Associate Director, Collections and Digital Services

Job Description

Job no: HRC0012490 Category: HEW 10+ Position: Full Time 5-year fixed term Location: Callaghan Campus Be challenged and imagine with us As the Associate Director, Collections and Digital Services , you will be responsible for driving the development of the Library’s scholarly information and cultural resources to support the evolving teaching, learning, and research needs of the University. This role provides strategic leadership in managing the Library’s technological infrastructure, research support environment, and special collections. It also drives decision-making on scholarly content investment, collection development, and emerging publishing and licensing models to ensure the Library remains a leader in the sector. You will have a direct and visible impact on students and research, with the opportunity to contribute to broader institutional strategies in a supportive, forward-thinking environment. Key responsibilities include: Driving transformation in technology, service delivery, and content access. Responding to evolving sector and institutional challenges, adapting processes and practices accordingly. Leading strategic engagement with sector and industry stakeholders to expand the University's presence and influence. Developing a high-performing team and workplace culture, coaching leaders and managing daily operational matters. Financial management, ensuring alignment with Library and University priorities. About the Library The University Library plays a vital role in supporting students, academics, and researchers, providing a first-class learning environment that fosters collaboration, research excellence, and academic success. With a strong workplace culture and a commitment to innovation, the Library is both a student-facing service and a strategic hub, adapting to the evolving needs of the University community. In recent years the University of Newcastle's Library has changed, as with other academic libraries, from developing and preserving print collections to supporting collaborative learning and research through the provision of digital collections, by offering contemporary and flexible learning facilities and social meeting spaces, and by building the user experience into the design and development of new service models. Our recognition and support for the changing needs of students, academics, and researchers is exemplified through investment in learning spaces and resources, a client-centred service model that engages staff and clients in ongoing review of service requirements, and introducing technology solutions that enhance the client experience. Our libraries are welcoming places where students come to meet, read, study and learn. We operate four libraries across five locations: Callaghan, Newcastle City, Central Coast, Gosford, and Sydney. How will you inspire us? Your expertise in scholarly publishing, cultural collections, and emerging sector trends, combined with technical knowledge in digital infrastructure, content management, and evolving publishing and licensing models, will ensure the Library remains at the forefront of scholarly resource development and access. Your strong strategic engagement skills will enable you to build partnerships and influence key stakeholders, strengthening the University’s presence within the sector. You will bring a strategic mindset, the ability to navigate complexity, and a leadership approach that fosters innovation and engagement. With extensive experience leading high-performing teams, you will cultivate a positive and productive workplace culture. Equally important is your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As the leading educator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Australia, and the first in NSW for social equity students, the Library is committed to furthering the University’s vision through inclusive and supportive environments for both students and staff. What we offer A highly attractive remuneration package is on offer and a range of flexible salary packaging options is also available. In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link . About our University The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Move to Newcastle A move to Newcastle offers you the choice to live in the city, by the sea or near bushland - the region offers a wonderful place for a family to grow and the opportunity to strike a work/life balance. Visit theCity of Newcastle site to imagine your future. Your next steps If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application. Your application must include: Your resume. A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity. A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed on the attached Position Description. Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document . This document should not exceed 4 pages. Due to the nature of this role, the University may require the preferred candidate to undertake further pre-employment checks. Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process. Contact Us For specific position enquiries, please contact Matthew Davis, University Librarian on 0405 980 353 or via email at Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: Please note, we do not accept email applications. Closing date: Monday 7 April 2025 at 11.59pm AEST We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do. The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr