George Mason University · 23 hours ago
Director, Collection Management
George Mason University is a diverse institution committed to innovation and inclusion. The Director, Collection Management will provide leadership and management for the functions of Collection Assessment & Licensing, Resource Acquisition, and Resource Sharing, coordinating the Libraries’ overall collections strategy and managing the Research Materials Budget.
Education
Responsibilities
In consultation with the AUL of ARM and the Dean of Libraries, provides leadership, administrative oversight, and coordination for the Libraries’ overall content and content strategy for research collections
Researches, develops, and coordinates new approaches and models for building, providing access to, and delivering research content to our users, in close concert with the managers within the Access & Resource Management, Learning, Research & Engagement, and Digital Strategies & Systems divisions, as well as the Director of the Special Collections Research Center
Facilitates the Collection Management Council, working with stakeholders to develop collection-related policies and strategic collection decisions
Fosters an environment encouraging exploration, innovation, and implementation of new approaches to both developing and deploying libraries’ research materials collections and overall content strategy for the George Mason University research and learning community
Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines for lifecycle management of resources in all formats; and
Represents the University Libraries in consortial discussions, system-wide committees, and national and regional networks regarding collections issues
Models leads in the Libraries’ annual Research Materials Budget preparation, and monitors the overall expenditure of funds by subject librarians and other selectors
Works collaboratively with colleagues in the ARM Division for the fulfillment of these duties
Negotiates pricing and content with publishers and vendors with a focus on new and complex agreements, using data-driven assessments to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness
Negotiates sustainable publishing models and open access initiatives that align with university research and curricula; and
Works with the Head, Collection Assessment & Licensing to ensure our license agreements are in compliance with all university and state guidelines, and afford our community the best possible terms of use
In collaboration with the Director, Discovery Services, evaluates emergent best practices and technologies for content management, access, and discovery that would improve the Libraries' efficiency and effectiveness in managing its electronic resources; and
In collaboration with managers throughout the ARM Division, ensures the implementation of relevant electronic resource management changes, including adjusting workflows, applying new systems and approaches, and outsourcing services as needed
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; and
Champions compliance by upholding university policies, legal standards, and ethical practices, and takes decisive action when necessary to address performance and/or behavioral issues
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
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library or Information Science, or an equivalent certified foreign degree
Significant experience working in collection development/management, content strategy, or related area
Considerable experience with electronic resource management, including knowledge of emerging trends and technologies
Experience managing research materials budgets
Demonstrated effective supervisory experience
Demonstrates strong communication skills to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact to a variety of audiences
Ability to skillfully navigate sensitive or challenging conversations with professionalism and diplomacy, ensuring alignment and mutual understanding
In-depth knowledge of academic electronic and print publishing
Strong analytical and organizational skills, with a record of data-informed decision-making
Ability to manage budgets and develop sustainable resource allocation strategies
Familiarity with collection assessment methodologies, tools, and evaluation
Preferred
Experience managing and/or developing research materials with budgets of $5 million or more
Experience with the Alma library management system
Company
George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.68MKey Investors
National Safety CouncilNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyVirginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
2025-06-25Grant· $0.05M
2024-04-03Grant· $0.2M
2023-08-03Grant· $0.07M
Leadership Team
Recent News
2025-11-15
American Institutes for Research
2025-11-05
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