify patron needs, preferences, and behaviors to inform data-driven decision-making across the library organization. Working collaboratively with the impact analysis function, the Program Director ensures seamless integration of user insights into organizational strategy and service development.

For full consideration, please submit a research portfolio, in addition to CV and cover letter. The research portfolio can be a link in your CV to an online portfolio or a document uploaded separately.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Strategy and Leadership. Develop and implement comprehensive user research strategies that align with organizational priorities. Establish research frameworks, methodologies, and best practices for user experience evaluation across library systems and services. Serve as the primary user research expert, providing guidance and consultation to stakeholders throughout the organization. Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure user insights are effectively integrated into decision-making processes.
2. Research Design and Execution. Design and conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research studies to gather data on user interactions, experiences, and needs. Plan and facilitate user testing sessions to evaluate library systems, services, and interfaces. Develop and deploy survey instruments, interview protocols, and other research tools to capture comprehensive user feedback. Conduct ethnographic research, usability studies, and other advanced research methodologies as appropriate.
3. Analysis and Insights Development. Analyze complex research data to identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights about user behavior and preferences. Evaluate user interface designs and digital experiences to ensure optimal usability and accessibility. Synthesize research findings into clear, compelling narratives that drive organizational understanding and action. Develop evidence-based recommendations for service modifications, new service development, and user experience improvements.
4. Collaboration and Implementation. Partner closely with impact analysis colleagues to create holistic assessments of organizational initiatives and their user outcomes. Collaborate across library departments to drive implementation of approved user experience improvements. Work with stakeholders to prioritize user needs and experiences in all initiatives, ensuring services meet high standards of usability and accessibility. Contribute to the development of common data collection definitions and evaluation practices organization-wide.
5. Reporting and Communication. Compile comprehensive reports that document research findings and provide actionable insights to leadership and stakeholders. Engage with and contributes to national conversations relating to user experience research in academic libraries and higher education. Maintain current knowledge of user research trends, methodologies, and best practices in library and academic environments.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Master's degree in Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Psychology, Library and Information Science, or related field
2. Experience leading user research and/or user experience design in a complex organizational setting
3. Knowledge of human subjects research requirements and experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and approval processes
4. Demonstrated expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
5. Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations and organizational improvements. Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex findings to diverse stakeholders

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Experience in academic library environments
2. Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508) and inclusive design practices
3. Familiarity with research tools and platforms (e.g., survey tools, analytics platforms, usability testing software)
4. Knowledge of user-centered design principles
5. Experience with participatory design methods and community-engaged research approaches
6. Understanding of library systems, discovery tools, and academic research workflows

Principal Responsibilities

1. Carries out research within the scope of the established study protocol. Adheres to all human subjects regulations as defined by Yale University and the federal government that pertain to research studies.
2. Develops criteria for admission of study subjects based on goals and objectives of project.
3. Determines potential sources of funding and prospective partnerships.
4. Evaluates feasibility of accepting potential projects through analysis of staffing needs, resource requirements, financial costs, and current planned capacity of group. Negotiates contracts and/or changes with funder.
5. Develops original HIC/IRB submissions. Based on knowledge of science and research goals, collaborates with PIs on major revisions and contributes to scientific protocols. Plans and implements changes.
6. Develops forms, questionnaires and the application of research techniques; writes procedures manuals for data collection and coding.
7. Responsible for the documentation and transmission of study data. Ensures that report forms are accurately documented and completed in a timely manner at each site location.
8. Works independently to develop manage and organize multi site studies. Serves as primary coordinator between University, non-Yale collaborators, pharmaceutical companies, HIC, IRB and funding sources.
9. Performs descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
10. Designs and implements quality control measures to ensure accurate collection and processing of data.
11. Contributes in-depth, original thought and relevance to written reports and to the writing of abstracts and manuscripts.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a related discipline and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary Range

$65,000.00 - $101,000.00

Location

New Haven, Connecticut