Role Description
The Research Library Partnership (RLP) Director provides strategic and operational leadership for OCLC’s Research Library Partnership, an established global partnership rooted in research libraries. In this role, the Director will explore and evaluate options to support a more inclusive library partnership model, including potential new affiliation models that could encompass additional library types (such as public and national libraries) and inform future evolution of the programming portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
• Program Leadership and Coordination:
Provide day‑to‑day leadership for the overall RLP program, ensuring that activities across multiple focus areas are aligned, complementary, and delivered on schedule. Develop and maintain an integrated annual calendar of RLP engagements—such as webinars, partner forums, focus group meetings, and working group milestones—in collaboration with Senior Program Officers.
• Operational Management and Delivery:
Oversee the operational planning and execution of RLP activities, including managing logistics for virtual and in-person events, coordinating platforms and tools, supporting communications and materials, and ensuring appropriate follow-up and documentation.
• Team Leadership and Support:
Lead and support a small team of program staff, including Senior Program Officers, by facilitating regular coordination meetings, supporting shared planning, and encouraging cross-program learning.
• Membership and Partner Management:
Serve as the business and operational manager for RLP membership, maintaining accurate records of partner institutions, contacts, and engagement history, and coordinating closely with OCLC colleagues on billing, renewals, and membership status.
• Engagement Metrics and Program Assessment:
Establish and maintain a systematic approach to tracking partner engagement and program performance, defining and monitoring key indicators and using this data to inform planning and improvement.
• Communication and Reporting:
Coordinate RLP communications to partners and internal audiences, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with OCLC messaging and brand guidelines.
• Continuous Improvement and Adaptation:
Support the ongoing evolution of the RLP by soliciting and synthesizing feedback from partners and staff, coordinating annual partner surveys, and contributing to program review and planning processes.
Qualifications
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience leading complex programs, portfolios, or membership-based initiatives, preferably within or alongside the academic, research, public, or national library environment.
• Demonstrated people-management experience (directly managing and developing staff) is required.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; an MLIS or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting membership‑based or community‑driven programs is highly valued.
Requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑stream programs; coordinate people and activities across roles; and deliver results on time and within budget.
• Comfort using project management, collaboration, and event platforms is expected.
• Ability to work with budgets, financial reports, and participation data to support planning and decision‑making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional materials and to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with major issues and trends affecting libraries—such as collaboration, metadata, resource sharing, and research support.
Benefits
• Pay Range: $122,000 — $162,000 per year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options, alongside employee spending accounts.
• Retirement saving plans with a company matching contribution.
• Paid time off and observed company holidays.
• Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Other corporate programs, discounts, and wellness resources as applicable to employees.