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George Mason University · 1 day ago

Data Management Specialist

Fairfax, VA

Full-time

Hybrid

New Grad, Entry Level

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse university in Virginia, and they are seeking a Data Management Specialist. This role ensures the integrity of data across various library data platforms, collaborating with departments to evaluate and improve metadata for better resource discovery.

Education

Culture & Values

No H1B

Responsibilities

Manages discrete large-scale metadata, maintenance, and enhancement projects within the Library Services Platform (LSP), utilizing advanced global and bulk editing tools, both internal and external to the system

Serves as a key collaborator with functional units across the Libraries to assess and meet evolving metadata and discovery needs; and

Interprets and applies national and international cataloging standards (e.g., RDA, MARC) alongside local procedures to ensure data integrity, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities

Creates, edits, and transforms descriptive metadata for digital collections, including rare and special collections, in multiple digital collections platforms and in multiple formats

Collaborates closely with departments across the libraries to determine and meet metadata and discovery needs specific to their materials and platform use

Proactively explores new tools and develops workflows to reflect evolving library processes; and

Interprets and applies national and international cultural heritage standards (e.g., Dublin Core, MODS) alongside local procedures to ensure data integrity, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities

Acquires and batch loads MARC catalog records and other data into the Library Services Platform (LSP), ensuring data integrity, consistency, and alignment with metadata standards

Identifies and harvests records from external sources, executing complex bulk edits and managing large-scale data integration workflows

Designs and maintains import profiles to support efficient, accurate data ingestion, and conducts quality assurance reviews to ensure records meet institutional and national cataloging standards; and

Serves as a key point of contact across multiple departments for data load operations, proactively communicating status updates, and coordinating with Access & Resource Management staff to support seamless discovery and access

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Metadata managementLibrary Services PlatformCultural heritage standardsSpreadsheet softwareAnalytical skillsService orientationTeamworkOrganizational skillsProblem-solving

Required

High school diploma or equivalent

Library work experience (including volunteering or internships)

Experience working with metadata for library, archival, or cultural heritage resources

Advanced working knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel or OpenRefine

Knowledge of library or cultural heritage metadata standards such as MARC, Dublin Core, MODs, or VRA Core

Demonstrated analytical, detail-oriented problem-solving, and creative thinking skills, working both independently and with others

Well-developed service orientation skills and understanding of functional work and its impact on other library units as well as the user community

Ability to work independently, but also as part of a team in a fast-paced, production- and service-oriented environment

Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise good judgement

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in related field

Experience creating original metadata for library, archival, or cultural heritage resources

Experience working with Ex Libris Alma LSP

Demonstrated skill in one or more library or cultural heritage metadata standards

Working knowledge of batch record editing (e.g., MarcEdit)

Proficiency in library services platforms (e.g., Alma), discovery and access systems, bibliographic utilities (e.g., OCLC WorldShare), and related systems and tools