Fast Facts

OCLC is seeking a Director of Research Insights to oversee their research agenda, manage a team of scientists and engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the future of libraries. The ideal candidate will bring extensive research management experience and expertise in emerging technologies.

Responsibilities: Oversee OCLC's research agenda, manage a team, ensure alignment of research projects with organizational goals, coach team members, and represent OCLC in research networks.

Skills: Expertise in research management, metadata standards, data analysis methods, and strong communication abilities.

Qualifications: Ph.D. or Ed.D. with 10+ years in research management and proven expertise in metadata and data analysis.

Location: Corporate Office in Dublin, United States; travel may be required.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $120,000 - $180,000.

You have a life. We like that about you.

At OCLC, we believe you'll do the best work of your life when you're living the best life possible.

We work hard to build the technology that connects thousands of today's libraries. But we also work hard to make a job at OCLC a meaningful part of a balanced life- not a substitute for one.

Technology with a Purpose. OCLC supports thousands of libraries in making information more accessible and more useful to people around the world. OCLC provides shared technology services, original research and community programs that help libraries meet the ever-evolving needs of their users, institutions, and communities. With office locations around the globe, OCLC employees are dedicated to offering premier services and software to help libraries.

The Job Details are as follows:

Oversees externally-facing OCLC research activity to deliver world-class thought leadership on the future of libraries and librarianship. Manages team of research scientists, specialists and engineers. Works closely with cross-functional teams (including Marketing/Communications and Global Product Management) to align priorities, support engagement and outreach, and provide timely insights into evolving library needs and practices.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the OCLC Research agenda, including annual program planning and prioritization, in consultation with Research and Programming leadership and other OCLC divisions.
• Maintain research profile and leadership for OCLC Research. Serve as an expert resource for OCLC colleagues on issues pertaining to library trends (including emerging technologies), and research design and methods (including computational and AI-driven approaches).
• Manage team of research scientists and engineers, ensuring individual research portfolios are aligned with enterprise needs and emerging library priorities. Equip and enable team to collaborate within Research and Programming organization and across OCLC divisions including Global Product Management, Global Technologies, and Marketing/Communications. 
• Develop team members through coaching and mentorship and cultivating a diverse, collaborative work environment.
• Facilitate collaboration between the Research team and other OCLC division colleagues to inform the OCLC Research agenda and ensure timely sharing of research findings aligned with enterprise goals.
• In consultation with Research and Programming leadership, agree on key member priorities/concerns to be addressed in external research and public programs/events. 
• Collaborate closely with OCLC Communications to maximize the visibility, coherence, and cumulative impact of OCLC Research outputs. 
• Represent OCLC in professional and academic research networks, and through conference presentations and public speaking.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Qualifications:

• Ed.D or Ph.D. (or equivalent experience).
• 10 years or more of research and research management experience.
• Record of effective management of research teams, including engineers/technologists.
• Expertise in metadata standards and frameworks, including linked data, and related systems and technologies.
• Strong background in conducting primary and secondary research in an information-science related field, as evidenced by a publication record or other highly visible thought leadership.
• Advanced knowledge of research methods, including computational analysis and emerging AI-driven models and approaches.
• Expertise in data collection and analysis, with extensive experience using qualitative and quantitative data analysis software programs. Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and data science preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical material, both orally and in writing.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment.

ADA/EAA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.