Director, Digital Technologies and Services, George Mason University

VIRGINIA LIBRARY ASSN; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University invites applications for the role of Director, Digital Technologies and Services in Fairfax, VA. The Director oversees Alma/Primo, IT infrastructure, and library applications, leading a team to deliver innovative digital services across four libraries.

The role focuses on stakeholder collaboration, project leadership, and ensuring robust IT operations, with a strong emphasis on digital scholarship and preservation.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information Science or equivalent.
• Extensive experience leading digital technology initiatives in libraries.
• Strong knowledge of Library Services Platform technology and IT infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Library Services Platform (Alma) and Primo discovery system.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, online apps, and web services for libraries.
• Lead DTS staff, manage projects, and ensure alignment with university goals.
• Drive digital preservation, risk management, and data governance.
• Engage in service and scholarship within university libraries.

Skills

Digital leadership

IT infrastructure

Project management

Staff supervision

Communication

Library IT systems

Education

Master’s in Library or Information Science

Tools

Alma/Primo library system

Job description

POSITION: Director, Digital Technologies and Services, George Mason University
LOCATION: Fairfax, VA
SALARY: Commensurate with Experience
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

Director, Digital Technologies and Services

The final salary and professional ranking for a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as qualifications of the individual, including work experience, scholarship, and service; internal equity; and alignment with the university's approved pay structures.

At George Mason University, base salary is one component of a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive health and wellness benefits, retirement contributions, generous leave, tuition benefits for employees, and the opportunity to contribute to the mission of Virginia's largest and most diverse public research university.

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

The University Libraries foster innovation, creativity, and imagination by facilitating and preserving access to scholarship and information, providing expert consultation in the research process, and actively teaching the effective and critical use of information. The Digital Strategies and Systems (DSS) division consists of three units: Mason Publishing Group (MPUB), Digital Technologies and Services (DTS), and Data and Digital Scholarship Services (DDSS). These units are collectively responsible for the library’s technology infrastructure, web presence, data services and research data management programs, George Mason University Press, Mason Publishing imprint, e-journal publishing, and digital repository services (MARS and Dataverse) to advance the University Libraries' goals and plan.

About the Position

The Director, Digital Technologies and Services (DTS) is responsible for the Library Services Platform (Alma/Primo) management that supports all of the university’s four libraries (including the Law Library); IT infrastructure and inventory; online applications management and development, including for library content management and discovery tools; web services; desktop support; and other special technology projects as required. This position reports to the Associate Dean, Digital Strategies and Systems. The Director leads a range of library faculty and staff on both extended projects and time-limited assignments, collaborating with stakeholders throughout the libraries to build and maintain an understanding of user needs and available technology solutions. They participate in committees, workgroups, or projects, as required, to share knowledge, develop best practices, and advance the work of the libraries and other assigned duties.

Responsibilities

Technology Infrastructure Management and Strategy

Provides direction for the libraries’ primary services delivery platform (Alma), as well as the public-facing discovery system (Primo), administration of authenticated access sub-systems to provide content and services to local and remote users, IT infrastructure to include onsite and remote servers, online application development, web services to include the libraries' primary website (library.gmu.edu), and desktop support for libraries staff and public users. Provides a leadership role in the design, planning, development, management and enhancements of the libraries’ electronic resources and web presence. Contributes to areas of work within the unit, as needed. Collaborates and coordinates with library departments in all aspects of IT needs.

Technology Services Change Management

In collaboration with the Associate Dean, Digital Strategies and Services (DSS), evaluates emergent best practices and technologies that would improve the libraries' efficiency and effectiveness in IT operations and library system management, and strategically reskills and directs DTS staff to meet shifting needs and requirements.

Supervision

Sets clear performance goals that align with the libraries’ mission and strategic plan. Effectively communicates expectations to team members, organizes workflows to optimize productivity, and ensures clarity around roles and responsibilities. Drives employee engagement and development by monitoring performance, providing actionable feedback, fostering professional growth through coaching and training, and promoting a collaborative work environment. Champions compliance by upholding university policies, legal standards, and ethical practices, and takes decisive action when necessary to address performance and/or behavioral issues.

Emergency Preparedness and Digital Preservation

Develops and maintains a strategy to prevent, mitigate, and recover from data loss due to unexpected events. Conducts IT risk assessment; implements systems, such as backups and remote storage, to provide proactive mitigation; and creates and maintains documentation to support operational continuity. Researches best practices and approaches for IT infrastructure to support digital preservation to ensure the long-term accessibility of digital assets.

Service and Scholarship

Engages in university and professional service, and in research and creative work as outlined in the George Mason University Librarians’ Handbook and University Libraries Librarians' Council Bylaws.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information Science, or an equivalent certified foreign degree;
• Significant experience leading digital technology (operating systems, data structures, programming, and networking) initiatives, including demonstrated ability to stay abreast of evolving information technologies;
• Considerable experience with Library Services Platform technology;
• Considerable technology project management experience, including planning, executing, and delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget (if applicable), and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives;
• Experience supervising staff and/or teams;
• Knowledge of current and emerging information technologies to retrieve, create, and provide information products, services, and tools in a library environment;
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software, networks, and related technologies;
• Skill in analyzing software packages and hardware configurations to determine those that best fit the organization;
• Strong communication skills to convey complex, technical concepts with clarity and impact to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences;
• Skill with effective delegation, including setting clear expectations and providing adequate supervision; and
• Ability to build relationships and foster trust and collaboration across diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Considerable experience with the Alma/Primo library management system;
• Experience managing system migrations to the cloud;
• Ability to lead organizational change in response to evolving technologies; and
• Web and digital development knowledge and skills.

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.