The University of Oklahoma (OU) Libraries seeks a dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of Open Initiatives & Scholarly Communication (OISC). As part of the Digital Strategies and Innovation Division, the Director will lead a team of librarians in advancing scholarly communication services, playing a key role in implementing the University’s recently adopted Open Access (OA) policy to expand OU’s impact of research, teaching, and learning. 

Guided by OU’s objective of becoming a top-tier public research university and its vision to change lives, the Director will champion the expansion of open and public scholarship, advancing the OA policy. Through vision and strategy, they will develop, implement, and assess sustainable, technology-driven models for scholarly and open educational content creation and stewardship that amplify the university’s global impact.

The Director will foster key partnerships with faculty, researchers, and staff, contributing expertise in institutional repositories, open access, copyright, and open education. This role manages day-to-day operations for the OISC department, including selection, training, and evaluation of employees; developing and monitoring departmental program budgets, participating in the development of policies, programs, and services; working with vendors, campus units, agencies and other client groups; coordinating relevant collection development and grant research; editing newsletters and publications; participating in library and university committees and task forces related to primary job assignment; remaining current about professional trends and developments; developing and conducting education programs for staff members; compiling and preparing financial, statistical, and various other types of reports; and performing various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position. Other duties as assigned.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants must attach the following documents in pdf format:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of 3 Professional References

Hire will be contingent on submission of academic transcripts.

******Best consideration date for this position is March 14, 2025****** 

Required Education: Master's degree in any subject, AND:

•  24 months of related academic experience

Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with end-users at varying technological skill levels.
• Highly organized and demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience leading outreach initiatives with a high level of engagement; demonstrated success in building collaborative programs with stakeholders and advancing open initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and implementing a strong strategic vision for advancing open initiatives that align with strategic goals and priorities.
• Demonstrated experience with data driven decision making; and planning, implementing, and evaluating services.
• Demonstrated experience effectively coordinating and motivating team members; and commitment to mentoring, training, and developing staff.
• Ability to work collegially in a leadership role, and manage in a complex and changing environment, to define goals and timelines, and coordinate existing staff and technology resources to achieve or exceed desired outcomes.
• Extensive knowledge of the scholarly communication landscape; scholarly publishing technologies, initiatives, and best practices; open access publishing; and academic publishing platforms.
• Proficiency with contemporary library software systems and software applications.

Certifications:

• None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Ability to frequently stand and walk; ability to lift, bend, stoop, carry and carry; ability to engage in repetitive motions.
• Standard office environment.
• Frequent exposure to interruptions.

Supervisory Duties:

• Will supervise Open Educational Resources Librarian, Open Journal Publishing Librarian, Institutional Repository Librarian (vacant), Open Access Funding Administrative Assistant (term-limited position), and Open Access Policy Coordinator (term-limited position). 

Department Preferences:

• Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience working with institutional repositories and a desire to contribute to the next generation of campus repositories.
• Knowledge of copyright, licensing, and other intellectual property issues relevant to an academic environment.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.