Director for Collections Services

Binghamton University•Binghamton, NY

48d

About The Position

The Binghamton University Libraries provides research collections in electronic (over 2 million and growing) and print (1.7 million items) formats with an extensive array of databases and e-packages (over 400), archival and distinctive printed materials in Special Collections as well as services with a variety of student-centered study spaces. With three public locations (Glenn G. Bartle Library, Science Library and the University Downtown Center Library) and an off-site Collections Management Facility, our aim is to provide access to primary research materials and resources befitting an R1 research institution. Binghamton University Libraries seeks a collaborative, visionary, and service-oriented leader for the position of Director for Collections Services. This role provides leadership to a department that is comprised of five units: Acquisitions & Contracts, Cataloging & Metadata, Collections Strategy, Digitization & Conservation Services, and Storage & Delivery Services. This newly-reorganized department presents a unique opportunity to shape its direction and ensure its success. The Director will guide goal setting, planning, prioritization, and workflow design across these areas, ensuring alignment with the Libraries' mission. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in research collection management, a commitment to inclusive and user-centered service, and the ability to lead change in a complex academic environment. Leadership, communication, budgeting, and strategic planning skills are essential. The Director will play a key role in shaping the Libraries' future by fostering innovation, building partnerships, and advocating for tools and procedures that enhance efficiency and services. This position reports directly to the Senior Assistant Dean for Collections and Technology Services and serves as a member of the Dean's Library Council.

Requirements

Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library or information science program, or an ALA-approved foreign equivalent.
Minimum of five years of experience, in an academic or public library, or comparable environment, including at least two years in a supervisory position, with responsibilities in one or more of the following areas: budgeting licensing acquisitions cataloging metadata digitization conservation collection strategy resource sharing
Commitment to high-quality service in a diverse, fast-paced academic setting, with the ability to resolve issues in a professional and respectful manner.
Effective written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and build productive relationships across departments.
Record of scholarly activity, such as presentations, publications and/or grants.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience managing projects, workflows, deadlines and data-driven decision-making in a collegial, complex and changing environment.
Experience leading professional development related to the duties in this department.

Responsibilities

Strategic vision: Work with the Senior Assistant Dean for Collections and Technology Services on strategic planning, as well as departmental and unit-level goal setting; define priorities for department and unit projects, activities, and innovations.
Innovation and service excellence: Advocate for and implement innovative workflows and practices that enhance internal operations and external user experience. Evaluate, recommend, and improve services and technologies that support established and emerging University research areas.
Budget and resource planning: Collaborate with relevant personnel to assess staffing and resource needs; support budgeting processes that reflect emerging research priorities.
Collections stewardship: Oversee maintenance and development of physical and electronic collections; guide resource sharing capabilities and commitments.
Compliance: Work with the Senior Assistant Dean for Collections and Technology Services to ensure university policies and practices regarding financial transactions, contracting, and other areas are followed; stay informed of any evolving campus or professional guidelines or expectations to ensure department activities comply.
Lead and shape collections services practices: Through active engagement in library consortia, professional organizations, and peer networks, advocate for and implement innovative approaches that advance the field, and foster collaborative relationships that improve the user experience.
Contribute actively to Dean's Library Council: Contribute meaningfully to the Dean's Library Council; collaborate constructively with leadership to support shared goals and strategic direction; prioritize the overall success of the Libraries while maintaining departmental collaboration.
Team Leadership: Supervise the work of five assistant directors; collaboratively identify performance goals, provide ongoing feedback and guidance, and contribute to a supportive culture.
Collaborative communication: Foster communication among team members and with other library units; address questions and concerns as they arise and convey broader organizational context.
Professional growth: Stay at the forefront of the field by pursuing professional development opportunities, and integrating new knowledge and skills into the work of the department.
Foster Inclusivity: Participate in a work culture that promotes diversity and anti-racism and actively works to eliminate or mitigate the effects of systemic racism and bias.
Active Mentorship: Support professional development activities related to the duties in this department.
Contribute significantly to the profession to meet the Libraries' standards of scholarship
Participate in library, University and national service.