Head, Information Technology

Job Type: Regular
Job Category: Librarian
Faculty: UO Library
Department: Open Scholarship and digital initiatives
Union: The Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO)

The University of Ottawa Library seeks an innovative, motivated and service-oriented Head, Information Technology. The successful candidate will be a creative individual who works well with other colleagues in a challenging and changing environment.

Setting: The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the best universities in the country and the largest bilingual university (French and English) in the world. Located on the unceded territory of Anishinabé-Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes significantly to the economy, culture and quality of life of Canada’s Capital.

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian (AUL), Open Scholarship and Digital Initiatives, the Head, Information Technology is responsible for both managerial and functional activities that take place within their department. In addition to these responsibilities, the incumbent is a member of the Library Management Team. The Head is responsible for building and maintaining relationships within and between divisions. The Head also ensures Library representation on appropriate internal and external bodies and in key library associations.

The Head leads and supervises a team responsible for the implementation of innovative information technology services that support the research and scholarship of faculty and students, as well as the work of library staff.

The Head is responsible for maintaining a holistic view of all major IT systems underpinning the work of the Library, with the exception of resource management and discovery systems. The incumbent and the Head, Resource Management and Discovery (Content and Access division) will work collaboratively to ensure effective system integration.

The Head works in close collaboration with stakeholders to define, analyze and verify the requirements of proposed projects requiring new and ongoing technology support and to identify suitable solutions. The Head provides the Library and its users with critical information technology and related services through building and maintaining a flexible and sustainable technological infrastructure to address current and emerging needs. The Head balances support for innovative ventures and the day to day technological needs of the Library.

The Head is a member of the Management Group and works collectively with other members to:
Provide input on strategic planning processes and operationalize strategic plans.
Collaborate with other Management Group members to meet Library-wide objectives and coordinate cross-departmental workflows.
Develop and recommend creative solutions through policy changes, resource allocation, and new initiatives.
Interpret and communicate Library direction, decisions, and impacts as appropriate.
Explore new ways of achieving the Library’s goals by, for example, challenging legacy practices.

Terms: Preliminary appointment leading to continuing appointment.

Wage: Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package which includes long term disability, basic group life insurance, supplementary health insurance, University of Ottawa Pension Plan and optional life insurance, as well as relocation expenses.

Location of work: Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

Contact information: Talia Chung, University Librarian and Vice-Provost (Knowledge Systems), University of Ottawa Library, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5. [email protected] .

Skills requirements:
Education: A Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent.
Work experience:
Effective oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
Experience in human resources management and administration.
Experience supporting information technology, including project management and management of a technical support team.
Thorough understanding of current information technologies and a knowledge of widely-used and emerging hardware, software, applications, and resources in academic environments.
Ability to deploy resources to enable technology solutions and to lead the transitions necessary to meet organizational and technological needs.
Ability to establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders; as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Highly collaborative, flexible, and collegial, with the ability to work in a team environment.
Experience planning and implementing innovative projects and services that respond to user needs.
Ability to engage, empower, and motivate, with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective change management strategies.

Modified Application deadline: February 28, 2023.