Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Harvard Law School Library seeks a Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy to lead the library’s collection development program and align resources with strategic priorities. You will oversee budgeting, licensing, policy implementation, and cross-unit collaboration.

You will supervise senior librarians, negotiate licenses, and partner with Harvard Library central offices to advance scholarly resources that support faculty research and teaching across

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent; 4+ years of professional experience in an academic/research environment, preferably law library; supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma and Alma Analytics is a plus.
• Experience with collection development activities, including selection, resource evaluation, and budget-related decisions.
• Experience using data, assessment tools, or financial information to inform decision-making.
• Familiarity with legal electronic resource platforms, access models, and licensing concepts.
• Experience coordinating workflows or collaborating across departments or institutions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to build productive working relationships and navigate differing perspectives.
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to legal/academic collections.

Responsibilities

• Manage the collections budget in alignment with strategic priorities; forecast expenditures and allocate resources.
• Conduct data-informed analysis to support renewal, cancellation, acquisition, and format decisions.
• Develop financial models and budget projections for long-term collection sustainability.
• Select materials in U.S. law and other jurisdictions to support faculty research and curricular priorities.
• Lead assessment of print and digital collections to inform strategic planning.
• Develop and refine collection development policies, procedures, and workflows for consistency.
• Collaborate with Harvard Library central offices and peer institutions on collection development priorities.
• Supervise the Foreign, Comparative & International Collection Development Librarian and the Collection Development Coordinator.
• Negotiate license agreements for electronic resources to secure favorable terms.
• Manage relationships with publishers, vendors, and consortia to support collection priorities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Foreign language reading knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in Library/Information Science

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Alma Analytics

Job description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The Harvard Law School Library advances world-class research and teaching through dynamic, forward-looking, and responsibly stewarded collections. Reporting to the Director for Collections, the Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy provides senior-level leadership for the implementation and stewardship of the Harvard Law School Library’s collection development program. This position advances collections strategy through resource selection, fiscal oversight, licensing negotiation, policy implementation, workflow design and collaboration with Harvard Library central offices and other institutional partners.

This position supervises two professional librarians and exercises significant professional judgement and discretion in resource selection, policy application, budget management, and staff leadership. The position ensures the coordinated and consistent execution of collection development priorities, supports the continuity of institutional knowledge and practice, and promotes sustainable and responsive collections that support the Law School’s research and teaching mission.

As the Manager for Collection Development & Resource Strategy, you will:

• Manage the collections budget in alignment with strategic priorities established by the Director for Collections, establishing implementation plans, forecasting expenditures, and ensuring responsible and transparent allocation of resources.
• Conduct data-informed analysis to support renewal, cancellation, acquisition, and format decisions, providing recommendations to inform collections planning.
• Develop financial models and budget projections to support long-term collection sustainability and strategic decision-making.
• Select materials in U.S. law and other English and non-English speaking jurisdictions as required to support faculty research, curricular priorities, and emerging areas of scholarship.
• Lead ongoing assessment and analysis of print and digital collections to inform strategic planning and resource allocation.
• In partnership with the Director for Collections, develop, implement, and refine collection development policies, procedures, and workflows governing collection development activities to ensure consistent execution, transparency, knowledge-sharing, and continuity of practice.
• Serve as a liaison to Harvard Library central offices and collaborate with peer institutions to operationalize university-wide initiatives and advance collaborative collection development priorities in partnership with the Director for Collections.
• Supervise the Foreign, Comparative & International Collection Development Librarian and the Collection Development Coordinator.
• Negotiate license agreements and contracts for electronic resources in consultation with the Director for Collections, to secure favorable terms, support access needs, and mitigate institutional risk.
• Manage relationships with publishers, vendors, and consortia partners and Harvard Library stakeholders to support collection priorities and implement university-wide policies, systems, and resource initiatives within the Law Library.

Basic Qualifications

Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent and 4+ years’ progressively responsible professional experience in an academic, research, or similarly complex, preferably law library, environment. Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people with:

• Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma and Alma Analytics, a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with collection development activities, including selection, resource evaluation, and budget-related decision-making.
• Experience using data, assessment tools, or financial information to inform decision-making.
• Familiarity with legal electronic resource platforms, access models, and licensing concepts.
• Experience working with electronic resources, licensing, or vendor relations. Experience coordinating workflows or collaborating across departments or institutions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to build productive working relationships and navigate differing perspectives in a collaborative environment.
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to legal or academic collections, a plus.

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information:

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.