Hiring Organization: Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL)
Position: Director, CARL Portage
Application Closing Date: June 28, 2017
As we approach the end of Chuck Humphrey’s secondment from University of Alberta, we are posting for the position of Director, Portage.
This is foreseen to be a 16-18 month term position with the possibility of extension, to begin in August or September 2017. It can be filled by a secondment or by a contract. The incumbent need not be based in Ottawa.
Our goal is to build upon the strong momentum and progress that Portage has accomplished to date. With this in mind, we are seeking an individual with a strong technical and organizational understanding of the data management environment in Canada who will bring energy and a collaborative leadership style.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
CARL Portage is a library-based network for research data management (RDM) services and infrastructure coordinated across multiple post-secondary institutions and related organizations within Canada. Portage fosters a community of practice for the sharing of data expertise and technology locally as well as nationally. A primary goal of Portage is to support library staff in local universities with the delivery of RDM services.
The Director provides leadership on the scope, governance, components, and resource needs of the Portage network.
The incumbent will work to increase the visibility and functionality of the network by seeking funds, facilitating the development of resources, and fostering partnerships to advance the network; by liaising with CARL libraries that provide in-kind and financial contributions; and by directing the development of an inclusive network of expertise and RDM infrastructure platforms within Canada’s academic community.
The incumbent will work toward the development and promotion of best practices in RDM, and will ensure that these and Portage activities are reflected in a range of communication products associated with the Portage network.
The Director will work in close collaboration with the CARL President, CARL Executive Director, CARL Project Officers, research data management experts located within CARL member libraries across the country, the four regional library consortia, and national organizations such as Research Data Canada, Compute Canada, the Tri-agencies, the Canadian Association of Research Administrators, the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards, CUCCIO, CASRAI, and CANARIE. The incumbent will engage in local, regional, and national RDM organizations and collaborative activities that advance the network.
The position reports to the CARL Executive Director. Portage is accountable to the CARL Board, and the CARL Directors Portage Steering Committee provides additional member input into Portage directions. Portage receives strategic advice from (i) a multi-stakeholder external Advisory Committee and (ii) the Chairs of its expert groups serving as a Council. For Portage to be recognized and accepted as a stakeholder in RDM, the Portage Director must work at an expert level in outreach and communication with stakeholders.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess the following education, experience and competencies.
- A graduate degree in a relevant field combined with pertinent experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of data-driven research and the curation of data in an academic setting.
- Experience with collaboration initiatives involving multiple organizations, including an understanding of governance and funding models.
- Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex and rapidly changing organizational environment.
- Experience leading a project or program with demonstrated ability to build consensus and promote the exchange of information within and across project teams and with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent interpersonal relationships; diplomacy tact, and discretion.
- Strong oral communications and presentation skills to convey and explain effectively information to different audiences, and strong written communications skills to prepare clear, concise reports and other documentation.
- Demonstrated understanding of research data management standards and workflow processes including collection, description, management, curation, preservation, and sharing.
- Self-direction, self-motivation with an ability to set and attain goals in realistic timeframes and to work independently.
- Demonstrated flexibility in the face of changing context, constraints, or priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants who have the following may be preferred:
- Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program.
- Proficiency in oral and written communications in both official languages.
- In-depth technical knowledge of technologies supporting data repositories, repository networks, and/or aggregated discovery.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
For a direct, term appointment (as opposed to a secondment from another institution), the salary will be negotiated within a range of $80,000-120,000, commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
A secondment of a qualified individual from a CARL member institution or other Canadian academic library is seen to be beneficial to CARL, to the home institution, and to the seconded individual. In such a case, the salary would be aligned with the individual’s existing salary.
For an exceptionally-qualified candidate, a non-Ottawa-based work arrangement and/or a less-than-full-time work arrangement with CARL may be considered.
There is a substantial amount of travel within Canada, as well as a modest amount of international travel, associated with this position.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries is committed to the principle of employment equity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
An application will comprise:
- A cover letter specifically detailing your qualifications for each of the Requirements and Preferred Qualifications listed above;
- An up-to-date and complete CV.
Applications must be received during the posting period.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and asked at that time to supply names and contact information of three references who are knowledgeable about your work as least one of whom is a current or recent direct supervisor.
Shortlisted candidates proposing a secondment arrangement should confirm, prior to interview, that they have their institution’s support.
Please submit your application package via email to:
To the attention of:
Susan Haigh, Executive Director
Canadian Association of Research Libraries
Suite 203, 309 Cooper St
Ottawa, ON K2P 0G5
