Manager - Library and Learning Services

Uowdubai; Dubai; On-site; AED 167,400 - 223,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa and comprehensive medical insurance

30 days annual leave and public holidays

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Dubai seeks a Manager for Library and Learning Services, tasked with strategic planning, operational leadership, and advancing digital innovation in academic support. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in academic librarianship and digital transformation, and will lead a professional team while managing departmental budgets and enhancing service delivery. The role offers substantial employee benefits and is part of an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of experience in an academic or research library.
• At least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in managing budgets and digital resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the Library and Learning Services strategic plan.
• Oversee daily library operations and ensure quality service delivery.
• Manage the acquisition of print and digital collections.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Digital transformation

Research support

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS)

Job description

UOWD10702 - Manager - Library and Learning Services

Business Unit

Administration

Job Family

Not Applicable

Department

Library

Contract Type

Limited Contract Full Time

Location

Dubai

About the Department

The Library and Learning Services (LLS) department at the University of Wollongong in Dubai plays a central role in supporting the University’s teaching, learning, and research mission. The department delivers integrated academic services that enable student success, strengthen research capability, and promote information literacy, academic integrity, and digital scholarship.

Library and Learning Services provides access to a broad range of print and digital resources, learning spaces, and research tools aligned with UOWD’s curriculum and research priorities. The department works in close partnership with faculty, academic units, and professional services to embed information literacy, digital skills, and evidence-based research practices across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

In addition to traditional library services, the department supports research visibility and impact, including guidance on scholarly communication, Open Access publishing, copyright compliance, bibliometrics, and responsible research practices. Through continuous innovation, data-informed decision-making, and a strong service ethos, Library and Learning Services contributes to an inclusive, student-centred learning environment and a vibrant research culture.

The Manager, Library and Learning Services plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing these functions, driving service excellence, and positioning the department as a strategic partner within the University.

About the Role:

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Manager, Library and Learning Services to lead and advance its academic library and learning support functions in a dynamic, digitally driven higher education environment.

This is a senior professional role suited to a strategic library leader with a strong background in academic librarianship, digital transformation, research support, and team leadership, who is passionate about enhancing student learning, research impact, and institutional excellence.

The role balances strategic planning, operational leadership, digital innovation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that library services remain responsive to evolving teaching, learning, and research needs.

You will lead a team of professional staff, manage departmental budgets, oversee physical and digital collections, and drive service enhancement initiatives that support student success, academic integrity, and research visibility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Develop and implement the Library and Learning Services strategic plan aligned with University objectives.

Lead annual goal setting, policy development, service evaluation, and budget planning.

Guide the design and delivery of information literacy, digital learning, and academic integrity initiatives.

Partner with faculty, the Research Office, and academic units to enhance research support and institutional impact.

Operational & Resource Management

Oversee day-to-day library operations, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and compliant service delivery.

Manage the acquisition, evaluation, and maintenance of balanced print and digital collections aligned with curriculum and research priorities.

Ensure compliance with copyright, licensing, and audit requirements.

Maintain inclusive, safe, and student-centred library spaces that support independent study and collaboration.

Digital Transformation & Systems

Lead digital access initiatives, integrated library systems, repositories, discovery tools, and learning management integrations.

Work closely with IT and external vendors to ensure system reliability, innovation, and service continuity.

Drive the adoption of data-informed, user-focused service models.

Research Support & Scholarly Communication

Advise faculty and postgraduate students on Open Access publishing, copyright, author rights, and research profiles.

Provide guidance on bibliometrics, research impact, indexing, and responsible publishing practices.

Collaborate on institutional research reporting, grant support, and visibility initiatives.

Lead, mentor, and develop library staff, setting performance goals and supporting professional growth.

Foster a culture of service excellence, collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Manage performance, resolve issues constructively, and promote a positive and inclusive work environment.

Partnerships & Representation

Represent the University in library consortia, professional networks, and accreditation-related activities.

Build strong internal and external partnerships to enhance services, resources, and professional practice.

Provide regular strategic and operational reports demonstrating impact, trends, and resource utilisation.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Qualifications & Experience

Master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) or equivalent from an accredited institution.

Minimum 6–8 years’ experience in an academic or research library, including at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development, and service enhancement.

Proven capability in managing budgets, digital resources, and integrated library systems.

Experience supporting research visibility, Open Access, and scholarly communication initiatives.

Skills & Attributes

Strong leadership and change management capability.

Advanced knowledge of academic library operations, digital collections, and learning services.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Data-driven, analytical approach to service design and performance evaluation.

High level of adaptability, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.

Why Join UOWD?

Be part of a globally recognised Australian university with a strong academic reputation.

Lead meaningful initiatives that directly support student success and research excellence.

Work in a diverse, international environment in one of the world’s leading education and innovation hubs.

Contribute to shaping the future of library and learning services in a digitally evolving institution.

Employee Benefits:

Visa and comprehensive medical insurance for self and eligible dependents

Education allowance for up to 3 eligible dependents

30 working days' annual leave and public holidays

End-of-service benefits and gratuity in line with UAE Labor Law and institutional policy

Professional development and learning opportunities

Supportive and inclusive work environment

UOWD is an equal opportunity employer that attracts, develops, motivates, empowers, and retains a diverse workforce.