University Director of Collections and Metadata Strategy

Title: University Director of Collections and Metadata Strategy

Location: New York United States

Job Description:

The Office of Library Services (OLS), part of the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) at the CUNY Central Administrative Office, supports 31 libraries across CUNY's 25 campuses, serving a diverse student body of over 275,000. In partnership with campus libraries, OLS leads university-wide library initiatives.

OLS seeks a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as University Director of Collections and Metadata Strategy. This newly restructured role will lead efforts in coordinated collection development, metadata strategy, project and budget management, and assessment. The Director will have the opportunity to redefine metadata services and collection workflows and policies across the CUNY Library system.

Reporting to the University Dean of Libraries, the Director will shape and support CUNY Libraries' collective print and digital collections, expand consortial initiatives, guide procurement and licensing of electronic resources, and ensure efficient and equitable access to resources through the Alma Library Services Platform (LSP). The role manages over $8M in centrally purchased and university-wide electronic resources and related services, including open educational resources (OER).

The Director will also work closely with the OLS Systems team to manage Alma's electronic resource management (ERM) module, activate centrally licensed content in the Network Zone, and ensure seamless access for all CUNY users. This role includes supporting open access initiatives, promoting data-informed decision-making, and advancing user experience and discovery services across the system.

In addition to responsibilities outlined in the CUNY Title Overview, the Director will:

• Lead coordinated collection development efforts across the CUNY Library system, including the development of a Shared Print Trust and expansion of regional resource-sharing partnerships.

• Oversee Resource Description and Metadata Services (RDMS) to ensure high-quality bibliographic records and efficient operations that support discovery and user satisfaction.

• Collaborate with the Systems team to explore and implement innovative access models, including expanding the network of lending libraries.

• Partner with OLS Open Programs to integrate and support open access resources and initiatives.

• Direct qualitative and quantitative analyses of e-resources and collections to support data-informed acquisitions and decision-making.

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and needs assessments to inform centralized purchasing, renewals, or cancellations; assist campus libraries with evaluating their local collections.

• Negotiate with vendors and work with CUNY Procurement and the Office of General Counsel to secure system-wide contracts that benefit CUNY libraries and users.

• Ensure timely and transparent execution of procurement and budget processes.

• Develop and implement standardized acquisitions workflows across the system.

• Coordinate and deliver training to campus librarians on acquisitions, resource management, and discovery within the Alma LSP.

• Manage and develop CUNY's Shared Print Trust.

• Participate in strategic planning for OLS and university-wide library initiatives; serve on committees and task forces as assigned.

• Contribute to the future planning of OLS metadata services and collection strategies.

NOTE:

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) or a closely related field.

• Experience using library services platforms (LSPs), with a focus on acquisitions and resource management modules.

• Familiarity with evolving cataloging standards (e.g., RDA, MARC, BIBFRAME).

• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain a respectful, collaborative, ethical, and inclusive work environment.

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, including the development of collections that reflect the diverse identities and experiences within the CUNY community.

• Experience working in a library consortium or shared resource environment.

• Knowledge of or experience with procurement processes in an academic or public institution.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs the planning, development, and implementation of one or more University-wide library information services, systems and/or programs.

• Oversees one or more library management functions such as cataloging, reference, user and discovery services; collection development, resource sharing or systems
• Develops, evaluates, and oversees implementation of system-wide strategic plans, policies, procedures, resource allocations and data reporting
• Develops partnerships and collaborative business relationships and models to advance, implement, and/or integrate various library services and technologies
• Negotiates and manages contracts and licenses with publishers, third-party vendors, and/or digital applications for online access to information and educational learning resources and services
• Oversees programmatic, operational and administrative effectiveness in accord with national and international standards; recommends and implements changes for new and/or improved services and functionality
• Provides reports to University executives and Council of Chief Librarians regarding library systems and programs
• Performs other duties as assigned

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $111,560 - $129,310 , commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 6.09% with additional increases of 3.25% effective 9/1/2025 and 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID: 30542

Location Central Office