Assistant Director for Research and Instruction

The New School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Retirement plan (TIAA)

Paid vacation and sick leave

Tuition waiver for employees & depend.

Job summary

The New School is seeking an Assistant Director of Research & Instructional Services to lead the Research Unit, oversee assessment, analytics, and scholarly communication. You will collaborate with faculty and librarians to strengthen research, teaching, and learning in a dynamic university setting.

This full-time role emphasizes leadership, data‑driven decision making, and strategic planning, with responsibilities spanning supervision, program development, and partnerships across management and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and MLS; teaching or training experience preferred.
• 3+ years in an academic library; supervisory or project management experience.
• Strong ability to lead, communicate, and collaborate across programs.
• Knowledge of research data management, statistics, and open access.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Research & Instructional Services and assigned librarians.
• Lead assessment, data visualization, and scholarly communication initiatives.
• Coordinate in-person, phone, and virtual research services.
• Partner with faculty and programs to advance teaching and access.
• Develop services and guide evolving publishing practices.

Skills

Research data mgmt

Statistical analysis

Scholarly publishing

Open access

Interpersonal skills

Written & oral comms

Leadership/Supervision

Project management

Tech in research & instruction

Education

Bachelor's degree

MLS (ALA‑accredited)

Master's degree

Tools

Data visualization tools

Job description

Join The New School At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward‑thinking institutions in the world.

Reporting to the Director of Research & Instructional Services (RIS), the Assistant Director provides leadership in the planning, management, assessment, and strategic development of research and instructional services. Position duties are concentrated in supporting departmental assessment and analytics, developing and advancing strategic initiatives, and serving as liaison in subject areas related to management and entrepreneurship.

Position / Role Overview

The Assistant Director of Research & Instructional Services is a key member of the department's leadership team, balancing operational leadership with opportunities to strengthen and evolve library services in response to the changing needs of the university community. Working collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty, and academic programs, the Assistant Director supervises the Research Unit, leads assessment efforts that inform decision‑making, and helps identify and implement new initiatives, including emerging areas such as scholarly communication. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, analytical thinking, and a collaborative approach to enhancing research, teaching, and learning while contributing to the Libraries' long‑term goals. This is a full‑time position.

Core Capabilities, Primary Duties, and Responsibilities

Supervisory Duties

• Supervise Research & Instructional Services in the absence of the Director.
• Supervise assigned Subject Librarians.
• Lead "Research Unit" and oversee areas of focus: Assessment and analytics, Data visualization, Scholarly communication and open publishing.

Assessment Duties

• Make budget recommendations for collection management.
• Ensure processes are effective, regularly assessing services and recommending revisions.
• Develop assessment strategies and actively participate in the implementation of strategic planning and goals.
• Generate and analyze departmental statistics, incorporating data visualization tools.

Operational Duties

• Jointly oversee and carry out research and instructional services (in-person, by phone and virtually) for library locations.
• Serve as liaison for programs within management and entrepreneurship (e.g., Fashion Communication, Fashion Management, and Media Management) by providing: outreach, instruction, research assistance, reserves and new program support, collection development, online guides and tutorials.
• Develop and coordinate services that support scholarly communication, including open publishing, and provide guidance to faculty and researchers on evolving publishing practices.
• Support the development and assessment of new services, resources, and initiatives that enhance research, teaching, and library services.

Collaboration Duties

• Partner with other library units to ensure excellent internal/external customer service standards.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic programs, and library colleagues to advance teaching, learning, and equitable access to library-supported course materials.
• Cultivate partnerships across the Libraries and the New School community to identify and advance scholarly communication initiatives and other emerging services.
• Participate in local and national forums in order to stay current with trends regarding research and instruction services in academic libraries.
• Participate in working groups, e.g., Stats and Analytics.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year program.
• ALA‑accredited MLS.
• Strong understanding of research data management, statistical analysis, scholarly publishing and open access.
• Supervisory and/or project management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in constantly evolving environment and eager to facilitate innovative change.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• 3+ years experience in an academic library environment.
• Master’s in relevant subject area.
• Exemplary teaching skills or training experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies related to research and instruction.

This position is primarily in‑person and is based on campus to support effective in‑person collaboration and engagement.

Salary Range $77,000 - 80,000 per annum

Why Join Us?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward‑thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Wellness
• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
• Work-Life Balance
• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
• Professional Growth
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world‑renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
• Additional Perks
• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.