Lead Digitisation and Digital Preservation

University of Otago; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 101,000; Full time

Job summary

A university library in New Zealand is seeking a Lead for Digitisation & Digital Preservation. This full-time role involves shaping policies for digital collections, managing preservation systems, and collaborating on strategies for sustainable, accessible collections. Candidates should have experience in digital collections management and a postgraduate qualification in related fields. Competitive salary range from $80,749 to $85,649, with a top range at $100,776.

Qualifications

• Experience managing digital collections in GLAMMIR/academic contexts.
• Hands-on experience with preservation systems and metadata standards.
• Understanding of mātauraka Māori in cultural heritage.

Responsibilities

• Shape how the library captures, preserves, and shares digital cultural taoka.
• Oversee preparation, metadata quality, and ingestion into preservation systems.
• Lead strategy and projects that enhance digital access and preservation.

Skills

Digital collections management

Technical knowledge of file formats

Leadership capability

Clear communication

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Library/Information/Heritage fields

Job description

Overview

University of Otago Library | Te Pātaka Mātauraka o Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

Join a collegial, values-driven Library committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Māori and Pacific Strategic Frameworks, and to sustainable and equitable practice. Your mahi will safeguard unique collections and improve access for researchers, iwi, and communities.

The role

Take the lead in shaping how the library captures, preserves, and shares its digital cultural and research taoka for generations to come. As Lead, Digitisation & Digital Preservation, you’ll manage the full digital lifecycle from capture to long-term preservation.

You’ll shape policy, standards, and workflows, collaborating across the Library and University to ensure our local digital collections are high-quality, customer-centred, sustainable, accessible, and future-ready.

• Lead strategy and projects that enhance digital access and preservation.
• Oversee preparation, metadata quality, and ingestion into preservation systems.
• Provide leadership for the Senior Imaging Technician and the Library Digital Capture Unit.
• Partner with curators (Māori, Archives, Publications, Art & Photography) on preservation programmes.
• Create and maintain fit-for-purpose policies, standards, and workflows.
• Apply mātauraka Māori and kaitiakitaka to digitisation, preservation, and access.

Your skills and experience

• Experience managing digital collections in GLAMMIR/academic contexts and hands-on experience with preservation systems and metadata standards.
• Strong technical knowledge of file formats, archival data, storage/backup, and troubleshooting.
• Proven leadership and project management capability.
• Clear communication, documentation, and advocacy abilities across diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of mātauraka Māori in cultural heritage; knowledge of te reo and tikaka Māori would be an advantage.
• Postgraduate qualification in Library/Information/Heritage fields is preferred.

Further details

This is a full-time (37.5 hours) permanent position located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is Level 7 $80,749 to $85,649. Top of Range $100,776.

For more information regarding the role, please contact Tracey Sim via the contact details below.

Application

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting 2501302, will close on Sunday, 12 October 2025

Applications may be considered as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Tracey Sim

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin