Yale University · 1 month ago
Program Director for User Research & Strategy
Sterling Mem Library
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$65K/yr - $101K/yr
2+ years expYale University is a prestigious institution dedicated to contributing to a better tomorrow, and they are seeking a Program Director for User Research & Strategy. This role will serve as the strategic leader for user research initiatives at Yale Library, responsible for executing comprehensive programs that inform data-driven decision-making and enhance user experience across the organization.
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Responsibilities
Develop and implement comprehensive user research strategies that align with organizational priorities and the IE department's mission
Establish research frameworks, methodologies, and best practices for user experience evaluation across library systems and services
Serve as the primary user research expert, providing guidance and consultation to stakeholders throughout the organization
Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure user insights are effectively integrated into decision-making processes
Design and conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research studies to gather data on user interactions, experiences, and needs
Plan and facilitate user testing sessions to evaluate library systems, services, and interfaces
Develop and deploy survey instruments, interview protocols, and other research tools to capture comprehensive user feedback
Conduct ethnographic research, usability studies, and other advanced research methodologies as appropriate
Analyze complex research data to identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights about user behavior and preferences
Evaluate user interface designs and digital experiences to ensure optimal usability and accessibility
Synthesize research findings into clear, compelling narratives that drive organizational understanding and action
Develop evidence-based recommendations for service modifications, new service development, and user experience improvements
Partner closely with impact analysis colleagues to create holistic assessments of organizational initiatives and their user outcomes
Collaborate across library departments to drive implementation of approved user experience improvements
Work with stakeholders to prioritize user needs and experiences in all initiatives, ensuring services meet high standards of usability and accessibility
Contribute to the development of common data collection definitions and evaluation practices organization-wide
Compile comprehensive reports that document research findings and provide actionable insights to leadership and stakeholders
Engage with and contributes to national conversations relating to user experience research in academic libraries and higher education
Maintain current knowledge of user research trends, methodologies, and best practices in library and academic environments
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Psychology, Library and Information Science, or related field
Experience leading user research and/or user experience design in a complex organizational setting
Knowledge of human subjects research requirements and experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and approval processes
Demonstrated expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations and organizational improvements. Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex findings to diverse stakeholders
Master's Degree in a related discipline and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Preferred
Experience in academic library environments
Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508) and inclusive design practices
Familiarity with research tools and platforms (e.g., survey tools, analytics platforms, usability testing software)
Knowledge of user-centered design principles
Experience with participatory design methods and community-engaged research approaches
Understanding of library systems, discovery tools, and academic research workflows
Company
Yale University
Yale University is a research and education institution that prioritizes its students.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Yale University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (355)
2024 (449)
2023 (214)
2022 (208)
2021 (190)
2020 (155)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$42.86MKey Investors
Bezos Earth FundAlfred P. Sloan FoundationHyundai Hope On Wheels
2025-10-23Grant
2025-05-21Grant· $0.05M
2023-01-01Grant· $1.27M
Leadership Team
Geoffrey Chatas
Senior Vice President for Operations
Jack Callahan
Senior Vice President for Operations
Recent News
2025-12-10
Company data provided by crunchbase