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Associate Director of User Experience and Operations, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA

Department: Learning Resources

Managers’ Titles:

Associate Dean, Learning Resources

Director of Collections Strategy and the Albert Alphin Library

 

Overview 

In alignment with Berklee’s Vision & Strategy 2025, the Berklee Library’s mission is to enable our students to achieve their artistic potential and equip them with the information and digital literacy skills needed to forge successful careers in today’s knowledge-driven, global society. In support of this strategy, the Library is focused on implementing innovative library services and an associated service-delivery model that demonstrably contributes to a high-quality on-campus experience, advances learning and discovery and measurably contributes to student success.

 

To achieve these goals, the Associate Director, User Experience and Operations is an innovative, engaged, and service-oriented individual within our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team. The Associate Director role oversees front-line student services and operations within both the Stan Getz Library (Berklee College) and Albert Alphin Library (Boston Conservatory) and plays a key role in advancing the integration of these two libraries, which were organizationally merged following the Berklee/Boston Conservatory merger in 2016.

 

Job Purpose

Specific responsibilities for this role include management and oversight of the daily operation of both libraries (including circulation, reserves, security, and facilities maintenance); ensuring that the library exemplifies an inclusive and welcoming environment that shows sensitivity and respect for all patrons; staying informed about and implementing current best practices and innovative trends with regard to academic learning spaces and service development; utilizing appropriate assessment measures to ensure that Learning Resources successfully meets the needs of Berklee’s creative, highly diverse population of users​ . Risk-taking and experimental approaches are encouraged. This position leverages emerging trends within the library profession, in addition to identifying best practices in customer outreach and program development in other fields and sectors for inspiration.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Manages and coordinates the daily operations of the Stan Getz and Albert Alphin libraries’ resources, facilities and services.

  • Recruits, leads and motivates 5 staff members in the Operations and Access Services team to deliver an excellent standard of service and implement innovative approaches to new service development that will enhance the student experience and student success.

  • Ensures an inclusive, welcoming environment and atmosphere in both Libraries that welcomes all members of the community. Works collaboratively with Berklee’s Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to ensure alignment with overall institutional practices and goals with regard to diversity and inclusion.

  • Pulls from and exemplifies current trends and innovative practices related to learning, discovery and collaboration. Anticipates and meets the needs of library users by creating pathways for student feedback and building strong collaborative relationships with faculty and staff.

  • Oversees the department’s social media platforms. Develops strategies and content for promoting library resources, services and events.

  • Collaborates with other members of the Learning Resources team to drive the ongoing efforts to merge the user services provided by the Stan Getz and Albert Alphin libraries.

  • Works closely with the Learning Resources technology support team to ensure a positive user experience on the library’s technology platforms and applications. Will assist in evaluating new technology and products and serve as a key stakeholder on user-facing technology implementation projects.

  • Advises LRS leadership on needs, trends and best practices and participates in long-range planning. Participates in the assessment of and long-range planning for services and physical space working in collaboration with LRS senior leadership and others to develop strategic plans supporting library access services.

  • In partnership with the Instruction & Engagement team, provides basic reference and information services to patrons.

  • Serves as Learning Resources point person to various departments responsible for campus-wide business and administrative services (procurement, campus-wide technology resources, campus-wide printing, real estate, physical plant, public safety etc).

  • Works a flexible schedule, with possible evening/weekend hours in order to ensure appropriate coverage of the library facilities.

  • Represents Learning Resources department on college-wide initiatives and services that impact the Libraries facilities and services.

 

Possible Additional Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conducts instructional and informational presentations about the Libraries facilities and services to faculty, staff, students, and parents.

  • Other duties as assigned

 

Knowledge and Skills Required 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in music or related performance art field.

  • Masters degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or significant professional experience in an academic library of 5 – 7 years.

  • Extensive experience in customer service and user support, ideally in an academic setting. Relevant experience in other sectors (e.g. retail, museums, other arts venues) highly valued.

  • Versatile problem solving and troubleshooting skills. Ability to apply a broad range of expertise to address specific user needs. Skilled in quickly ascertaining and resolving immediate technical problems; ability to exercise​ ​ discerning judgment.

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and consultation skills in order to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external groups – often under demanding conditions.

  • Strong understanding of academic library standards, policies and procedures. In-depth knowledge of current academic, and administrative software packages.

  • Strong organizational, managerial skills and leadership skills in order to coordinate a comprehensive support effort involving both people and technology as well as the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

  • Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student population, with particular attention to academic skills and special needs.

  • Ability to learn new technologies and incorporate them into existing operations.

  • Strong training and presentation skills. Ability to explain and demonstrate new concepts to broad audiences.

  • Some experience with cataloging and cleaning up metadata strongly preferred.

 

To view the full position and apply, please visit the following link