Position: Associate Director of VIVA
Location: George Mason University

Original job posting on ALA JobList.

About the Department:
VIVA, the academic library consortium of 71 nonprofit academic libraries in the Commonwealth of Virginia, provides, in an equitable, cooperative and cost-effective manner, enhanced access to library and information resources for Virginia’s higher education community. A dynamic organization serving community colleges and research organizations alike, VIVA members include all 39 state-assisted (public) colleges and universities, as well as 31 independent (private, nonprofit) institutions, and the Library of Virginia. Since 1994, VIVA has worked to empower its member libraries through collaborative collection development, resource sharing, open and affordable initiatives, community development, and shared central infrastructure. With the aim of leveling the academic playing field for students and researchers, and with guidance from collaborative and engaged member organizations, VIVA’s dedicated central staff oversee the consortium’s approximately 26-million-dollar budget and programs. See https://vivalib.org/viva/homepage for more information about VIVA.
About the Position:
Reporting to the Director of VIVA, the Associate Director of VIVA (AD) contributes directly to the strategic direction and overall administration of an innovative organization dedicated to improving and expanding access to academic library resources and services for students and researchers across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The AD oversees key program areas and contributes to the development, analysis, and promotion of consortial approaches to collaborative collection development and open access initiatives, resource sharing, and open and affordable programs on behalf of Virginia’s higher education institutions. The AD coordinates with VIVA central staff, VIVA committees, and member institutions to implement project management plans for consortial initiatives that empower Virginia’s academic libraries.
Responsibilities:
Administration:
In coordination with the VIVA Director, works with the VIVA Committees, Library Directors, and other appropriate colleagues to prioritize and implement project management plans for selected VIVA initiatives;
Leads the implementation of procedures for the operational support and assessment of internal services; and
Participates in the administration of the central office, including managing the office in the absence of the VIVA Director.
Program Analysis and Resource Negotiation:
Coordinates analysis of priority initiatives across VIVA programs to support effective decision-making;
Tracks, analyzes, and reports on the economic and service benefits that accrue to consortium members through participation in cooperative services; and
With the VIVA Director, negotiates on behalf of VIVA member libraries and supports the licensing of resources and services.
Strategic Direction and Program Management:
Provides oversight of strategic program areas, including resource sharing, licensing, and data analysis initiatives;
Supports the work of the VIVA committees and task forces across the member libraries, including coordinating VIVA-sponsored library conferences and events; and
Participates in the development of consortial approaches to collaborative collection development and open access initiatives within the evolving higher education and scholarly communication ecosystem.
Supervisory:
Sets goals for performance and deadlines in compliance with the university and VIVA’s plans and vision and communicates them to reportees; and
Provides constructive feedback, coaching, and conducts performance evaluations.
Scholarly Communication, Outreach, and Engagement:
Promotes and represents VIVA effectively to members, the outside library community, legislative staff and higher education stakeholders in Virginia, other consortia, and the vendor community; and
Monitors issues, trends, and best practices in academic librarianship and scholarly communication, and contributes to that dialogue on behalf of VIVA and its member colleges and universities.
Other related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in related field, ALA-accredited graduate degree (or recognized foreign equivalent) or accredited graduate degree in another appropriate discipline;
Demonstrated experience in an academic library or library consortium, or equivalent environment;
Effective organizational skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage competing deadlines;
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in a complex and culturally diverse higher education setting;
Proven ability to analyze, organize, and present financial, library collections, or academic library data;
Familiarity of issues, trends, and best practices in academic librarianship, higher education, and scholarly communication;
Demonstrated ability to manage the work of others and provide guidance and/or delegate work as needed; and
Willingness to travel with occasional overnight travel within Virginia, on behalf of VIVA.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience or understanding of the current landscape within VIVA’s primary areas of consortial focus: collection development, resource sharing, community development, and open and affordable initiatives;
Leadership role within an academic library and/or consortium;
Considerable experience with electronic resource license negotiation in academic libraries;
Experience managing budgets and using data to make programmatic decisions;
Significant analytical skills and data management experience with a proven ability to learn and use a variety of systems and software to organize, present, and analyze financial and collections data;
Record of active professional engagement in academic libraries or higher education, including professional presentations and publications; and
Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to change and ability to work well under pressure.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Associate Director of VIVA at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.