Head of Research and Teaching

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Department

Job Description

Job Summary

Coordinates and advocates for the activities of the dynamic, six member Libraries Research and Teaching (RaT) team of academic subject librarians, acting as a strategic bridge between the team and other Libraries departments. Sets goals and objectives while fostering a culture of experimentation. Maintains a flexible team culture while connecting staff work to the broader curriculum. Develops strategies that align with the Libraries and the College. Assesses, evolves and promotes models for subject-specific teaching, outreach, and consultations that are responsive to the needs of faculty and students in an evolving learning environment. In collaboration with the Head of Collection Development Strategies, leads the activities of the subject librarians in selecting research materials through a model that views curation as a collaborative effort and ensures collections are integrated into the teaching mission. Serves as a subject librarian to select academic departments and programs to provide research workshops, consultations and collection development. Reports to the Director of Learning, Research and Technology (LRT).

As a manager within the Learning, Research and Technology team, a blended department of librarians and academic technologists, shared between the Libraries and ITS, collaborates in developing service strategies and models in the Libraries and advocates for the collective decision-making of members of Research and Teaching. As a leader in the organization, participates in overall Libraries leadership activities, Libraries Management Team and represents the Libraries and LRT in campus wide activities. 

All Smith College employees take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

At least 8 years of experience with teaching in a library setting and 3-5 years of leadership experience with research services in academic libraries

Knowledge of current issues and trends in pedagogy on the undergraduate and graduate level

Preferred Qualifications

Progressively responsible project, service or team management experience. A strong commitment to public service, knowledge of current issues and methods of teaching information literacy, including applications of artificial intelligence, and experience with providing research assistance. Strong knowledge of collection development and management practices. Experience working in highly-structured organizations, program development, assessment, user experience, universal design and managing service models in libraries. Experience navigating the organizational landscape of collective bargaining units (unions). Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills including service orientation with ability to interact with diverse constituencies. Subject area expertise in an academic discipline.

Skills

Knowledge of or experience with copyright, privacy, scholarly communication and open access. Understanding of the principles of accessibility and universal access design. Expertise with technology including knowledge of current libraries discovery systems, the Google suite, Springshare products and ethical applications of artificial intelligence. Strong cultural competencies and a demonstrated commitment to anti-oppressive professional practices.

Compensation

Position Type

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

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Review of applications will begin

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.